Photography © Koria
Photography © Koria
"I'm the first French rapper
to introduce Mumble Rap."
Who's hiding behind the name Cinco, this rapper from Choisy-Le-Roi in the Parisian suburbs of the 94, from the new generation of French-speaking rappers? A Rap & A Cup Of Tea met this ambitious, confident, forward-looking rapper.
From his singularity in the French Rap scene by being a pioneer of Mumble Rap in France to his inspirations and his incredible musical affiliation with Josman, Cinco tells us everything. This diverse and versatile rapper talks openly about his new album entitled Sacrifices.
How would you describe your unique style in French Rap, Cinco?
I'm the first French rapper to introduce Mumble Rap! I used to do raw rapping, I used to articulate and everything and in 2018, a certain vibe started to spread where American rappers were no longer articulating their words. I liked that vibe and tried to do the same thing in French. Some people liked it, others didn't... But overall, it was a success.
At the beginning of your album, in your intro, you give a kind of "warning"...
Honestly, I always knew this song would be the project's intro. I always knew I was going to use it exactly like that because I heard rumours that some rappers were copying me... That's why, in the intro, I say, "Stop comparing me". But what I'm telling you here, it also happened in 2019, it's not something that happened today, you know. That's why I say that in the intro; otherwise, there's nothing; it's all good. (laughs)
You named your album "Sacrifices", and it bears a lot of meaning.
It's true. There were a lot of sacrifices to make, especially to get this project out. In everything you do, you're going to make sacrifices. To succeed, these sacrifices help you get to the next level. A lot of things happened to me. I decided to quit music... I know that to keep going, I had to make sacrifices. That's the word that fits the project's philosophy.
Indeed, in "Level", you speak truth upon truth. Is it essential for you to convey universal truths to people?
Of course, it is. Rap used to be about "delivering a message". Now, it's different, for sure, but I still like to convey messages. Whether they're happy or sad, I always bring something. It's essential to do that.
Is there a song where you feel you have given an important message?
I like "Level" in this project because it's where I speak up the most. There are also songs like "Patchak" or "Rue D'ATL" that I like. I don't convey a great message in this last one, but I like this song because it makes me think about things in my life. We, rappers, have a real power. We can speak and be heard, you know? And if we don't, it's kind of tough... A lot of people don't know that there's a lot of shit going on. To alert, to expose, that's our job.
Was it important for you to show that you could handle all types of prods?
Yeah, I've always tried to do that on all my projects. I make music, you know; I always try and experiment with new things. Also, I wanted to keep it diverse so I wouldn't get pigeonholed, but we did it anyway. I don't think people listen to me and say, "he's got good lyrics"; they see me more as a guy who makes bangers. And it's a shame because if you sit back, you'll see that what I write is great.
Regarding the featurings, there are big names on the project. Didn't it pressure you to have artists like Tiakola, Franglish or Josman, for example?
Actually, it's a plus. It will push some people who wouldn't have laid eyes or ears on my music to do so. It's not a big pressure because the songs are good; I'm proud of them, as are the guys I worked with. It makes me pleased that more famous and mainstream guys are coming to work with guys like me; it's an absolute pleasure.
Do you have any anecdotes about these encounters?
Honestly, of all the collaborations made on this album, everything went smoothly with everyone. But with Josman, it was up a notch. I couldn't figure out what happened. (laughs) It took us a while to come up with the instrumental, maybe two hours or something like that, but once it was done... (laughs) We recorded the song fast. Plus, it's just like magic; I'd go in as soon as he came out of the booth. We really gave it our all. Of all the guys I got close to, it was with him that it clicked the best.
Do you think it's because your worlds are the most similar?
I know we don't all have the same ability to find words easily. Some will write good lyrics in 2 hours, others in 5 minutes. Me and Josman, on that particular aspect, we are a bit the same. That's why it went so fast. Because as soon as I said the first sentence, it was on, we were already flying. (laughs)
If you had carte blanche to collaborate with an artist, who would it be with?
You won't believe me if I tell you. (laughs) I started Rap because of Lil Wayne; he's my favourite rapper. But I don't want to say to him that it would be too easy. I swear on my mother's life that I would choose Justin Timberlake! (laughs) I already know that our song would be incredible.
What can we wish you for the future?
I got asked this question yesterday, I said, "I need to be wished an Urus, with a lot of people on tour, every day in concert, and a lot of money." (laughs) There is no need for good health, just success and a lot of money! (laughs)
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