Akhenaton - Latin Quarter, Part 2

On June 24, 2022, Akhenaton and Nicholas Craven released Latin Quarter, Pt. 2 on streaming platforms. This album, woven between French rap and American production, fits into a particular moment: one following the pandemic, where the artist finds himself removed from his usual scenes but not at all in creative hibernation. The collaboration between Akhenaton, an essential figure of the hexagonal rap scene, and Nicholas Craven, a producer with varied influences, opens up a sonic space that is both familiar and unexpected.

Nicholas Craven's production: a new lever for Akhenaton

Nicholas Craven, the album's main producer, imposes a bold signature. His work on Latin Quarter, Pt. 2 is marked by an approach that blends modernity and tradition without being confined to a single style. While sources do not explicitly detail his methods or influences, listening reveals textures that oscillate between organic groove and subtle electronic production. It is a production that seems inspired both by classic hip-hop and its contemporary evolution, never losing itself in excesses. On Wu93, for example, the rhythmic structure is understated but punchy, providing fertile ground for Akhenaton's verses. The beat, though minimalist, serves the text with precision reminiscent of the New York production school of the 80s. This is a subtle contrast to more experimental tracks like Gwoka, where the production appears inspired by Caribbean influences without ever reducing them to mere imitation.

Featurings as elements of sonic and textual richness

The album stands out for its strategic use of features. Each collaboration brings a distinctive element, both vocally and textually. Hassen Lupin, for example, sees the participation of Napoléon Da Legend and Omar Sy. Their contributions, though brief, add a narrative dimension that expands the track's universe. In particular, Omar Sy's voice provides an unexpected contrast: his calm, almost poetic tone blends with Akhenaton's violent lyrics, creating tension that gives the song rare density. On Nos Funérailles, Mickey Diamond adds a touch of melancholy and depth. His flow is slow but precise, integrating naturally into Akhenaton's verses like an echo to his own stories. It's a collaboration that doesn't seek to dominate, but rather enrich—a rare choice in rap. Round And Round Again, meanwhile, features D-Track (3) and Elodie Rama. Their presence adds a feminine dimension and a vocal register contrast that redefines the track's sonic landscape. It's a moment where the album seems to unfold on multiple planes without ever losing its cohesion.

Between Implicit Influences and Sonic Originality

Despite the lack of explicit indications regarding Nicholas Craven's sources of inspiration, Latin Quarter, Pt. 2 breathes a certain modernity. The producer's work seems to rely on elements that have not necessarily been explicitly named: discreetly integrated samples, percussion reminiscent of traditional music influences, or arrangements evoking jazz without making it an homage. This sonic originality is particularly marked on Le 70'S Kid (Folk). The track seems inspired by a certain nostalgia, but without falling into cliché. Production plays a central role here: it evokes the sounds of the era, but with a modernity that avoids simple historical reconstruction.

A post-Covid album: what echoes in the sound?

Released right in the post-pandemic period, Latin Quarter, Pt. 2 seems to reflect a moment of transition. The tracks don't directly address lockdown or the social consequences of the crisis, but their sonic and textual construction evokes a certain introspection. It's an album that sounds like a return to oneself, without forgoing a collective dimension. The collaborations, production choices, balance between tradition and modernity: everything in Latin Quarter, Pt. 2 suggests that Akhenaton and Nicholas Craven wanted to create an album that is both personal and universal. An album that isn't trying to reinvent itself entirely, but rather adapt to its era without losing its substance.

Latin Quarter, Pt. 2 is an album that confirms the evolution of Akhenaton while remaining faithful to his roots. The collaboration with Nicholas Craven brings a new dimension to his musical universe, and the features, though short, are elements of textual and sonic richness. The album isn't trying to stand out through provocation or extreme originality, but rather through its cohesion and its ability to evolve without getting lost. It's an album that sounds like a logical continuation of an artistic journey long marked by rigor and a sense for the lyrics — and it opens up possibilities for the next steps in this same journey.