Paris-bred rapper Oxmo Puccino first emerged in the mid-90’s as a promising New School MC. His deft lyricism, wordplay, and poetic depictions of life in the Paris ghettos cemented his reputation as a Rap legend.
As part of the Time Bomb crew, along with the French rappers Pit Baccardi, Booba (of the duo Lunatic), X-Men, HiFi and the Jedi, he became a leading figure of the Golden Era of French Hip Hop.
Oxmo, born Abdoulaye Diarra, is particularly known for his clever metaphors, a skill he shares with rappers like Notorious B.I.G. (whose influence is undeniable in his early work), Common, and Jay-Z.
Oxmo Puccino won over a broad base of fans with his emotional, anthemic songs like “Mama Lova,” “L’enfant Seul” (only child), and “Avoir des potes” (To have buddies/friends). Throughout his career, he’s continued to grow more diverse in his subject matter and musical collaborations.
His 1998 debut album, Opéra Puccino, featured the singles “Mensongeur,” and “Amour & jalousie.” The song that put him on the map was “Mama Lova,” a rap tribute to mothers (a.k.a. the French “Dear Mama”). “L’Enfant Seul” was one of the other powerful singles on that album. Check out the video:
Oxmo Puccino used the moniker “Black Jacques Brel” on his rap remake of Brel’s classic “Ces gens là” in 2000. The nickname is fitting, as he is known for his melodies (he composes some of his music) and poetic lyrics reminiscent of French Chanson.
After touring to support his third album, Cactus de Sibérie, the rapper was looking to do something fresh and new. He was contacted by the Jazz label Blue Note to collaborate on a concept album of stories set to Jazz music. The result was 2006’s Lipopette Bar, which landed in the Top 25.
In 2010 he won a Victoire de la Musique (French Grammy) for his 5th album, L’arme de Paix (Weapon of Peace). From that award-winning, Top 10 album, here’s a cut I love with a killer beat: “365 Jours.”
Get L’arme de Paix by Oxmo Puccino >> 
Here’s a bonus track from L’arme de paix called “Quitte moi.” The video features the celebrated French actress Ludivine Sagnier and actor Vincent Cassel.
In 2012, the rapper released his 6th studio album, Roi sans carrosse. Here’s the single, “Artiste.”
Get Roi sans Carrosse by Oxmo Puccino >>
What do you think of this French rapper? Leave a comment below.
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