French Haitian rap artist Kery James recently released his eighth studio album called R.A.P. (“Résistance, Amour et Poésie”: “Resistance, Love and Poetry” in English). The veteran of 47 years old invited Congolese singer Fally Ipupa on the track “1 pour le savoir” (“1 for the knowledge”). An ode for the African youth.
Kery James is still dedicated to rap music. As he once said in his seventh studio album “J’rap encore” (2018), the singer (but also actor) is not done with rap, no matter the years going by. The brand-new album deals with the main topics Kery James regularly handled in his career: the necessity to put knowledge and progress before anything, society issues, today’s world and a positive message for the youth in those times of difficulties.
Getting older gives you much more experience and does not prevent you from doing some mindful rap music. As a matter of fact, the trend rap music is taking is also part of the subjects handled by Kery James in R.A.P. since the singer notices the path that has been taken by rap artists over the last couple of years and the lack of content in the current texts. Paternity is also highlighted in the last track “Ne grandissez pas trop vite” (“Do not grow up to quickly”), a way to pay homage to his children and the influence they can have on his life and career.
The track “1 pour le savoir” featuring Fally Ipupa is particularly meaningful for the African youth and all those youngsters who try to make it out of their home country. Conveying hope and determination, Kery James claims that “knowledge is a weapon”. The young generation coming from Africa is not only devoted to sports and artistic jobs. Anything is possible as long as you dare and try. As Fally Ipupa says in the chorus, “your future belongs to you”.
R.A.P is an album that invites you to think and take a step back in this busy and cynical world. Keep your head up and move on !
Guillaume Mahot