La Rumeur Returns After 11 Years with “Comment rester propre ?”—A Masterclass in French Conscious Rap

The Uncompromising Veterans Are Back

More than a decade after their last studio album, Tout brûle déjà (2012), the legendary French Hip-Hop collective La Rumeur—featuring rappers Ekoué, Hamé, Le Bavar, backed by Soul G and F.A.S.—made a powerful and highly anticipated return on June 16, 2023, with their fifth album, Comment rester propre ?

Known for their uncompromising social commentary, political clarity, and literary approach to rap, La Rumeur has never been one to follow trends. This album confirms that their signature style, often described as “conscious rap,” remains fiercely intact and profoundly relevant in today’s complex social landscape.

An Unflinching Mirror to Society

The central question posed by the album’s title—Comment rester propre ?—serves as a poetic thesis on navigating a world rife with moral compromise, media saturation, and social decay. Across the 10 core tracks (plus bonus remixes), La Rumeur offers a stark reflection of contemporary society, delivering their observations with refined rhetoric and a dense, metaphor-rich flow.

The production, masterminded by Soul G and F.A.S., grounds the album in a dark, atmospheric, and distinctly boom-bap aesthetic, providing the perfect canvas for the crew’s somber storytelling.

Key tracks like the titular six-minute epic “Comment rester propre ?” and “Un gosse à la fenêtre“ showcase the group’s ability to maintain narrative depth while tackling heavy subjects, from media representation to the immigrant experience and the struggle against cynicism.

Noteworthy Collaborations

The album benefits from carefully selected collaborations that underscore its thematic weight:

• The track “Homme neuf” (New Man) features a notable appearance by Ali (of the legendary group Lunatic), a figure who shares La Rumeur’s commitment to independent, thoughtful Hip-Hop.
• The project also includes contributions from Frero 110GN and La Hyène on the “Nébuleuse” remix, linking generations of serious French lyricists.

Beyond the Music: The La Rumeur Cinematic Universe

This musical release was closely followed by the group’s cinematic output, including the release of their film, Rue des Dames, further cementing the members’ roles as major cultural commentators who utilize multiple mediums to express their singular vision.

Comment rester propre ? is not just an album; it’s a statement—a dense, vital, and indispensable piece of French Hip-Hop that stands as one of the most significant releases of 2023. It’s a sobering reminder that quality, purpose-driven Rap music continues to thrive outside the mainstream.

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