Customer Reviews

L'Ecole Du Micro D'Argent

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Hiphop at it's best. Even if you don't understand the lyrics.
lyrically, this is top notch.. even above most american rhymers.
it's deep and poetic but still raw.
musically, it's even better. The beats sound like a better and more catchy version of the traditional wu-sound. They even have wu-people featuring on a track (horribly outshined by the residents). Beatiful samples that complement the atmosphere of the track laced with fat ass drums and heavy bass. You can consider this the french illmatic, only this has 6 more tracks.
There are no annoying interludes, intro's or anything. They get started right away with the bombastic title track and don't slow down untill 16 songs later.

There is nothing to skip, it doesn't bore.. every track has a catchy beat, turntablism, impeccable flows and chorusses and is exactly the right length. That's something rap artists rarely manage to do (i could name maybe 15 american albums that achieve the same, at most), and pretty much no one that can do 16 tracks like that.

no matter what you think you know about the french, french rap or rap in general, you need this record. This is the art in it's purest and realest form. I've seen people that hate rap and listen classical dig this record, i've seen people raised on american rap havin their minds blown by this..

In this country all our popular music is either American, British or Australian - I only managed to come across this through recommendation by a Frenchman (in Paris) makes you wonder what you might be missing out on!?
Anyhow, even though I only speak a little French I am still able to enjoy this album immensely, the beats, sampling, singing etc are incredible, very atmospheric - just about the best I've heard. The phrases I am able to understand seem quite philosophical.
Absolute A-grade music.

After purchasing this album, I would have to say that it is a 'MUST OWN' hip-hop disc. Their musical style is a mix of 'old-school' rap with heavy bass-beats, along with some really dynamic samples mixed within. I speak very little french, but I do enjoy the flow of their lyrics and the heavier bass-sound hip-hip. If you only buy one french hip-hop disc, GET THIS ONE!!! YOU WON'T BE DISSAPPOINTED!!! I PROMISE!!!

Don't miss this particular LP, a real jewel! Even if u don't understand french lyrics (which are in this case incredibly mature). The last track is simply great, it's about day to day life in the suburbs, near Marseille. Struggle with police, trouble with dope etc... The backgroung music is smooth groove, always a pleasure, never bothering. These guys must have listened to a lot of good stuff from the 80's! The inspiration comes from funky stuff from 1982-83 to the real east coast hip hop sound, helped in that by several members of the Wu Tang.
Buy this CD eyes closed, u won't regret it! Don't download it, buy it! These guys need to be rewarded for being so good!

This is my first IAM album, and honestly? I wish I found this album years ago. Even though I didnt use to speak french then I know I would've appreciated this album's heart and amazing production at the very least. IAM is true hiphop through n through. They tackle deep problems about societal neglect and perceptions in songs like "Petit frere" et "Demain, c'est loin", they have chill songs like "Bouger la tete"... even their more boastful bravado-filled songs like "La Saga" (which has a Wu-affiliated feature) are just impressive in not only their production but in their content and delivery. Hell, in very the first song "L'ecole du micro d'argent" they make their approach and purpose in rap seem as if they were a force of nature entering an ancient battle in the defense of honor. That's the first song! It gets that ill right off the bat!

IAM lacks some of the flare and overt personality as a group like NTM (Joey Starr to be specific), but I think this might be the best rap album that I've ever heard, french or english. It deserves the praise it gets. This is an awesome album, there's a three-way-tie in my mind about which song I like best but I highly recommend you listen to "Empire du Cote Obscur", "Demain, c'est loin", and "L'ecole du micro d'argent" if you're interested in checking out this album.

I've been listening to this CD regularly since I bought it in France over 10 years ago. I can say that about maybe a handful of other CDs. La classe on dirait...

IAM, one of the most legendary french rap group, alongside NTM and Fonky Family, single-handedly converted millions to hip hop with this album. A classic, ninja-themed album, with a strong Wu Tang afiliation, with so many gems. It's amazing but true, all sixteen tracks are instant classics. Besides Illmatic, it's about the only album I can honestly listen from start to finish and enjoy each track.
This album covers so much, touch on so many issues, in terms of how the media displays/promotes inner city youth's violence, about the limited artistic liberty of expression, the african roots of hip hop, and many other themes with depth but without sounding like a dry school book.
In fact, some of most memorable tracks are the funky ones, the ones where they just go with the flow and have fun with it.
This album sounds organic, with so many talented MCs variously spread accross tracks, it's as if they feed upon each other's vibe, and just succeed to maintain a balance between bravardo and social awareness.
The U.S had the Wu Tang, France had IAM, and it'll take something of a miracle before a group of emcees can take the throne from the lyrical shaolins of the golden era schooled in the art of the iron mic.

"Une musique pas faite pour cent personnes mais pour des millions."

This album IS fantastic. I agree with the other 2 writers about this c.d., but what they failed to mention, is that, despite being french, and from Marseilles (most of them)the group has a Wu-Tang style about them. That is what their style has succumbed too. Not only that, but the fact that they have a couple of Wu-Tang members (Killah Priest and Hell Razah from Sunz of Man) on this album shows that they love what they do, and do it with great style. On Revoir du Printemps, they have Method Man and Redman on their album. Unbelieveable how well these guys rap, that they can get such greats as those two.
They are just that good. Cop any of their albums, especially this one. Dangereux is my favorite track

Finally rap without swearing! This album is wonderful! I used to hate French rap, but this album proved me wrong! Every song contains a moral point. It is directed to every one of us both young and old. I even know someone that listens to classical music that loved the album. If you understand French, please pay close attention to the lyrics. YOU ARE GOING TO LOVE IT!

I don't know any French, but this album is amazing. It is on the WU-TANG level and there is even some WU in it. I can listen to this cd all day. The beats are unreal, and they have good flow.