French Soul Cuisine – Most Famous 2020s French R&B Songs from the Last 60 Days, updated on Jan 8,2025
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Last updated on Jan 8,2025, updated twice a month. |
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 1 . 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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 2 . 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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 3 . 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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 4 . 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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 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 & 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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 9 . Mhd - KataMHD's Afropop anthem "Kata" melds Parisian swagger with karate-inspired symbolism. Produced by AZNVR, the track juxtaposes themes of perseverance and luxury, with lyrical nods to Tupac and Prada, encapsulating MHD's journey through resilience and success. Genres : Hip Hop, World/Traditional, Latin,french hip hop, pop urbaine, r&b francais The music video is directed by Camille Vialet Featured on the album Kata
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 10 . Mhd - FullFull, released by MHD in August 2024, celebrates resilience and success after a period of adversity. Fusing afro-trap with personal reflections, the song touches on themes of triumph, luxury, and personal growth. MHD uses vivid imagery to express his journey, overcoming struggles to enjoy newfound success and wealth. Genres : Hip Hop, World/Traditional, Latin,french hip hop, pop urbaine, r&b francais The music video is directed by Ibra.doum
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 11 . 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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 12 . 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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 13 . 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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 14 . Houari - Vanillée (w/ Jul)Houari's “Vanillée,” featuring Jul, is a romantic ode set against the backdrop of urban life. Released in June 2024, the song merges rap with elements of romance, referencing both everyday struggles and dreams of financial success. The use of "vanillée" symbolizes the sweetness of a relationship intertwined with the hustle for material gain, a contrast that plays out over a relaxed, trap-infused beat. Genres : Hip Hop, World/Traditional, Pop,pop urbaine, french hip hop, rap marseille The music video is directed by William Thomas Featured on the album C'est de la Cali
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 15 . 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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 16 . 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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 17 . Lyna Mahyem - Jamais Yensak (w/ Numidia Lezoul)Lyna Mahyem's February 2024 collaboration with Numidia Lezoul, "Jamais Yensak," is a heartfelt track about love, distance, and the longing for connection. Fusing R&B with Maghrebi influences, the song highlights both artists' cultural backgrounds while exploring themes of separation and devotion. The dual-language lyrics, switching between French and Arabic, reflect the emotional depth and cultural fusion at the heart of the track. The music video is directed by Noam Ait Aïssa. The music video is directed by Noam Ait Aïssa
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 18 . Aya Nakamura - Hypé (w/ Ayra Starr)Aya Nakamura and Ayra Starr join forces on "Hypé," a 2024 Afro-pop and urban fusion that blends the unique styles of both artists. Set against a backdrop of bold rhythms and upbeat production by Chef Bandit, the track features lyrics in both French and English, discussing themes of breakups, empowerment, and moving forward. With its infectious energy, "Hypé" is a cross-cultural anthem celebrating independence and self-worth. The music video is directed by Yanis Challab!. The music video is directed by Yanis Challab!
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 19 . 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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 20 . Booba - Mona LisaIn "Mona Lisa," Booba, alongside JSX, navigates the dangerous world of loyalty and betrayal. The track, part of Booba's Ultra album released in 2021, blends imagery of art and criminality, with references to icons like Pablo Escobar. Set against heavy, dark production by Steeve Mad and AniBeatz, the song reflects on the intertwining of luxury, power, and violence, where material success is tainted by danger and mistrust. Booba's gritty lyrics paint a picture of a man on guard, constantly at war with his surroundings. The music video is directed by Lionel Hirlé.The music video is directed by Lionel Hirlé. The music video is directed by Lionel Hirlé
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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. |
ADJACENT GENRES
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82.08% / 3.75%
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