Koba La D - VII

It's a number: VII. Koba La D anchors his first studio album in the urban fabric of his neighborhood, Parc aux Lièvres in Évry-Courcouronnes, where the number of his building becomes the hallmark of the work. This geographical identification transforms the album into a local monument, marking the beginning of his ascent, which began in late 2017. At that time, at the age of seventeen, the young man launched the freestyle series "Ténébreux," a production that propelled his fame to a national level and opened the doors to the Universal Music Division Capitol Music France label. Before the project's completion, an EP featuring these five tracks was released on May 11, 2018.

VII: the number of the Évry-Courcouronnes neighborhood

The genesis of this album is marked by a tension between the initially announced date, September 28, 2018, and the final date that officially confirms Koba La D's presence on platforms on December 14, 2018.

From 'Ténébreux' to Universal Music Division Capitol Music France

The path to this release was swift. Following a series of freestyles that led to a signing with Universal Music Division Capitol Music France, the artist gradually released singles such as "Train de vie," "J'encaisse," "La C," and "Oyé" as a prelude to the album. These tracks served as evidence of the artistic and commercial development of the project. The official release on December 14, 2018, was accompanied by a first week of sales totaling 18,604 copies. This immediate success was followed by official recognition seven months later, in the form of a platinum certification. The album thus establishes itself as a transition between national recognition through freestyles and future success, paving the way for the next album, "L'Affranchi," in 2019.

The only official collaboration: Seven Binks

Within this framework of fifteen tracks, the collaborative universe is limited to a single instance officially credited on the tracklist. Koba La D collaborates with the artists Bolémvn and Mafia Spartiate on the track "Seven Binks." This song represents the only official collaboration on the album, marking an exception where the project incorporates external voices to enrich its sound palette. This unique collaboration stands out from the other tracks, where the artist asserts themselves independently, making "Seven Binks" a specific anchor point within the internal economy of the album.

Between 'Intro', 'Train de vie' and 'ORgueilleux'

The album's structure is framed by two anchor points: "Intro," which opens the doors and prepares the ground for what follows, and "Orgueil," which concludes the experience (track 15). These titles surround a dense work, where each track contributes to the overall construction of the album. Among the standout tracks, "Train de vie" plays an early opening role, with its music video being released on June 29, 2018, as the first single from the project. Later, "La C" was released on August 17, 2018, before the final single, "Oyé," which preceded the final release. These promotional timelines demonstrate the real-time construction of attention towards the album. Each track contributes to this architecture, from the "Intro" which launches the campaign to the intermediate tracks that maintain the tension until the conclusion with "Orgueil."

Platinum status after 18,604 sales in the first week

The commercial reception of the album confirms its impact from the very first days of its release. The 18,604 copies sold during the first week attest to an immediate and sustained demand from the public. This initial performance is a prelude to recognition that grows over time, culminating in a platinum album certification seven months after its release.

First studio album before 'L'Affranchi'

VII is Koba La D's first studio album, solidifying an artistic trajectory that began at the age of fifteen in rap. It is the artist's second major project, after the freestyle series and the EP, but the first full solo album. The legacy of this publication directly continues with his evolution towards L'Affranchi in 2019. Becoming a rapper, singer, producer, and model, Koba La D uses this first studio album to establish a personal universe that will then evolve with Détail in 2020 and Cartel in 2021.

Technical details

- Release date : December 14, 2018 - Label : Universal Music Division Capitol Music France - Tracks : 15 - Opening / closing : Intro / ORgueilleux - Guest artists : Bolémvn, Mafia Spartiate