Qui Seme Le Vent

In 1991, Senegal-born Paris-educated hip hopper MC Solaar (born Claude M'Barali) paired with DJ friend Jimmy Jay (Christophe Viguier) as arranger and producer on this, his first and still one of his best albums. Solaar is like all the best rappers a poet of note. He is surrounded by rich, lush ensembles that at different times on the record include percussion (live and drum machine), electric bass (used as much for beat as for note), electric piano and organ, guitar, saxophone, and multiple vocalists. There are even strings at times and once, the sound of motorcycles revving up. The album sold 400,000 copies in France and included Solaar's first singles hit, "Bouge de la", which was based on a sample from the English funk band of the early '70s, Cymande's "The Message." (And is better than Cymande's version.)Drums dominate even on lyrical cuts like "Caroline", with sophisticated rhythm and musical riffs laid over them. "Armand est Mort" displays one of his signal rhythm devices. The drum machine, at the base of the rhythm, surges ahead in laid back tempo, playing in 4/4, like this: the drum machine plays three beats followed by a one-beat pause, then four straight, then repeats the pattern, over and over again throughout most of the song. Of the four beats, the first two are low, hard thuds. The third is lighter and higher, but still a thud. There is a one-beat delay and then a repeat, only with the fourth beat filled by drum. "Quartier Nord," the next track up, shows very well the rhythmic sophistication and ferocity the group brings to its work. Multiple layers of hard, driving rhythm played in different meters forms the base for a whirlwind of sound: the electric bass used principally for rhythm accent, keyboard riffs, guitar twangs, a lovely, almost full-solo jazzy alto sax, MC rapping, and backup singers. Solaar's albums have always come across as collaborative. He is generous in allowing space for the other singers and musicians.His poetry is evocative, alternately lyrical and reflective and fierce and combative, He is not afraid to take on serious subjects, political or not. On this album, fashion's victims ("Victime de la Mode"); art ("L'Histoire de l'Art"); a man's death; even one on how music softens manners ("La Musique Adoucit les Moeurs"). This is prime popular music: you don't have to understand French to appreciate it -there's a percussiveness to poetized French that makes it one of rap's best languages-but if you do, you will appreciate Solaar's sly comments on the world we live in.

One of my favorite french artists, and you can't find this album on itunes/amazon digital. If you like French rap/hip-hop, MC Solaar's work is smooth, catchy, and generally awesome. Give it a listen. I still enjoy it after 20 years of listening.

Awesome cd! Soulful and jazzy hip-hop, MC Solaar is great!!!!

I've had this album for about a month now, having heard "qui sème le vent" and my favourite song keeps changing. Initially it was "Victime de la mode" with the bit "Dominique, écoutes bien ce funky beat" and the message of the story. Then it was Bouge de la (part 1)and now, tonight, it's "Caroline" This song is beautiful, heartfelt, sweet, elegant, etc etc. I'm sure tomorrow it will be another song that will capture my ear. I find myself singing/thinking about the phrases from other songs consistently- there are a lot of great little bits of philosophy. "J'ai dû disparaître, pour réapparaître"

This CD is all in French. Kinda different listening to Rap in French lol but regardless he got skill n beats. He was huge over seas and still does performances today. The main song is "Victime De La Mode" and this beat is sick-very good! I originally heard it in the movie "Addicted to Love" with Matthew Broderick and Meg Ryan. I have a huge Rap/Hiphop CD collection from 1980's-late 1990's and some after that period. I was a teen when the GOLDEN AGE OF RAP was thriving 1987-1994. If you like and appreciate classic Rap (even in a different language) pick up this CD- very hard to find though. Look up the featured hit on utube "Victime De La Mode" nice beat and MC Solaar raps smooth![...]

Le premier album de MC-Solaar et aussi son meilleur album. Rien de plus a signaler!J'aime toutes les chansons et la mixture du hip hop et le Jazz en fait une tres belle fusion.

this album is mc solaar best album. it's has what it takes to be a masterpiece. even though he only speaks in french, his voice is so nice and the organic acid jazz makes you nod and enjoy what he says. this album is excellent and the samples and horns and piano loops, so so amazing.this album is a classic debut. it's time for some learning audience, this album will make you learn french while enjoying the beautiful jazzy samples. trust me people buy this album. it's well worth it.