2Black: The Dynamic Voice of French Hip-Hop
2Black is a French rapper and songwriter known for his versatile flow and introspective lyrics within the French hip-hop scene. Hailing from the Paris region, he achieved significant commercial success with his 2015 album "Rêves de gosse," which charted in France and was certified gold.
Early career
Born in 1986 in the Parisian suburb of Sarcelles, 2Black, whose real name is Abdelkader Bensalah, began writing and performing rap in his teens. His early career was marked by a series of self-released mixtapes, including "Le Temps des souvenirs" in 2008, which helped him build a dedicated local following and catch the attention of the industry.
Breakthrough
2Black's major breakthrough arrived in 2015 with the release of his debut studio album, "Rêves de gosse," on the label Jo & Co. The album peaked at number 13 on the French albums chart and was later certified gold, propelled by its hit singles and relatable narratives of ambition and everyday life.
Key tracks
Rêves de gosse — The title track from his gold-certified album became an anthem for ambition and remains his signature song.
À l'ancienne — This popular single showcases his classic hip-hop sensibilities and solidified his radio presence.
Elle veut — A smoother, R&B-inflected track that demonstrated 2Black's range and ability to craft crossover hits.
Mauvais garçon — Featuring fellow rapper Black M, this collaboration highlighted his connections within the French urban music scene.
Following his breakthrough, 2Black released his second album, "Poupée russe," in 2017, which also charted within the French Top 40. He has collaborated with numerous notable French artists, including Vitaa, Gims, and M. Pokora, further expanding his reach. His consistent output and relatable style have maintained his position as a steady force in French hip-hop.
Fans of 2Black's brand of melodic, story-driven French rap often appreciate the work of similar artists. Black M shares a similar blend of pop appeal and hip-hop foundation. M. Pokora explores comparable R&B and urban pop territories in the French market. Gims operates with a comparable versatility across rap and singing. Sexion d'Assaut represents the influential Parisian collective sound from which 2Black emerged.
The music of 2Black is a staple on French urban and mainstream pop radio stations featured on this website. His catalog, from the gold-certified "Rêves de gosse" to his more recent singles, receives regular rotation on stations dedicated to hip-hop and contemporary hit music, ensuring his voice reaches a broad audience of listeners.
You can hear the music of 2Black on various French hip-hop and pop radio stations available through our network. Explore the radio stations on onairium.com to discover his tracks and stay connected to the pulse of the French urban music scene.
