One of the most popular music genres in French music is hip hop. With the development of technology on the African continent in the early 1990’s such as satellite TV and later, the internet, French hip hop was no longer constrained to Europe. It found its way down to Africa and has expanded into the large francophone population. Early on French hip hop was largely influenced by American hip hop but with its large collection of rappers with rich African musical heritage, it began to develop its own personality.

After its growing popularity in the United States, hip hop was introduced to France and became quickly popular. Underground hip-hop parties were organized in the projects of France, and became a place where people could enjoy the music and the atmosphere it brought with it. As the first groups of French rappers began to pop up. Like in America, these first rap groups used their influence to address racism, police brutality and other discriminations, and were quickly forced underground by local authorities and the media due to their controversial lyrics and language.

A less political version of hip hop was soon introduced and its celebration of rhyme schemes and intricate word plays led it to being more embraced by the public. This genre brought about French raps first big artist MC Solaar. Thanks to his and others revolutionary work, rap became widely accepted and led to the emergence of many new artists, record labels, and rap crews. Secteur Ä, is one of the most powerful labels in French rap, and has enjoyed success including many members from different countries in Africa.

Thanks to Secteur Ä, the French people got their first introduction of this African infused hip hop. The collective Bisso Na Bisso, which means “between us”, released an album by the name of Racines, or roots. This combination of hip hop, African, and Caribbean rhythms also contained many features of African artists. Thanks to TV this group was wildly successful in Africa as well as France.