RK

Initially keeping details about his private life strictly confidential, Meaux-based youngster Ryad “RK” Kartoum (born November 7th, 2001) took the French rap scene by storm from an early age, dabbling in music from his pre-teens but making his full-fledged debut in 2017 with his first single, “1re Mi-temps #RiyadMahrez.” Earning an early endorsement from fellow rapper Sofiane, he subsequently landed a high-profile guest appearance on TV show Planète Rap and went on to establish his own label, 3.5.7, alongside a number of his musical allies shortly thereafter. It went on to become an imprint of Universal in 2018, and RK’s debut album, Insolent, arrived via the label later the same year, topping the national charts and rapidly obtaining platinum certification. The emergent emcee’s gold-selling second album, Rêves de Gosse (2019), and third LP, Neverland (2020), promptly followed, the latter of which peaked at Number 2 in France, topped charts in Belgium’s Wallonia region, and also reached the Top 10 in Switzerland. He concluded the year with the release of a deluxe edition of the album, preceded by several singles including the hit “God Bless.” Staying active in 2021, he resurfaced in January with the trappy DJ Quick and DA Uzi link-up “Coffre Chargé” and the low-slung Tiitof collaboration “Avec ou sans toi”, both of which showcased his recognizable melodic style of rap delivery. His highly anticipated fourth album 100 Rancunes dropped in July 2021 and featured the Maes collaborative track “Petit cœur,” an infectious pop-rap number that placed 65th on SNEP’s Singles Chart. In 2022, the MC scored yet another Top 10 entry with his fifth studio full-length and major-label debut Mentalité (Part. 1), which entered the French charts at Number 7.