Discovering Suprême NTM: The Revolution of French Hip-Hop
Suprême NTM, a French hip-hop group formed in 1989, revolutionized the music scene in France with their intense and authentic representation of life in Seine-Saint-Denis, a département known for its cultural diversity, but also its socio-economic struggles. What made this band distinctive were the two artists at its core, Joey Starr, born Didier Morville, and Kool Shen, born Bruno Lopes.
Their work extended beyond music - they were strong advocates against racism and class inequality, often using their platform to expose societal issues.
Suprême NTM and Sony Music: A Formidable Alliance
Suprême NTM, signed by Sony Music Entertainment, produced six albums enriched with the true spirit of hardcore rap, later blending elements of funk, soul, and reggae. They chose their name from French slang, a strong message reflecting their struggle and resentment.
In 1998, the group shifted gears: they released their final album under the NTM moniker and branched out on their own ventures, promoting new bands through their own labels and diversifying into the clothing industry - 2High by Kool Shen and Com-8 by Joey Starr.
Notwithstanding, Suprême NTM lives on in spirit. Its name was used in 2001 to promote a 'duel' album featuring artists from both Joey Starr and Kool Shen's labels, an idea met with great audience enthusiasm.
Controversial, Yet Unapologetically Authentic
Suprême NTM is characterized by raw, dark, and occasionally violent lyrics. The contrast in the styles of Joey Starr and Kool Shen paints an interesting picture - Starr's aggressive lyrics and slow stream blended perfectly with Shen's funkier groove and thought-provoking lyrics.
Their later work, however, such as 'Pose ton Gun', shows an explicit move towards an anti-violence stance. This reveals their versatility and progressiveness as artists, reflecting on their capabilities to adapt to changing societal and cultural tents.
Both Kool Shen and JoeyStarr have continued to build on NTM's legacy, which lives on to this day, despite Shen confirming in 2004 that "We finished with NTM in 1998".
Rediscover Suprême NTM on TikTok Music
Suprême NTM's unique blend of hardcore rap, adorned with touches of funk, soul, and reggae, continues to captivate today's audience. Dive back into their lyrical journey on TikTok Music.
Experience how Suprême NTM took on the world with their words, rhythms, and undeniable presence, reshaping the narrative of hip-hop in France forever.
