Maska: Prie pour moi

A new video for the track Prie pour moi by Sexion d'assaut member Maska.

The release sees him alongside his fellow Sexion d'assaut member Maitre Gims, as he now launches his solo career.

Maître Gims was one of France's biggest selling acts last year, with his debut solo album leading to a series of singles.

Maska's already released a couple of solo tracks online in recent months, and featured on the Les chroniques du Wati Boss compilation that came out last year.

 A second volume is expected in the next few months

Maska's debut solo album, to be entitled Espace temps, is expected to be released in October 2014.

Urban Peace Three: French Hip Hop festival at Stade de France

This weekend sees the Urban Peace Three festival taking place at the Stade de France, probably the highest
profile hip hop festival in the country.

As well as a showcase for the genre with some of the biggest acts in France participating, it provides a clear snapshot as to the current health of the country's hip hop scene which remains vigorous and hugely popular.

Previously the event has been held in 2002 and 2008, this year the focus is on urban peace and solidarity.

Headlining the bill are Sexion d'Assaut, an act who are probably France's biggest hip hop act in recent years. Their show comes ahead of the relase of a new 'best of' collection in November.



Also at the top are IAM , who have not only had a long career,  haveing been at the forefront since the 90s, but have this year enjoyed a  higher profile than ever following their number one Art Martiens collection and subsequent single releases.



Elsewhere on the bill is  Rohff, a rappers whose albums have reached the top ten of the French charts for over a decade. His latest, a double entitled P.D.R.G. has just been released.



OrleSan takes the stage too, his last collection - 2011's Le Chant des sirènes selling over 100,000 copies. He recently appeared on the new Stromae album Racines carrée.



Stromae himself appears at the event, his new album - one of 2013's most anticipated releases- still at number one in the French charts. He's recently confirmed he'll be undertaking an arena tour round France in 2014.



Another acts who has had a high profile this year is Maître Gims, who has made a significant impression as a solo artist while also being a key player in the  Sexion d'Assaut team. His debut solo came out earlier in 2013, and it is being re-issued as a special edition with bonus tracks in November.



Psy 4 de la Rime make a return, having played at the two previous Urban Peace events. The Marseilles act had enjoyed considerable success early in the 21st century and split to pursue solo careers. They reformed this year, and their 4eme dimension collection was released and reached the top three in France.



Also taking the stage is Youssoupha, whose Noir Désir album from last year reached number three in the French charts. This year saw the release of its follow up, entitled On se connaît.


Meanwhile, La Fouine, and artist who has been an associate of Youssoupha also appears. Youssoupha featured on La Fouine's 2013 single Il se passe quelque chose. His Drôle de parcours collection reached number one earlier this year.

Maska: Lève ton verre

Another track from the Les chroniques du Wati Boss collection by the Sexion D'Assaut family gets the
promotional treatment.

This time its the track Lève ton verre by Sexion D'Assaut member Maska.

It follows the track Hasta la Vista by Maître Gims with L'Institut which emerged as a clip last week.

2013 continues to be a busy time for Sexion D'Assaut and their various members, the new collection obviously intenderd to draw attention to the solo careers following the success of the debut album by Maître Gims entitled Subliminal, which was released earlier this year.

Maska looks set to be the next band member to release an album, but as yet no details of the title have emerged.

Meanwhile, Sexion d'Assaut play in Paris at the end of September for the Urban Peace 3 hip hop event at the Stade de France.

Wati B: Les chroniques du Wati Boss

A new release of a rap compilation on the Wati B label, a company that's in recent years been at the
forefront of French rap with acts like Sexion d'Assaut, Dry and Maître Gims.

It's also branched out into clothing with a shop in Paris and a range of clothing and accessories. Music merchandise has come a long way from the days of bands just flogging a tour T shirt at the stall at their gigs.

The album Les chroniques du Wati Boss features unreleased performances by artists on the label

Maître Gims performs the track Hasta la Vista with L'Institut in a  video to promote the album, and given the success of the debut album by Gims, released earlier this year, it should attract more listeners to other acts on the label,

Sexion d'Assaut members Maska, JR O Crome and Black Mesrimes are also present, with their solo work getting some of the spotlight.

Sexion d'Assaut play in Paris at the end of September for the Urban Peace 3 hip hop event at the Stade de France.