Interview WithCaballero & JeanJass

Photography © Romain Garcin

Photography © Romain Garcin

"We have always been competitive

 with each other, but it's wholesome."

"We have always been

competitive with each other,

but it's wholesome."

In this dual-voice interview, we meet one of the most mystical duos of the Belgian Rap Game and, without question, the most famous; I'm talking about Caballero and JeanJass. Although their audience knows them as a duo, the two famous rappers started their careers as solo artists.  

We met them today for this brand new concept, created by the imagination of these two Rap Game outsiders who decided to release their solo project simultaneously. Between brotherhood, unity and their own identity, these two Belgian phenomena talk to A Rap & A Cup Of Tea about their creative process to come up with their respective new projects.  

With a good sense of humour, Caballero & JeanJass, known for hits such as "Dégeulasse," "Sur Mon Nom," and "Californie," will not fail to seduce you.  

Can you tell me more about your career and your highlights?  

JeanJass: It's hard to list all the highlights... In short, we met in 2011 and started working on our first project, Double Hélice 1, in 2016. It's a trilogy with volumes 2 and 3. We also made a web series called "High et fine herbes" where we combined our two passions for plants and food. (laughs) And we just released a double solo album with one part each, like OutKast did a long time ago.  

Caballero: When "Repeat" — one of the singles from Double Hélice — was released, it was my first experience, and I must say that it was very memorable and enjoyable. "High et fine herbes" I also think we created something original that was not done in Europe or the French Rap scene. The Olympia sold-out show is also one of the three things that marked me.  

What made you want to release a solo album at the same time?  

C: I think it's in the pursuit of originality. Exclusive content... We really like that aspect of things in music. It's a bit like a new formula, a new breath of freshness.  

Was it obvious for you to keep this "duo" style when releasing your respective projects simultaneously?

J: We could have released a solo project separately, but that would have had many drawbacks...  As Caba said, we wanted to come up with something original. No one else in the French Rap scene has done what we did. And besides that, for the people who follow us, we also had solo careers before forming a duo, but most of them only know us as a duo. It was a more subtle way to remind them of that and to offer a new formula, as Caba said.

Did you work together on the themes of your albums, or did you go through the creative process alone?

C: Not really, we went our own way. Obviously, we work in the same studio, so we have established a familiar rhythm and techniques. We always work together, and he would do it if we had something to play with the other. I think we are great at advising each other. When we are well supported, it is often easier.

 Why did you choose OSO and Hat Trick as your album name?

J: I had my cover in mind for a long time and was looking for an excellent title related to football, but not a cheesy one. And "Hat Trick" is about scoring three goals in the same game. It's quite an exceptional performance, an ego trip. It's like saying, "Here I come, and I'm going to score three goals." Sometimes, people think you spend a few months thinking about that when I only put 5 minutes into it. (laughs)

C: "Oso" in Spanish means "bear". It became one of my aliases over time, like a nickname or a totem animal. I felt that it fit me well with this project. 

How did you feel about doing a whole solo project? Were you more accessible or a bit lost when faced with all the possibilities? 
J: I looked at it as a new playground. Of course, there are moments when you need to step back and ask for others' opinions. But it also allows you to dig deep into your own story and feelings. It was very inspiring for me. 
C: I totally agree with you. (laughs)

Can you tell me more about your respective featuring? Is there one with a particular story behind it?  

C: For me, I must admit that there is no particular story...  Back in the days of "High et fines herbes" we tried to make many featurings with our managers' help to establish new connections. With this project, I wanted to collaborate with people I like making music with. Indeed, we didn't have previous experience with PLK, but he's someone I've known for a long time, and I get along very well with him. It was the right time to do this feat with him. So, I chose to go with people close to me instead.  

J: As for me, I had an absolute blast. I'm a big fan of Akhenaton from IAM. He's the French rapper I've listened to the most and greatly admire. I've been dreaming of doing a song with him for a long time. I had already written my part and it turned out to be our song "Mains Qui Prient". At first, I thought of taking it as a solo, and when I listened to it one morning, I said to myself: "Damn, this reminds me of some AKH songs!" So I contacted him on WhatsApp through some mutual friends and within an hour I had him on the phone. Not even a week later, I got his verse in my mailbox. It's the easiest featuring I've ever done; it can't be easier than that. (laughs) 

"We wanted to come up with something original,

like a new formula :

Our solo album released simultaneously."

"We wanted to come up with

something original, like a

new formula : Our solo album

released simultaneously."

Does the fact that each of you is releasing a solo album create a sort of competition between you two? 

J: Yeah, totally. (laughs)

C: I don't think it did at that point mainly. I believe we have always been competitive with each other, but it's wholesome.  

J: Like Caba said, we have always had this competition where we want to improve. We constantly motivate and boost each other, you know? 

 Is there an ultimate message that you want to convey through your respective projects?

J: We strongly believe in this 'strength in unity' concept. We came from two different teams before we got to know each other. I've known my DJ for 10 years, and it's been great. I've known my manager since I was 15, so personally, that's how it's always worked: by sticking together. These are strong values that I believe in, and they inspire our work. 

It is often said that Belgian artists, like Stromae or Damso, are ahead of their time with their music compared to the French. You also confirm this theory by creating this "join-solo" project, which is a first. What do you think about it?  

J: For us, it's hard to have an objective opinion, but what is sure is that we are living a 'golden age' in music. Not only Belgian and French rappers but also worldwide. Everybody can rap today. It's really a great time to make music, and we're fully committed to our craft, that's for sure.

In the OSO album, we can see several tracks in Spanish, like "Ya No Sé",  "Para Siempre", and "Arriba". Is it essential for you to put forward your Spanish origins? 

C: It's natural. If I really had to express myself and show my true colours, it's natural that I bring up my Spanish origins. Of course, you will find my mother tongue and origins here. And I find it quite cool too.  

In "Qu'est ce qui m'arrive", JeanJass, you talk about the dehumanising aspects of being famous. In this song, we have the impression that sometimes you don't feel like you belong.  

J: Luckily, that's not what I'm experiencing. (laughs) Many things inspired me in the lives of famous friends. That's how I got to see the perverted aspect of the celebrity life. I kind of analysed and criticised it through this song.  

Do you think your fans were receptive to this project, or do you feel they are a bit confused, like "you're not going to do any more projects together"?  

C: Well, there are always people who are more apprehensive than others and don't like being pushed around.  

J: It's clearly a minority because, personally, I've never received that kind of message... I think for Caba it's no different? Even in terms of numbers, although it's not something I'm interested in per se, my manager told me it's doing very well, so it feels good. I think we have a great fanbase, and I realised that even more so for this project.  

Who would you like to do a featuring with?  

J: With Caba! (laughs)

C: I would say Drake or Kendrick!  

J: You're right; it doesn't hurt to dream! (laughs)  I can't wait to do a feat with them and Rosalia!

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