• • Think of ‘French R&B’ as a melting pot where rap, pop, luxury, street life, electro sounds, trust, ambition, relationships, trap, hip-hop, and afrobeat all blend together. Welcome to the French Soul Cuisine.

• • On RadioVideo.Music, 296 songs are tagged “french hip hop” or “r&b francais.” Among them, 10 have over one hundred million views on YouTube, and 22 have over fifty millions.

• • Overall, the 5 most popular tracks are PNL‘s “Au DD,” Tayc & Shreya Ghoshal‘s “Yimmy Yimmy,” Soolking‘s “Ça fait des années,” Naza‘s “Joli Bébé,” Gims & Dhurata Dora’s “Only You.”

• • We have listed the 20 ‘French R&B’ songs with the highest engagements over the last 30 days.

• You will find them below in descending order of engagements.

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

>> Lyrics >> More by the same : Website

26.87% / 0.37%

2 . Gims - Sois Pas Timide

A 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

>> Lyrics >> More by the same : Website

22.01% / 0.14%

3 . Gims, Dystinct - Spider

Released 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.

Genres : Hip Hop, Pop, Latin,french hip hop, french pop, r&b francais, rap conscient, belgian hip hop, moroccan pop, rap belge

The music video is directed by Noam Ait Aissa

>> Lyrics >> More by the same : Website

10.73% / 0.15%

4 . Tayc, Shreya Ghoshal - Yimmy Yimmy

Released 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.

Genres : Pop, World/Traditional, Latin,pop urbaine, r&b francais, filmi, modern bollywood, desi pop, punjabi pop,

The music video is directed by Piyush & Shazia

>> Lyrics >> More by the same : Website

3.53% / 0.47%

5 . Guy2Bezbar - Monaco

Guy2Bezbar'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

>> Lyrics >> More by the same : Website

12.40% / 0.28%

6 . Dadju, Tayc - I Love You

Dadju 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.

Genres : Hip Hop, World/Traditional, Latin,french hip hop, pop urbaine, r&b francais

The music video is directed by Alexinho Mougeolle

Featured on the album HERITAGE

>> Lyrics >> More by the same : Website

7.45% / 0.30%

7 . 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.

Genres : Hip Hop, World/Traditional,french hip hop, pop urbaine, rap francais

>> Lyrics >> More by the same : Website

10.92% / 0.29%

8 . Lacrim - No Lo Se

Lacrim'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

>> Lyrics >> More by the same : Website

13.63% / 0.93%

9 . Soolking - Carré OK (w/ Gims)

"Carré OK" merges Soolking's Algerian heritage with Gims' Congolese roots, weaving French and Arabic lyrics over an infectious beat.

The track plays on contrasts, pairing streetwise swagger with smooth melodic hooks.

The title, a reference to luxury and success, underscores themes of perseverance and resilience.

Soolking's fluid delivery meets Gims' commanding presence, crafting a blend of rap and North African influences that sits comfortably in contemporary urban soundscapes.

Genres : Hip Hop, World/Traditional, Latin,french hip hop, pop urbaine, r&b francais, rap algerien, rap conscient

The music video is directed by Soolking & Nadym Ben Bakar

>> Lyrics >> More by the same : Website

39.20% / -1.57%

10 . 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

>> Lyrics >> More by the same : Website

26.97% / 0.25%

11 . 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

>> Lyrics >> More by the same : Website

38.08% / -0.94%

12 . Ninho, Niska - Coco

Coco 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.

>> Lyrics >> More by the same : Website

10.18% / 0.13%

13 . Naza - Joli Bébé (w/ )

Joli 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.

Genres : Hip Hop, World/Traditional, Latin,french hip hop, pop urbaine, r&b francais, rap francais

The music video is directed by CliquaGuillaume DoubetGuillaume Doubet

>> Lyrics >> More by the same : Website

2.46% / 0.32%

14 . Sch - Stigmates

SCH 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

>> Lyrics >> More by the same : Website

23.60% / 0.87%

15 . 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.

Genres : Hip Hop, Pop, Latin,french hip hop, french pop, r&b francais, rap conscient, albanian hip hop, albanian pop, frauenrap

The music video is directed by Stefan Redjimi Stefan Redjimi

>> Lyrics >> More by the same : Website

2.46% / 0.16%

16 . 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

>> Lyrics >> More by the same : Website

3.63% / 0.30%

17 . Maes - Interpol

Released in July 2024, Maes's “Interpol” dives into the dark realities of international crime and its consequences. The track, driven by a trap beat, touches on themes like drug trafficking, law enforcement, and the risks associated with illegal activities. Produced by Nino Vella and HRNN, the song's lyrics explore the pressures of ambition and the high stakes involved, all while maintaining Maes' signature sharp lyricism and gritty storytelling.

Genres : Hip Hop, World/Traditional,french hip hop, pop urbaine, rap francais

The music video is directed by Hustler Game premium

Featured on the album La Vie Continue

>> Lyrics >> More by the same : Website

17.92% / 0.84%

18 . Gazo, Tiakola - Cartier

Cartier 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.

Genres : World/Traditional, Hip Hop,drill francais, french hip hop, pop urbaine, r&b francais, rap francais

The music video is directed by Neetch

Featured on the album LA MELO EST GANGX

>> Lyrics >> More by the same : Website

8.52% / 0.85%

19 . 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

>> Lyrics >> More by the same : Website

26.37% / -0.97%

20 . Booba - Mona Lisa (w/ )

In "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.

Genres : Hip Hop, World/Traditional,french hip hop, old school rap francais, pop urbaine, rap conscient, cloud rap francais

The music video is directed by Lionel Hirlé

>> Lyrics >> More by the same : Website

2.18% / 0.03%

ABOUT FRENCH R&B

What 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 Origins

Notable 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 Labels

Producers 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

• pop urbaine
• rap francais
• rock
• rap conscient
• french pop
• rap marseille
• cloud rap francais