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La Résurrection de KDD

by Spencer Ross

As I said in my review of the French film, Ponette, it’s rare that I review something that is foreign, because there are two factors that must be considered in my review: the art behind the project and the language barrier. With French media, it’s slightly easier for me to pickup as I can understand some words and read others. In that light, it was necessary for me to find the lyrics to my burnt copy of Kartel Double Détente’s (KDD) 1998 release, Résurrection, for me to review the album.

I’m not familiar with KDD’s work and internet searches for the band turn up with minimal success, but the band’s second (or third?) album is rather impressive. There are a wide spectrum of raps and varied samples ranging from Thelma Houston’s "Don’t Leave Me This Way" on the title track, to graduation’s classical "Land of Hope and Glory" by Sir Edward Elgar on "Une Princess est Morte." The beats on the album vary in tempo and complexity, adding dimension to the musical aspect of the album. As with virtually every rap album, there’s a minute long intro rap that sets the mood on the rest of the album. French rappers rap about the same subjects- the sex, the violence, etc- however, the lyrics on this album are far more superior to anything American rappers would write. Even in the rap field, France is clearly more artistic and the lyrics on this album are like poetry rolling off their tongues. "L’organisation" opens "Les balles fillent comme des lasers [The bullets cut like lasers]." These types of metaphors carry through the rest of the album as well. American culture has had an impact on this group as they rap "Je marche comme Johnny Walker, swingue comme un Ohio player…[I walk like Johnny Walker, swing like an Ohio player]" on my favorite song, "Nouveau Combat." The longest song, "Une femme tue un soldat" has references to Mariah Carey and also has an interlude near the end, where an American rapper has a discussion with KDD on racism and what goes on in the streets.

If you know the language, this album is truly powerful insofar as rap albums go. Even though there are American rappers that have both lyrical and stylistic talent, there are many that are just in it to make the big bucks. KDD doesn’t seem this way. Rap really hasn’t seems to catch in France (or that’s my knowledge) but KDD seems like they’re probably decent if they could get signed to Sony Records France. I can’t understand every lyric they sing, even with the lyrics in front of me, but sometimes music is good because it sounds good. As long as there’s some sort of flow to the music, I’ll enjoy it. The four star Résurrection is just that- music to my ears.

to get the lyrics for the album, click here
for another quick review in french (it can be translated on altavista), click here
another article in french on them

3/23/00