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This hip-hop band often perform and record with rap royalty, Wu-Tang Clan, but these French rappers, who grew up on the housing estates of Marseille, have an impressive international following in their own right. Formed in 1989, the band gathered momentum during the Nineties with their gritty sound and unapologetic lyrics. Lead rapper, Akhenaton, was inspired to form a band while he spent time in New York City during the Eighties, and upon returning to France, he decided to produce music that was fresh, alternative and different to the existing rap scene, which was largely Paris-based.

Their music deals with social issues, racism and Islamophobia, namely problems faced within France today. Common themes of struggle, strife and determination have featured in their music throughout the decades, and their politically-charged music has been so successful that they have toured in the past with the likes of Madonna and James Brown.

More information here.