Dub Inc

Dub Inc formed in Saint-Étienne, France in the mid-1990s, started by childhood friends Hakim and Bouchkour "Bouk" Slimani. They built their sound around reggae and dancehall, with influences from artists like Bob Marley and Manu Chao. Their debut album "Diversité" came out in 2001, followed by records like "Les Terreurs de Babylone" and "Afrikya."

Their song "Faut Qu'on s'évade" became something of an anthem, connecting with listeners who responded to its themes of freedom and escape. Another track, "Fêlés," shows their knack for blending danceable rhythms with lyrics that touch on social issues. The band's lineup has included Hakim on vocals and guitar, Bouk on bass, Aurélien "Aurelsan" Zohou on drums, Frédéric "K2R Riddim" Peyron on keyboards, and Job Lemitre on trombone.

Dub Inc's music often addresses topics like inequality and immigration, which has occasionally drawn criticism. They've kept at it though, putting out albums like "Hors Contrôle" and more recently "So What." Their recordings have found listeners in France and beyond, in places like Africa and Latin America, where the reggae and dancehall elements translate easily.