1995

Inspired by the likes of Les Sages Poètes de la Rue, La Scred Connexion, and Lunatic, 1995 are a French rap outfit named after the era widely regarded as the golden age of Gallic hip-hop. MCs Alpha Wann, Areno Jaz, Fonky Flav’, Nekfeu, and Sneazzy West and beatboxer DJ Lo formed as P.O.S. in the southern suburbs of Paris in 2008 before changing their moniker two years later. A constant presence on the city’s underground urban scene, the group co-founded L’Entourage, a collective of rappers, graffiti artists, and filmmakers, before scoring YouTube hits with “Dans Ta Ressoi” and the Craig Mack-sampling “Hi Haters.” In 2011, they released their debut EP, La Source, through their own Undoubleneufcinq label and, after pursuing various solo projects, followed it up a year later with La Suite. ~ Jon O’Brien