The long-awaited return of a true legend: a phoenix rising from the ashes, whose iconic works have left an indelible mark on the French rap scene. Djimi Finger, a mythical producer in the French hip-hop world, established himself as a key figure in the late 1990s and early 2000s, amassing critical acclaim and prestigious awards, including gold, platinum, and even diamond records. Born in Kinshasa, he is best known for producing the bulk of the album Quelques gouttes suffisent by the group Arsenik, a true classic of French rap. His style, both luxurious and hard-hitting, draws its influences from American icons such as Wu-Tang Clan, Dr. Dre, Mobb Deep, and OutKast, while also incorporating his own musical curiosity.
Djimi Finger also left a lasting impact with remarkable productions for artists from the Secteur A collective, such as Stomy Bugsy, Neg’Marrons, Pit Baccardi, and many others. He also collaborated with major figures in French rap, including Diam’s, Rohff, Assia, and Sniper, not to mention American legends such as RZA and Xzibit.
After a prolonged musical hiatus, Djimi Finger regained his creative inspiration during the 2020 lockdown. “It was like a high-level athlete who had stopped training,” he recalls. “I needed to find my place again, to understand the new codes.” This return to the roots led to an ambitious project in 2023: the release of his own album after more than twenty years in the industry.
With Beat Hit, Djimi Finger reveals the full extent of his expertise, skillfully reimagined with a modern twist. His mastery of sampling, blending bold loops with hard-hitting rhythms, is elevated by trap and drill influences. The album brings together a wide array of artists from diverse backgrounds, from Benjamin Epps to Lino, along with Souffrance, Syme, Sam’s, and the explosive trio of Ice Crimi / Tkilla / Poison Mobutu. Each of these talents adds their own flavor to this sonic gem, where Djimi Finger excels in blending tradition with innovation.
For more melodic artists like Erki, Djimi Finger opts for grandiose arrangements, while the tracks by Ndo Layams and Samba elegantly turn towards afroswing and afrobeats. This aspect harkens back to the early fusion between hip-hop and African music, a path Djimi had already explored, notably with the collective Bisso Na Bisso.
“I’ve achieved the perfect synthesis of my experience and my new sensations”, he says about Beat Hit. “It’s been a long time since I’ve been this proud of a project.”
After the success of the first Beat Hit night, Djimi will host a second event, once again at La Place. This time, he will be joined by DJ Maître (Diams/Kery James), DJ Naughty J & DJ James (NTM), DJ Lord Issa (Neg’Marrons), with special performances by Sinik and Freeman (IAM). With Beat Hit, Djimi Finger reveals the full extent of his experience, refreshed with a modern twist.But the story doesn’t end here: Djimi Finger is already working on a second volume and is actively preparing to showcase his new project live. The first Clasico—a series of live performances—will take place at La Place in Paris on June 5th, alongside DJ Djel. This is a must-attend event for anyone eager to witness Djimi Finger extend his legacy, as well as that of French rap, to which he has contributed so much.
With Beat Hit, Djimi Finger reaffirms his place among the pillars of French rap, brilliantly blending nostalgia and modernity in a work that promises to leave a lasting impression.
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