Kaaris

Kaaris, born Okou Gnakouri, came up in the suburbs of Sevran, France. His early work showed the influence of rappers like 2Pac and Booba, but he developed his own raw delivery. In 2013, his debut mixtape 'Zoo' got attention for its aggressive sound and introspective lyrics, marking him as a new voice in French hip-hop.

The following year, his second mixtape 'Or Noir, Part II' included the track 'Jeune Brolic Chargé,' which became something of an anthem. That song's energetic beat and his charismatic performance connected with listeners and broadened his reach. He's put out several albums since, like 'Le Blé' in 2017 and 'Goulag' in 2020, and has worked with other French rappers including Booba and MHD.

His music often carries a confrontational edge, heard in tracks like 'Je Bibi' and 'Bizon.' That same quality has sometimes spilled over into public disputes with other artists. In 2018, an altercation with Booba at an airport led to legal trouble and a prison sentence. He works closely with a crew called Therapy, which includes his producers and collaborators.