GIMS (FR)

About

Also known as: Gandhi Djuna, Gims, Maitre Gims, Maître Gims

Few French rappers have racked up a run like GIMS. Born in Kinshasa and raised in Paris, he first made his name as the melodic backbone of Sexion d'Assaut, the hip hop collective whose albums went double diamond in France. His solo debut Subliminal arrived in 2013, hit number two on the French charts, and eventually crossed the million copy mark, launching a streak of certified hits that made him the most played artist on French TV and radio in 2018. His song "La même" was the most played track in France that year, and he has topped the French singles chart five times. What sets GIMS apart is his range: his albums blend hardcore rap with pop urban sounds, and he has shared tracks with Sia, Pitbull, Lil Wayne, Stromae, Sting, and Maluma, among others. He performed "Arhbo" at the closing ceremony of the 2022 FIFA World Cup alongside Ozuna. His fifth album Les dernières volontés de Mozart reached platinum in 2024, and that same year he scored another number one with "Spider". He also dropped the EP Le Nord se souvient in September 2024, his first since 2006.