MC Solaar is the master. Nobody in any language has come close to his intelligence, creativity, and word play (a la Duchamp). Because it is in an art museum (and more recent than Nouveau Western): Solaar Pleure: <object width="425" height="350"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/ofOAdYPpz5Y"></param><param name="wmode" value="transparent"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/ofOAdYPpz5Y" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" wmode="transparent" width="425" height="350"></embed></object> EDIT - to see how much better he is (even if you don't understand the lyrics) than Guru from Gang Starr: Le Bien, Le Mal: <object width="425" height="350"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/zTp4C1QU94E"></param><param name="wmode" value="transparent"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/zTp4C1QU94E" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" wmode="transparent" width="425" height="350"></embed></object>
Mmmmh, no way. Guru is a legend. He was part of one of the best rap groups of all time, and did 3 very good solo albums, the 3 Jazzmatazz. On the other hand, Solaar made 2 very good first albums, but then 4 very disappointing ones, where both beats and lyrics were really down.
I understand your position but my point was more about them in their primes. And really I was only talking about that one song. Guru is a legend and Gang Starr was a big deal but I always found his flow forced and his timing poor. Additionally, his lyrics were never above about 3rd grade level. Solaar, as I said before, was complex. He also is a legend and essentially birthed a new movement. His sampling of Jazz corresponded (independently) to Gang Starr's (who were influenced by their experience working with Spike Lee on Mo' Better Blues)...which ushered in my favorite era of Hip-Hop. Solaar's flow was smooth and rhythmic and led to a lot of US guys bringing him over, giving him props, etc. He gave non-american hip-hop legitimacy. I also disagree on your discography. Paradisiaque was amazing lyrically and very successful. MC Solaar was a bit of a mishmash but Cinquieme As was very well received and also quite popular (I like it even though it went a little too clubby for me). Mach 6...not so great. Regardless, that is four out of six albums released over twelve years that were well received and popular and, mostly, "good".
Obviously you are not french. If you were french you would have said : Ohhhh lala, I aim zexy and I aim french. Everybody love my axxent. I am zee best.
I like this Tandem... <object width="425" height="350"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/Hi3wMvPA5gA"></param><param name="wmode" value="transparent"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/Hi3wMvPA5gA" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" wmode="transparent" width="425" height="350"></embed></object> Probably not work safe if you are French.
Ghetto fabulous gang - tous les quartier http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BX6AUO7LUTk Booba - garde la peche http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sxdBdwlk9jE Mac Tyer (Tandem) & Kery James - Patrimoine du Ghetto http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t_U7oD-2XCc