PNL (Peace N’Lovés), the influential duo of two brothers, N.O.S. and Ademo, from the Tarterêts housing projects in Corbeil-Essonnes, is marking a significant milestone. It was exactly ten years ago, on October 30, 2015, that their debut album “Le monde Chico” was released. The album didn’t just launch their careers; it sent shockwaves through the French rap scene. It immediately shot to the top of the sales charts, marking the beginning of an iconic run. When they sang “I don’t know where I’ll be in 10 years” on the track “Oh lala,” they likely didn’t realize they would be dominating the world of music.
Redefining the Sound of French Rap
The duo’s arrival in 2015 was a bombshell. They effectively imported and reappropriated “cloud rap,” a subgenre from the United States characterized by slowed-down beats and experimental, atmospheric themes. PNL adopted the most effective elements of the sound—floating production and ethereal vibes—but applied their own distinct touch to the lyrics. Their vocabulary drew directly from their lives in the projects, and their delivery was notably more sung than rapped.
Autotune as an Instrument
While veteran rapper Booba is often credited with bringing Autotune into the French rap mainstream with his 2009 album 0.9, PNL took the technology in a new direction. When the brothers entered the scene, they appropriated Autotune and transformed it from a simple corrective tool into a true instrument. In their music, the software functions almost like a synthesizer, adding a unique color and expansive scope to their vocals, giving them that signature floating quality.
An Iconic Image and the ‘Scarcity Strategy’
N.O.S. and Ademo also established a powerful aesthetic. Their distinct profiles, sunglasses, and clothing choices created an instantly recognizable visual style. Their album covers are consistently illustrated, and their music videos are meticulously produced. It’s impossible to forget the success of “Au DD,” which, after a 15-hour live stream, dropped as the first music video ever filmed on the Eiffel Tower.
Above all, the brothers cultivated an air of mystery. They grant zero interviews, maintaining that their music speaks for them. Their concerts are rare, and they keep tight control over their production, working only within a closed circle known as “QLF” (Que la famille, or “Only the family”). It’s a masterclass in the “scarcity strategy.” In one legendary move, they were booked for the major radio show “Planète Rap” and skipped the appearance, sending a monkey in their place.
Booba: ‘Stopping Is Still Too Early’
While PNL cemented their legacy by changing the game, the veteran Booba is proving his own enduring power. The rapper recently caused a stir by suggesting his career was ending, only to quickly walk back the comments, insisting that “stopping is still too early.”
In March 2021, Booba released what was billed as his final album, ULTRA. However, he continued to release new music, including several singles and an EP, Ad Vitam Aeternam, last year, which featured the hit song “Dolce Camara.”
The ‘Last Concert’ That Wasn’t
After a massive show at the Stade de France, fans demanded a new performance. Booba responded by scheduling a three-night run at the Défense Arena. The first date sold out in just minutes, a sign of loyalty that deeply touched the artist, known as the DUC. “It didn’t take 5 minutes. It took 30 years,” he stated. “30 years of passion and hard work… ‘pride’ and ‘gratitude’ come to mind. Thank you for everything… the fight continues.”
However, during the final night at the U Arena, Booba shocked his fans by announcing, “This might be my last concert… We won’t see each other for a long time. Every thing has an end. But I can never thank you enough… A big thank you to the haters too… To have love, you need hate. We will extinguish you forever.”
Days later, after resharing videos from the sold-out nights, Booba changed his tune. He tweeted to his supporters: “I see all these videos and all the energy you gave us… STOPPING? It’s still too early, I think.” It appears retirement is not on the schedule just yet.