Nessbeal - Ne2s

Nessbeal described his album NE2S as "spontaneous and natural," a description that resonates with the classic structure of a studio record: 55 minutes and 13 seconds for 14 tracks, six of which feature major collaborations. Released on June 14, 2010, by Jive Epic, 7th Magnitude, Because Éditions, and Sony Music France, this album fits into a precise trajectory between RSC Sessions Perdues (2009) and Sélection naturelle (2011). Although its debut on the Billboard Top Album chart was modest with approximately 4,600 copies sold in the first week for a 13th-place finish, the sonic architecture of this record relies on narrative density carried by strategic features.

The certified opener that sets the tone

The album immediately grounds itself in its reality with Certifié classique, the track title (track 1). This song serves not only as a showcase but also establishes a solid foundation for the entire project.

At the end of the road feat. La Fouine

If Certifié classique kicks off the solo party, it's then Au bout de la route, which sits at position 5 on the official tracklist, that introduces a significant collaborative dimension with La Fouine. Her presence on this specific song anchors the album in a context where Nessbeal's voice is confronted and enriched by that of an artist with distinct contours. This collaboration isn't just a decorative addition; it alters the vocal texture of the track, confirming that Nessbeal has managed to integrate partners capable of carrying his message without diluting it. The classic structure of the album allows this feature to breathe, far from being too rushed.

My Big Feature with Orelsan

At position 10, Ma grosse featuring Orelsan marks another step in this exploration of collaborations. Orelsan's arrival on this specific track changes things by bringing a vocal register that contrasts with the rapper's base flow. This isn't here just an accumulation of names, but a precise editorial choice: Orelsan intervenes to complicate the exchange and offer necessary complementarity for the song. This track confirms that the album plays on the diversity of voices rather than repeating a single schema. The confirmed presence of Orelsan on this specific song reinforces the idea of an album where each feature has a role to play in the global narrative, without however burdening the total duration of 55 minutes and 13 seconds.

Empire Dust feat. Indila

The project's closure is marked by Poussière d'empire at position 14 (the final track), offering a distinct conclusion with the arrival of Indila. Indila's presence on this last track radically shifts the tone of the album's end, transforming the finale into a moment of different introspection. It serves as a way to close the cycle opened by Certifié classique, but with entirely different sonic colors. The artist describes this album as natural, and this transition toward R&B at the very last minute validates that approach: spontaneity does not mean uniformity, but rather the ability to embrace different musical universes without a jarring break. The opus fits directly into the continuity of the previous studio album, RSC Sessions Perdues (2009), while paving the way for the next major release, Sélection naturelle (2011). This strategic positioning allows Nessbeal to consolidate her status as a complete artist before future collaborations with figures like La Fouine on "Là où les vents nous mènent" or Orelsan on "Tous les jours dimanche," which are scheduled for 2011 and 2022, respectively. The album does not simply accumulate names but integrates varied voices such as Bradley Jones, Evaanz, and Isleym directly into the tracklist to enrich its sonic palette without diluting the central message. The confirmed presence of six features on fourteen tracks demonstrates a precise editorial intent: every guest, whether a rapper or vocalist like Indila, occupies a specific role in the global architecture of the record, transforming NE2S into a true artistic crossroads where the claimed spontaneity coexists with rigorous and dense construction. Critical review of NE2S: an album whose strength lies in its ability to alternate between solo tracks and targeted collaborations. While certain tracks like Ca bouge pas or After might be perceived as standard interludes in a superficial analysis, they are integral parts of the 14 real tracks on the record and contribute to an average density of four minutes per song. The opus positions itself clearly between two major studio albums, serving as a bridge toward Sélection naturelle while consolidating the achievements of RSC Sessions Perdues. Initial reception, though commercial with limited sales figures, validates the interest in this project which does not seek to impose a single signature but rather to map varied sonic territories.

Technical Specifications

- Release Date: June 14, 2010 - Record Label: Jive Epic - Tracks: 14 (55 min 13 s) - Opening / Closing: Certifié classique / Poussière d'empire - Guests: La Fouine, Bradley Jones, Orelsan, Isleym, Evaanz, Indila - Previous Album: RSC Sessions Perdues (2009)