Born in 1977 in Les Abymes, Guadeloupe, as Alix Mathurin, Kery James founded the group Idéal J at age 13, then joined the collective Mafia K’1 Fry, establishing himself as a leading figure of conscious, political French rap. His debut solo album, Si C’était à Refaire (2001), certified gold, allowed him to sell out the Olympia. He reached a new peak with À l’Ombre du Show Business (2008), a platinum record carried by “Banlieusards” and a collaboration with Charles Aznavour. Also an actor, director and screenwriter, he continues a socially engaged body of work exploring inequality and suburban life.