Cleo Le-Tan takes viewers on a fascinating journey into the suburban ghetto (banlieue) outside of Paris in search of France’s toughest rappers. In this documentary, we get a glimpse into the daily lives and struggles of these rappers as they navigate life in the banlieue, facing the challenges of poverty, crime, and police brutality.
Le-Tan begins her journey by meeting up with French rapper, Byron, in the banlieue to smoke some weed and discuss his experiences in the rap industry. She then visits La Comera, a rap group based in the neighborhood, and learns to drive with them – or at least, attempts to.
As the documentary progresses, Le-Tan meets some of France’s toughest gangster rappers, Morsay and Al K-Pote. These rappers have gained notoriety for their controversial lyrics and criminal connections. Le-Tan spends time with them and gets an inside look at their lives in the banlieue.
The documentary also features mainstream rapper Mokobe, who takes Le-Tan to the opera for a night out. This juxtaposition between the classical music of the opera and the gritty rap scene of the banlieue is a powerful commentary on the stark contrasts of French society.
One of the most striking scenes in the documentary is when Le-Tan films a music video in a project basement filled with garbage and dead animals. The raw, unfiltered nature of the surroundings stands in stark contrast to the polished, glitzy music videos we are used to seeing.
The documentary culminates with Le-Tan taking her new friends to Le Baron, an ex-brothel and one of the hottest clubs in Paris. This final scene shows the rappers in a new light, as they let loose and have fun in a completely different environment.
Overall, France’s Toughest Rappers is a captivating and thought-provoking documentary that sheds light on the often-overlooked rap scene in France’s banlieues. Le-Tan’s journey takes us deep into the heart of the banlieue and introduces us to the people who call it home, giving us a glimpse into a world that is often misunderstood and misrepresented.
