The cult album Les Princes de la ville du 113 returns to streaming platforms

This is news that will rock the French rap scene. Les Princes de la ville , the iconic album by the group 113, will finally be back on streaming platforms, 25 years after its release. And if you're a rap purist, this is probably the kind of news that makes you jump for joy. Because this album is not just an album. It's a cornerstone of French rap, a project that has marked several generations and which, despite its prolonged absence, has never ceased to resonate in memories.

The story of Les Princes de la ville is almost as fascinating as its music. Released in 1999, this first opus by Rim'K, AP and Mokobé, produced by the talented DJ Mehdi, has established itself as a must-have of the genre. The hits? There are plenty: Tonton du bled, Jackpot 2000, and of course Les princes de la ville. Tracks that have stood the test of time, but which, surprisingly, had become inaccessible for 15 years. A disappearance from streaming platforms due to copyright issues. And this digital silence has only reinforced the myth surrounding this cult album.

In 2000, at the Victoires de la Musique, 113 won two major awards: best rap album and revelation of the year. That's not nothing. But what's even more impressive is the way in which this album, withdrawn from the circuit for years, has managed to retain its aura. It's almost as if, despite the absence of its digital version, Les Princes de la ville continued to live on in fans' mental playlists.

Recently, the documentary DJ Mehdi: Made In France broadcast on Arte put the spotlight back on this golden era of French rap. Directed by Thibaut de Longeville, it tells the story of DJ Mehdi, the mastermind behind this album, and delves behind the scenes of its creation. From the choice of samples to the inspirations, everything is dissected. And it put Les Princes de la ville back in the spotlight. So much so that Rim'K himself has hinted several times that the album would soon be making a comeback on platforms.

It's done. The copyright issues that blocked its availability for so long are finally being resolved. "My lawyers are taking care of it," Rim'K said in a recent interview relayed by Le Parisien. And frankly, we can say that we were waiting for this return. Because beyond the legal issues and legal obstacles, Les Princes de la ville is an album that is part of French musical heritage. It is a classic that deserves to be listened to and re-listened to by new generations.

So, get your headphones ready and get in the mood. This long-awaited return is more than just an addition to Spotify or Apple Music. It's a historic moment for French rap, a return to the roots for those who grew up with these songs, and a discovery for those who, due to lack of availability, had missed out.

And you, are you ready to dive back into the world of Les Princes de la ville? Whether you knew the era or not, one thing is certain: the legacy of 113 is here to stay.