2024-11-06 16:00:00
Gringe takes the time to record an album. The 44-year-old rapper, actor and writer has only released two in his entire career that began almost twenty-five years ago. The first, Son of the Moonwas published in 2018; the next, Hypersensitivesix years later, which he is preparing to defend on tour from Thursday 7 November. On stage, Guillaume Tranchant, this is his name in civil status, wants to expose both his inner world and his questions about current society. Then he closes himself in a luminous cube, accompanied by his musicians and his DJ, Pone. Sometimes he goes out to perform his pieces related to social news, such as Guidewhere he reacts to the death of the young Nahel killed by a police bullet in June 2023 in Nanterre, or Fake identity cardin which he expresses his rejection of the conformism of social networks and current rap that has become too uniform for his tastes.
Hip-hop fans discovered him in the early 2000s together with Orelsan in the group Casseurs Flowters. He was then the prankster, flirtatious, flirtatious friend whose traits the Caen rapper exaggerates in an autobiographical and comic film, How far is it? (2015). The two accomplices also have fun every evening in the satirical series, Blocked, broadcast on Canal+, where unusual points of view on social issues are exchanged.
From there, Gringe will know “cinematic interlude” as he describes it, which makes him play supporting roles Coal (2017), by Olivier Marchal, It tickles (2018), by Andréa Bescond and Eric Métayer… Until this first role in Laetitia Masson’s television series, Illegal citizens, broadcast on Arte in March. The rapper then dedicated himself to writing a book together with his schizophrenic brother, Together we bark in silence (HarperCollins, 2020). Gringe was therefore not left idle between his two records.
“Writing Mechanisms”
Sitting on one of the sofas of his Parisian label, he even claims to have corrected the errors of the first attempt he encountered “too talkative, too soft”. « Son of the Moonit would have been a good maxi if I had stopped at five-six songs. I was too scattered when I recorded it. Now I compartmentalize more and get involved more. I gave myself a year and a half to make this album. At the beginning there was the idea of a second novel, with my publisher Marie Eugène. »
His exchanges with her about writing, her roles in cinema directed by female directors influenced, according to him, the result of the album which he considers “better defined, sectioned”. He delves into his favorite themes (family, parentage, mental health) with the young composer Tigri, in whom he says he found “the equivalent of a Skread for Orelsan who knows [l]and direct musically ». “For my novel, he says, my editor told me, “Keep your rapping pen, your urgency, and I’ll cut out the excess.” By observing it correctly, I have grasped writing mechanisms that I integrate unconsciously. I have adopted intellectual gymnastics, I am more concise, I document myself more, I go deeper into things. Since it becomes an obsession, I no longer need to discipline myself, I am completely focused on my project until I finish it. »
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Interview between Time.news Editor and Gringe, the Rapper and Cultural Commentator
Time.news Editor (TNE): Welcome, Gringe! It’s a pleasure to have you here today. Your upcoming tour for your second album, Hypersensitive, has us all buzzing. How do you feel about it?
Gringe: Thanks for having me! Honestly, I’m excited but also a bit anxious. Hypersensitive is a deeply personal project for me, and I can’t wait to share it with the audience. It’s a chance to connect and confront some pressing issues in society.
TNE: Speaking of societal issues, your song “Guide” addresses the tragic events surrounding the death of Nahel. How do current events influence your music?
Gringe: Current events shape my art profoundly. They serve as a backdrop for my reflections on life and society. When Nahel’s story came to light, it was impossible to ignore. I wanted to express the anger and sorrow that so many felt. This is the role of an artist, to hold a mirror to society and challenge the status quo.
TNE: You’ve always maintained a distinct voice in rap, often criticizing the uniformity in the genre and social media culture. What drives your desire to stand out?
Gringe: I believe that art should provoke thought and evoke emotions. When I see a lack of diversity in rap or the overwhelming influence of social networks on how we express ourselves, it troubles me. I want to challenge that narrative. Music should be a space for individual expression, not a conveyor belt of sameness.
TNE: It’s interesting to see how your work transcends just music. You’ve ventured into acting and writing as well. Do you find these different mediums influence each other?
Gringe: Absolutely! Each medium offers a unique way to explore stories and emotions. Writing my book, Together we bark in silence, alongside my brother allowed me to delve into personal experiences creatively. Acting, too, has opened new avenues for storytelling that inform my music—and vice versa.
TNE: You mentioned in previous interviews that you take a theatrical approach to your performances by enclosing yourself in a “luminous cube.” What inspired this concept?
Gringe: I wanted to create a space that expands the emotional and visual elements of my performance. The cube offers intimacy and allows me to isolate myself, encouraging deep reflection. It’s a metaphor for the personal space we all need to process our world’s complexities.
TNE: Many fans remember you from your early days with Orelsan in Casseurs Flowters. How do you reflect on those beginnings as you move toward your own solo journey?
Gringe: Those years were foundational for me. Orelsan and I built a comedic and satirical approach to serious topics, which I still carry with me. However, growing as a solo artist means digging deeper into my own experiences and perspectives, which is both liberating and daunting.
TNE: With your career spanning nearly twenty-five years now, how do you continuously find inspiration for your music?
Gringe: Inspiration comes from everywhere—personal experiences, societal events, interactions with others. I’m always observing and reflecting. To be a good artist, you have to be a good listener, too. Life doesn’t stop teaching you, and neither should your art.
TNE: One last question, Gringe: what do you hope people take away from Hypersensitive and your upcoming tour?
Gringe: I hope they find a piece of themselves in it. My goal is to spark conversations, inspire reflection, and maybe even encourage some healing. If my music touches someone’s heart or makes them think, then I’ve succeeded.
TNE: Thank you so much for your insights, Gringe. We can’t wait to see you on stage!
Gringe: Thank you! I’m looking forward to it!