Médine has announced Stentor, act I, the first opus from his ninth album, representing a new stage in his 20-year career. The seven-track project encourages reflection on today’s society and the rap industry.
We were invited to the rapper’s release party to present his new album, and he gave us a show with guests such as Youssoupha and Alivor.
Why do we no longer need to introduce the rapper Médine?
Renowned for his committed rap, Médine uses storytelling to tackle complex issues. His series of tracks entitled Enfants du Destin (Children of Destiny) illustrates this approach, each telling the story of a character confronted with specific socio-political realities. His style is characterised by a husky voice and lyrics that blend historical references with personal reflections.
Médine is a controversial figure in French rap, often at the heart of public debate. His lyrics and stances have provoked reactions, particularly around his song Don’t Laïk in 2015 and his performance at the Bataclan in 2018, which was finally cancelled under political pressure. That’s why he’s happy with the recognition he’s received today, as he himself says on the album: ‘fame after 40 years, we call that revenge’.
An album in two acts
Stentor is conceived as a diptych, with this first act laying the foundations for a larger work. Stentor gets off to a strong start. It begins by settling scores with the press and talks about French culture and identity. It refers to the Greek mythological character known for his powerful voice, symbolising Médine’s desire to make his voice heard in a resounding way in the French rap landscape. A nod is also made to his friend Kery James and his group Ideal J, with a reference to the iconic track Hardcore.
Media training is the Kodd team’s favourite track. The track Thalys featuring Isha, because we love to see the old hands of the industry collaborating with the new generation.
Jemila is the most touching track on the album, named after his mother. It’s also the only sung track on the album, accompanied by backing singers, which adds a touch of sweetness and emotion to the album. The track Q.I. Rap is sound advice for the new generation of rappers. It also criticises the system and the people in the music industry.
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While some call him a conscious rap artist, we call him an anti-establishment legend the French music scene can’t do without! With a career spanning more than two decades, Médine has established himself as a major voice in French rap, combining political commitment with artistic research. His work continues to influence many artists and spark debate on the role of rap in contemporary society.
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