Paroles De Sang by Béni Blanco: A Raw French Rap Odyssey That Sticks to Your Soul
Alright, let’s get one thing straight—Béni Blanco’s Paroles De Sang isn’t here to coddle you with bubblegum beats or predictable hooks. Released in 2016 under Long Player Records, this album dives deep into the gritty realities of life through a mix of hip-hop and rap that feels as real as it gets. And trust me, when I say "real," I mean real. You can practically smell the cobblestone streets of France seeping through your headphones.
Now, before we dive into specifics, full disclosure: there are like a bazillion tracks on this record (okay, maybe not that many, but still). Tracks repeat themselves with remixes and alternate versions, which honestly keeps things fresh instead of redundant. It's kinda like ordering pizza—you might think you’ve had enough slices, but then they throw some extra toppings on, and suddenly you're hooked again.
Standout Tracks That’ll Mess With Your Head
First up is “Ce qu’on vit” (feat. Prodige & Face the MC). Oh man, this track hits different. The beat? Smooth but punchy, like sipping espresso while dodging traffic in Paris. The verses from Prodige and Face the MC add layers of grit and wisdom, making you feel like you’re sitting at a café overhearing someone spill their guts about life struggles. What sticks with me most is how raw the lyrics are—it’s less braggy rap and more “let me tell you what’s really going down.” By the end, you’re nodding along like yeah, yeah, I’ve been there too.
Then there’s “L’impasse” (feat. Jo Dalton). This joint creeps up on you like a shadow in an alleyway. Jo Dalton brings this haunting vibe with his delivery, turning the track into something eerie yet poetic. The production has these creeping synths that make you wanna look over your shoulder for no reason. Honestly, it’s the kind of song that makes you wanna grab a cigarette—even if you don’t smoke—just so you can stare dramatically into the distance while pondering life choices. Props to whoever thought of pairing him with Béni because wow, chemistry galore.
Why You Won’t Forget This Album Anytime Soon
What sets Paroles De Sang apart is its refusal to sugarcoat anything. There’s no shiny facade; it’s just honest storytelling wrapped in beats that slap harder than your ex’s comeback texts. Whether it’s the grind described in “Beaucoup d’avenir” or the existential musings in “Le cours des choses,” every track pulls you deeper into Béni Blanco’s world—a place where hope and hardship coexist like roommates who argue but ultimately share rent.
And hey, props to Long Player Records for letting this project breathe without forcing mainstream appeal onto it. These guys clearly understand the assignment: keep it authentic, even if it means scaring off radio stations.
Final Thoughts (With a Twist)
Listening to Paroles De Sang feels like having a heart-to-heart convo with someone who’s seen way too much but still finds beauty in the chaos. Is it perfect? Nah. Some tracks blend together after a while, and yeah, the runtime could’ve used a trim. But perfection isn’t the point—it’s about connection, emotion, and leaving listeners with something to chew on.
So, would I recommend this album? Absolutely. Just don’t play it around your grandma unless she’s cool with explicit truths served cold. Also, fun fact: listening to this album might actually improve your posture since you'll spend half the time leaning forward trying to catch every word. Who knew music could double as physical therapy?
Rating: 8/10 – Solid gold for fans of introspective rap, slightly tarnished edges included.