Part of Parisian hip-hop collective known for their polished image, Sexion d’Assaut, Maitre Gims’ breakaway career has spawned a collection of singles, most recently ‘Zombie’, ‘Bella’ and ‘You Lose’ off 2013’s Subliminal. He’s made an impression in France and Benelux, playing a whole host of solo shows to promote Subliminal, and making number 2 in the French charts and number 1 in the Belgian French charts. After commercial success, the album was extended with a bonus six tracks under the new name, Subliminal: La Face Cachee. The bravado and intensity of Sexion d’Assaut tracks is offset by a sort of sensitivity in Maitre Gims’ solo work, which is instilled with a kind of old school balladry. He pours his brooding heart into the soaring ‘Bella’, ‘J’me Tire’ (‘I Withdraw Myself’) and ‘Ça marche’ ft. Shin Sekaï. With glitzy vocal equalisers and carribean reggaeton beats, Maitre Gims’ romantic entreaties make for an exotic mix of tropical cadences. He’s recognisable for always hiding behind Kanye-esque, broad-rimmed shades. An appearance without the shades in the clips, live shows and interviews is unheard of.
Danielle Nicole
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