French Soul Cuisine – Most Famous 2020s French R&B Songs from the Last 30 Days, updated on Feb 8,2025
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![]() 1 . Joé Dwèt Filé - 4 Kampé"4 Kampé," released on October 24, 2024, propels Joé Dwèt Filé into the upper echelons of the charts, climbing to an impressive number 6 on the French Singles Chart (SNEP) and securing the 49th spot in Belgium (Wallonia). Joé Dwèt Filé, a Haitian artist with roots in church music, transitioned seamlessly into Afro-Caribbean genres like zouk and konpa. Prior to this release, his collaboration with Ronisia on "Jolie madame" marked a career high as his most chart-successful track in France. Joé's foray into music began with his group Lespada, which garnered a following on YouTube, catapulting him toward a solo career with the mixtape #ESOLF in June 2018 and his debut album À deux in 2019. His resume includes headlining performances at L'Olympia Paris, the Accor Arena, and the prestigious Lollapalooza Paris festival. "4 Kampé" underscores his contribution to modern Afro-Caribbean music through its sophisticated fusion of R&B and traditional influences, delivered without featuring any additional artists. Bolstered by multiple nominations and awards, Joé Dwèt Filé continues to craft music resonating across diverse audiences and platforms. Genres : ,r&b francais The music video is directed by Joé Dwèt Filé, Francis KLM, Emk LAB
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![]() 2 . Gims - Sois Pas TimideA hybrid of rap and melodic vocals, Gims' "Sois Pas Timide" inspires confidence and visibility. Drawing on metaphors of light and inner glow, it tackles self-belief and societal influences, blending dynamic beats with introspective lyrical undertones. Genres : Hip Hop, World/Traditional, Latin,french hip hop, pop urbaine, r&b francais, rap conscient The music video is directed by Nono Featured on the album Les Vestiges du Fléau
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![]() 3 . Gims & Dystinct - SpiderReleased in May 2024, "Spider" by GIMS and Dystinct blends rap and pop, detailing a luxurious lifestyle with references to brands like Cartier and cars like the Ferrari Spider. The track explores themes of romance and ambition, weaving in cultural icons like Usain Bolt and manga figures from One Piece. Its blend of French and Arabic adds a multicultural richness, while celebrating material success and relationships.
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![]() 4 . Tayc & Shreya Ghoshal - Yimmy YimmyReleased in March 2024, Tayc's "Yimmy Yimmy," featuring Shreya Ghoshal, delves into themes of heartbreak, resilience, and reclaiming one's power after a painful relationship. With a vibrant blend of Afro-soul and Indo-pop, the song is enriched by Tayc's soulful delivery and Ghoshal's emotional vocal contrasts. The music video, starring Bollywood actress Jacqueline Fernandez, enhances the cross-cultural fusion, while lyrics emphasize empowerment and moving beyond past hurt. The music video is directed by Piyush & Shazia. The music video is directed by Piyush & Shazia
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![]() 5 . Dadju & Tayc - I Love YouDadju and Tayc's December 2023 single, "I Love You," explores the depth of unconditional love and devotion. It features repeated declarations of love, focusing on the desire to overcome challenges together. The smooth vocals and emotional depth are mirrored by a melodic and rhythmic structure, conveying the intensity of their relationship. The music video is directed by Alexinho Mougeolle. The music video is directed by Alexinho Mougeolle Featured on the album HERITAGE
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![]() 6 . Keblack - Boucan (w/ Franglish)Boucan by KeBlack and Franglish, released in May 2024, is a dynamic afro-trap anthem celebrating self-confidence, resilience, and success. The collaboration weaves between themes of trust, ambition, and romance, underscored by upbeat rhythms and energetic vocals, offering a confident reflection on life's challenges and victories. The music video is directed by Artduclip. The music video is directed by Artduclip
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![]() 7 . Ninho & Niska - CocoCoco by Ninho and Niska, from July 2024, revolves around themes of wealth, street life, and complex relationships, contrasting luxury with darker urban realities. Named after Coco Chanel, the track merges fast-paced verses with reflective lyrics, providing a rhythmically engaging yet introspective look at success and its challenges in the rap world. Genres : Hip Hop, World/Traditional, Latin,french hip hop, pop urbaine, r&b francais The music video is directed by THE ONLY G.
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![]() 8 . Gazo - Nanani Nanana"Nanani Nanana" delivers Gazo's signature drill energy, layering menacing beats with a flow that moves between laid-back nonchalance and sharp precision. Produced by Flem and Boya Blunt, the track builds on the rapper's relentless approach to the genre. Born Ibrahima Diakité in Châteauroux, Gazo grew up in Saint-Denis and first rapped as Bramsou before shaping his sound through the "Drill FR" series. His collaborations include Freeze Corleone and Hamza. Genres : Hip Hop, World/Traditional, Latin,drill francais, french hip hop, pop urbaine, r&b francais, rap francais The music video is directed by saadmoon__ & lorenzoo.980
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![]() 9 . Guy2Bezbar - MonacoGuy2Bezbar's 2024 track “Monaco” immerses listeners in a world of luxury and excess. The song's lyrics reference brands like Chanel and Saint Laurent, painting vivid scenes of high-end parties in VIP clubs, luxury yachts, and opulent lifestyles. The chorus highlights the carefree nature of this world, where wealth is as abundant as the champagne being poured. The music video complements the theme, with visuals shot in Monaco, featuring lavish yachts and exclusive parties that underline the glamorous lifestyle of the artist. Genres : Hip Hop, World/Traditional,french hip hop, pop urbaine, rap francais The music video is directed by Baeby Mama
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![]() 10 . Jul - Un Jour, Je L'Aurai"Un Jour, Je L'Aurai" lands as Jul's latest single, dropping on November 28, 2024, ahead of his album "Inarrêtable," set for release in early December. Jul slips into his signature blend of rap and melody, weaving his distinct vocals through a track that plays to his strengths. Born Julien Mari in Marseille, the rapper has been releasing music at an intense pace since 2007, shaping his career with a prolific output and launching his own label, D'or et de platine, in 2015. Genres : Hip Hop, World/Traditional, Pop,french hip hop, pop urbaine, rap marseille The music video is directed by Zaka Lavista Featured on the album Inarrêtable
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![]() 11 . Gazo & Tiakola - CartierCartier by Gazo and Tiakola, released in December 2023, highlights wealth and loyalty, referencing Cartier jewelry and luxurious living. The track's rapid pace and trap production create an energetic soundscape, while the lyrics celebrate personal success and perseverance, adding a celebratory and triumphant tone to their journey. The music video is directed by Neetch. The music video is directed by Neetch Featured on the album LA MELO EST GANGX
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![]() 12 . Gims & Lossa - LocoGIMS and Lossa's January 2024 single "Loco" blends afropop with urban rhythms, exploring intense personal relationships and themes of betrayal, loyalty, and ambition. With its fast-paced beat, the track captures the chaotic nature of life's complexities, balancing material wealth with emotional conflict.
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![]() 13 . Sch - StigmatesSCH presents "Stigmates," the debut single from his anticipated project *JVLIVS III,* crafted alongside producer Seezy. The track, true to SCH's renowned style, weaves complex flows with incisive lyrics, delivering layers of introspection and raw emotion. The title, translating to "stigmata," channels imagery of both physical and emotional scars, tethered to themes of trauma and remembrance. Accompanying the release is a self-conceptualized music video, a visual extension of the *JVLIVS* universe, marked by dark, cinematic tones. This meticulously crafted short film amplifies the track's intensity with its moody, deliberate aesthetic. SCH's lyrical introspection, exploring fractured relationships and lingering memories, merges seamlessly with his immersive storytelling vision. Genres : Hip Hop, World/Traditional,french hip hop, pop urbaine, rap marseille The music video is directed by Kevin Hilem & Wiktor Piper
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![]() 14 . KeBlack - Boulot (w/ SDM)"Boulot" sees KeBlack and SDM joining forces on a track released through Motema Records as part of KeBlack's album "Focus." Shabz and Wladimir Pariente handle production and composition, while the two artists shape the lyrics. KeBlack, rooted in the French Afrobeat scene, continues his collaborations with local acts, adding this release to a catalog that includes work with Naza, DJ Kayz, and Dadju. The track gains headway on streaming platforms, reflecting its reach. Genres : Hip Hop, World/Traditional, Latin,french hip hop, pop urbaine, r&b francais The music video is directed by Artduclip Featured on the album FOCUS
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![]() 15 . Lacrim - No Lo SeLacrim's 2024 track “No Lo Sé” embraces the uncertainty and internal conflict of personal relationships. Its lyrics delve into the complications of love, wealth, and life on the streets, while maintaining a mix of trap and Latin influences. The song's somber tone reflects the challenges faced when juggling personal desires and external pressures, with themes of material success and emotional vulnerability interwoven throughout the track. Genres : Hip Hop, World/Traditional,arabic hip hop, french hip hop, pop urbaine The music video is directed by Peter Marvu Featured on the album Veni Vidi Vici
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![]() 16 . Benab - Mon Poto"Mon Poto" by Benab, released in 2021, delves into themes of betrayal and disillusionment in friendships. Benab reflects on the pain caused by a close friend's betrayal, questioning the true value of loyalty. The lyrics, set against a backdrop of urban life, explore how trust can erode amidst struggles and success. The repetitive chorus underscores the emotional weight of the experience, resonating with those familiar with the hardships of relationships built on fragile foundations.
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![]() 17 . Gims - Only You (w/ Dhurata Dora)Released in May 2021, "Only You" by GIMS and Dhurata Dora merges French and Albanian musical influences to tell a story of love, regret, and reconciliation. The song's mix of pop and R&B with Balkan elements creates a cross-cultural narrative of emotional depth, highlighting the tension and devotion in a complex relationship. The music video is directed by Stefan Redjimi Stefan Redjimi.The music video is directed by Stefan Redjimi Stefan Redjimi. The music video is directed by Stefan Redjimi Stefan Redjimi
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![]() 18 . Naza - Joli BébéJoli Bébé by Naza and Niska, released in September 2020, mixes afrobeat and French rap to explore love and the dangers of street life. The song contrasts an affectionate relationship with external pressures, using upbeat rhythms and danceable grooves to balance its heavier themes of protection and escape from a tumultuous lifestyle. The music video is directed by CliquaGuillaume DoubetGuillaume Doubet. The music video is directed by CliquaGuillaume DoubetGuillaume Doubet
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![]() 19 . Gazo - Fiesta (w/ Morad)"Fiesta" brings together French rapper Gazo and Spanish artist Morad in a track that merges drill with urban influences from both countries. Released on November 29, 2024, the song blends Gazo's rapid-fire flow with Morad's melodic delivery over a beat produced by Flem. The lyrics shift between French and Spanish, reflecting the hybrid nature of the collaboration. The music video, shot against urban backdrops in Paris and Barcelona, features the duo navigating gritty cityscapes. Gazo, born Ibrahima Diakité in Châteauroux, has carved a space in French drill since his 2021 mixtape "Drill FR." His partnership with Morad on "Fiesta" extends his reach beyond France, marking his first Spanish collaboration. Genres : Latin, Hip Hop, World/Traditional,drill francais, french hip hop, pop urbaine, r&b francais, rap francais, drill espanol, urbano espanol The music video is directed by saadmoon__ & lorenzoo.980 Featured on the album APOCALYPSE
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![]() 20 . Joé Dwèt Filé - Jolie Madame (w/ Ronisia)Joé Dwèt Filé's collaboration with Ronisia in "Jolie Madame" blends Afro-Caribbean rhythms with contemporary R&B, creating a sound that feels equally intimate and radio-ready. The track's lyrics revolve around love and heartbreak, capturing vulnerability without veering into melodrama. The production leans minimal but polished, letting the soulful vocals take center stage. Ronisia's verses add a conversational warmth, complementing Joé Dwèt Filé's emotive delivery. Though it's a non-album release, the song lands on the charts with ease, peaking at number 10 in France. It achieves this while sidestepping flashy production trends, opting instead for understated elegance. This balance between tradition and modernity mirrors the song's thematic exploration of emotional complexities in relationships. The accompanying music video encapsulates the song's duality, blending urban aesthetics with softer visual storytelling. Both artists bring their own charisma, creating a dynamic yet cohesive collaboration. Despite modest origins as an independent release, it resonates widely, proving its appeal through organic growth on streaming platforms and social media. Genres : Latin,r&b francais The music video is directed by Kaleel
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ABOUT FRENCH R&BWhat is French R&B?French R&B is a contemporary musical genre that blends traditional rhythm and blues with influences from France’s urban music scene. In the 2010s, a new wave of artists modernized the genre by incorporating elements of trap, afrobeat, and electronic sounds. French R&B features melancholic melodies, lyrics about street violence, luxury, relationships, and daily life, with production combining electronic, hip-hop, and afrobeat influences. Key Artists and OriginsNotable French R&B artists include Aya Nakamura, Dadju, Tayc, and MHD. While many of these artists were born or raised in France, their African origins (Mali, Congo, Cameroon) play a significant role in their musical identity, often influencing the rhythms and themes in their songs. Artists with Caribbean roots, such as Admiral T and Kalash, also bring dancehall and zouk elements to the genre, enriching its diversity. Influential Producers and LabelsProducers like Dany Synthé, Nyadjiko, and Stormy have shaped the sound of French R&B with their fusion of international trends and French identity. Labels such as Rec. 118, Capitol Music France, and Wati B have been instrumental in promoting French R&B globally, signing major artists and producing hits that blend urban, afrobeat, and R&B influences. |
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