Identity and ‘Street Cred’ in the Works of French Rappers Oxmo Puccino and Booba

Abstract

This article traces the evolution of Booba and Oxmo Puccino from their common beginnings in the 1990s to the development of distinct contemporary styles that underscore the wide spectrum of today’s French rap. The ability of these modern poets and entertainers to connect with or repulse different demographics mirrors contemporary generational, social, and racial cleavages in French society. However, a comparative analysis of their lyrics shows that while these founders of French hip-hop represent opposite poles in urban music, they are linked by a sense of professional independence that informs their creative production and defies facile stereotyping.