Search - Grand Corps Malade :: Midi20

Old skool meets new skool = French poetry for the Hip Hop ge

picassoKahlo | 01/19/2007

(5 out of 5 stars)

"To say the French love and admire their poets is an understatement. Le Grand Corps Malade (translates as "the big--in the sense of tall--sick body") utilizes the fundamental rules of French poetry (relying heavily on the aléxandrin, for example)and does what he calls "slams." This type of poetry is fairly equivalent to spoken word, yet I would say more stylistic. It takes spoken word up a notch by mixing the old school with the new school. It is poetry for the hip hop generation. Clear parallels can be drawn between rap and "slams" (flow, rhyming, delivery, style, social messages, etc). The album's "slams" are full of self-reflection (very philosophical) and clear views/conclusions of the world. While "slams," like spoken word, are best experienced live, this album captures the essence of poetry done amazingly well. Many "slams" are accompanied by background music and other audio that enhance the meaning of the "slams." Given that this album is completely in French, it would be preferable that you have an understanding of the language, but anyone interested in spoken word such consider checking this album out, at least for its stylistic form."

Neither song nor just spoken word

M. Richards | 04/20/2009

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I suppose it might be possible to give this four or five stars if you don't know French, but it would be like appreciating only the music and voice and not understanding the lyrics of your favorite song. That said, I speak French and this stuff is A+. incredibly tightly written, blending both classical French language and form, with words you won't always find in a dictionary that are from GCM's rough and tumble neighborhood--la banlieue. these are not really songs, but rather incredibly well delivered readings of his modern (yet classical) poetry, with a jazz influenced background music. And if it's good enough for the guy who doesn't necessarily speak French to rate it highly, you know it's pretty good just on the musical and oral delivery fronts alone (grand corps has this really deep baritone voice that is also very expressive). When you add the fact that the texts are all really well written with important and meaningful messages about life in the 'hood or just good old meaning of life stories, or even the super short humorous text, man it's worth it to learn French--and because of the format (spoken word accompanied by but not BURIED by the music) it's actually alot easier to understand than a typical French song. might not be everyone's cup of tea, but I'm hooked. already picked up his second album, "enfant de la ville" btw lots of his stuff on youtube. definitely a phenomenon. and if you want to work on your verlan, a must"

Grand Corps Malade

philophil | 06/26/2010

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This fellow is simply awesome: the power of his words are extraordinary. A great medley of poetry, philosophy and music with pitch perfect delivery."