Oxmo Puccino - LAFIYA SESSIONS

*The album LAFIYA SESSIONS by Oxmo Puccino opens with an unexpected tension: that between the past and future of French rap. It is here that the essence of LAFIYA SESSIONS reveals itself: a mixtape that is not just the return of a giant in French rap, but also a sonic laboratory where collaborations cross generations and styles.*

The Return of Oxmo Puccino and the Construction of a Collaborative Project Around LAFIYA SESSIONS

Released on January 31, 2025, LAFIYA SESSIONS marks a turning point in Oxmo Puccino's work. After more than five years without a studio album, he returns with a project that moves away from classic formats to embrace a collaborative mixtape. There is no surprise if the record is presented as a "dialogue between generations": the tracks are distributed among artists from different periods of French rap, some deeply rooted in tradition, others closer to contemporary trends.

The Featurings as Crossed Narratives in "Connivences", "Doucement" and "Dis-moi"

Among the most notable tracks on LAFIYA SESSIONS, one can cite "Connivences," where the renowned Bauza collaborates with Oxmo Puccino. Their partnership brings a narrative and poetic dimension, typical of Oxmo Puccino's style, as well as a contrast to the modernity of his recent productions. It is here that the balance between tradition and innovation feels most clearly. "Doucement," for its part, sees Dinos and Dosseh join in on a melody that adds a touch of sensitivity to the track. Their presence brings an emotional equilibrium, as if the album allowed itself a moment of reflection after the more intense rhythms of previous tracks. Their contribution introduces modern elements that give the track an unprecedented dimension, as if Oxmo Puccino had opened himself up to new musical universes.

The diversity of styles and intergenerational interaction in the central tracks of the project

At the heart of LAFIYA SESSIONS, the diversity of styles is particularly evident. The tracks occupying the middle of the album, such as "Bons Amis" or "Stephen Curry," are perfect examples of this richness. In "Bons Amis," Danyl and Jok'air bring a dynamic rhythm that reinforces the collaborative aspect of the project—an energy that seems to reflect the vitality of current French rap. "Stephen Curry" is another track where Oxmo Puccino surrounds himself with more experimental figures, like Bob Marlich and DAVINHOR. Their presence adds an artistic dimension to the song, which seems less focused on the classic flow of French rap than on a freer sonic exploration. These collaborations are not merely honorary guests: they form a complex tapestry where generations intertwine.

The balance between tradition and modernity in end-of-album collaborations

The tracks that close LAFIYA SESSIONS offer a subtle balance between tradition and modernity. "Les Cowboys de Paname," for example, sees Oxmo Puccino team up with Draganov and Mister You—artists who perfectly embody the blend between classic French rap and contemporary sounds. On this track, as on others, the balance is off: the lyrics recall the lyrical power of Oxmo Puccino, but the musical arrangements fit into a modernity that seems necessary for an artist of his age. It is here that LAFIYA SESSIONS reveals itself most complete: a project that dares to confront the evolution of French rap while remaining rooted in its origins.

LAFIYA SESSIONS is therefore much more than just Oxmo Puccino's return. It is an invitation to dialogue between generations, a sonic laboratory where collaborations cross varied musical universes. If some tracks remain mysterious and if the production stays vague, the album stands out for its artistic richness and its willingness to reinvent French rap without renouncing its roots. With LAFIYA SESSIONS, Oxmo Puccino does not merely make a return; he offers a vision of French rap that is at once traditional, modern, and deeply collaborative. That is where the essence of this project lies—a mirror of the collaborations that have shaped contemporary French rap.