A leading figure of French Hip Hop and founder of record label Hors Cadre, Roce’s career spans almost 20 years. He is an urban poet with a strong politically engaged message. He selected for us 5 of his favorite 90s tracks including some good old French Hip Hop that just sounds as fresh as if it had just come out.

 
 
 

Karlito
T’es pas assisté (1999)

“This comes from an LP on DJ Mehdi’s (RIP) Espionnage record label that was limited to 1000 units. The first 3 artists to have been signed on Espionnages were Karlito, Rohff and myself. We all had LP releases with this same type of label graphics designed by Alex Wise. Karlito is a master at bringing a very personal atmosphere to his music with a flow of special rhymes that always brings a long reflection.”
 
 

OC
Time’s Up (1994)

“Back then the Wu Tang was already around but I did not care so much. I was always on the outlook for other stuff though and was blown away by this particular track produced by DJ Premier. OC drops a very hypnotic flow that reminds me of Big L or Rakim at the same time. OC is a member of DITC which are one the crews I follow the most.”
 
 

Grand Puba
360 (1992)

“Grand Puba has a lot of style… What more can I say?”
 
 

School Of Hard Knocks
Hand of a stranger (1992)

“At that time I did not get a word in english but I was able to guess, through the energy and aesthetics of that type of group, that the lyrics were deep and coherent and talk about serious stuff. The instrumental is equally deep and inspiring too. I listen to this record like an old fella listening to a blues record.”
 
 

Timide et sans Complexe
Place aux nouveaux héros (1993)

“This still is a very contemporary topic unfortunately. Timide et sans Complexe are led by Doudou Masta. The band is from Vitry-sur-Seine just outside Paris, I’ve always followed them closely. This is the kind of rap that inspired me.“