In the 94, a real passing of the torch is underway. ZZ, a young rapper with a firmly street-rooted identity, is gradually establishing himself as one of the new faces of the local drill and trap scene. Alongside him, Lacrim represents rare longevity and experience built over the years. With several decades in the game, he confirms a strong comeback with “R.I.P.R.O”, driven by nearly 15,000 units sold in its first week, as he enters his fifteenth year since signing to a major label. Now based abroad, Lacrim remains one of the most respected and credible figures in street rap.
The meeting between the two artists takes shape under the sun with “Santa Barbara”, a collaboration that perfectly reflects the ongoing evolution of rap. Stylistic boundaries are gradually fading, giving way to more hybrid approaches, where even gangsta rap figures embrace more open sounds, sometimes leaning toward urban pop.
Lacrim fits naturally into this evolution. While he remains deeply rooted in a street aesthetic, he has never hesitated to inject emotion into his music. This sensitivity was already evident in his first major-label project “Corleone”, particularly on tracks like “Le Loup de la street”.
ZZ and Lacrim turn up to “Santa Barbara”!
The track’s production is handled by Mohand, an influential manager and producer who closely works with Bouss, for whom he has crafted tracks such as “Nowhere 2”, “La course”, and “Real Life” by Bazbaz, as well as collaborations alongside Kalash Criminel. Here, he delivers a rhythm inspired by baile funk, infused with a bright, sun-soaked energy. A deliberate contrast for two rappers usually rooted in darker sonic territories.
Behind his sharp punchlines, ZZ reveals a more introspective side:
“Sans cette vie elle se sent pas libre, veut que compter, veut pas lire
Elle fait tout pour pas s’éloigner de moi, mais j’me sens pas libre”
Lacrim, for his part, leans into a more nuanced and almost poetic delivery:
“J’suis fumant, dans ta vie je n’peux qu’tout empirer, un long silence est parfois plus profond qu’un cri”
The music video, shot under bright sunlight in a nearly dreamlike atmosphere, is directed by Transac. Closely linked to the Hustler Games collective according to rumors, the director continues to build an impressive portfolio, including “Les clés en main” for Fresh La Douille and Saïf, “Jack Honey” for Niaks, and “Quartier chaud” for Hornet La Frappe.
