Kery James

Alix Mathurin (born 28 December 1977), publicly known as Kery James, is a French-Haitian rapper, singer, actor, director, and screenwriter from Les Abymes, Guadeloupe. His music often addresses suburban life and social inequalities in contemporary France. He was a member of the rap collectives Idéal J and Mafia K-1 Fry.

Career

Idéal J (1991–1999)

James began his rap career in 1991 as a co-founder of the group Idéal J, with DJ Mehdi joining as a producer the following year. The group released the singles "Hardcore" and "Pour une poignée de dollars", followed by their debut album, Original MC's sur une mission. In 1992, they released the single "La vie est brutale", and Alter MC (later known as Jessy Money) left the group. In subsequent years, as DJ Mehdi developed as a producer, James increasingly focused on writing material addressing subjects such as confrontations with police, street rivalries, and the fear of death.

In 1996, Idéal J released the singles "Ghetto français", "Show Business," and "Je veux du cas"." The group also appeared on several EPs and as featured artists on recordings by other musicians. Their single "J'désole mes parents" was featured on the compilation album Nouvelle Donne. Idéal J disbanded in 1999 following the death of Las Montana, a close friend of James, leading him to take a hiatus from his musical career.

Solo musical career In October 2001, after a two-year break, James released his debut solo album, Si c'était à refaire (If I Had to Do It Again). The album features collaborations with Nubian musicians and Salif Keita. The music incorporates African, Arabic, and Cuban influences, using percussion and traditional instruments.

In 2016, James released his sixth album, Mouhammad Alix.

Film career James has also worked as an actor and director. In 2003, he appeared in the documentary Si tu roules avec la Mafia K'1 Fry (If You Roll with the Mafia K'1 Fry). Following the September 11 attacks in 2001, he directed Savoir et vivre ensemble (Know and Live Together), a project featuring rappers, singers, and athletes promoting unity. He appeared as a juror in the 2017 film À voix haute (Speak Up).

In 2019, his film Banlieusards (Street Flow) was released on Netflix, with the sequel premiering on Netflix on September 27, 2023. He co-wrote and directed both films with Leïla Sy. Personal life James moved to France at age seven, where he began rapping, dancing, and writing. He was raised by his mother in Orly, a suburb of Paris. At the age of 10, he was noticed by MC Solaar in a cité (suburban housing estate) in the Paris area. According to James, the influence of Islam in his environment led him to adopt the name Ali.

Discography Albums and EPs Solo studio albums

Others 2013: Coffret integral

Live albums YearAlbumPeak positionsCertification FR 2019"À qui la faute"(featuring Orelsan)94

Collaborations (Refer to relevant section in French Wikipedia)