Marseille is more than ever at the forefront of the urban scene, and Naps has something to do with it. Between his highly anticipated albums or his notable participation in "13'Organisé", the rapper proudly represents his city, but is also a connoisseur of fashion and streetwear. Project X Paris has therefore offered him to be the face of the new 2021 collection.
Naps, a Marseille icon
In recent years, Marseille has once again become a capital city in French rap. After IAM, Fonky Family, and Psy4 de la Rime, the next generation was somewhat expected, but now it's here and well-established. This new generation is mainly led by Jul, obviously, and Naps, as well as Soso Maness. Following in the footsteps of Kalif Hardcore's music, Jul and Naps have forged ahead to give their rap that special, sunny sound, with a mix of very raw lyrics and autotune. All of this is sprinkled with authentic Marseille slang, often with a good dose of confidence and class. Versatile, he employs many well-known beatmakers in the industry to liven up his albums: CDR, Zeg P, Napalm Beats, and he has already collaborated with all the greatest rap artists of his generation. Notably, in no particular order, Ninho (with whom he shares the same affection for the Project X Paris brand), SCH, Vald, Soolking, Maes, Heuss l'Enfoiré, and many others.
Validated by his colleagues, by the street, and also supported by his entire city, Naps has made certifications rain with his albums released since 2015. If today everyone knows what we're talking about when we say "Marseille rap" or "Southern rap", it's thanks to the music, but also to the attitude. Thanks to Naps, in particular, Marseille has become the place for all clothing experiments these past 5-6 years. With rather daring outfits: we particularly remember the epidemic of fluorescent-colored football shirts from Thailand, as well as tracksuits bearing the emblems of major football clubs. Marseille has been a true inspiration for today's streetwear, and Naps is one of its crafters. Project X Paris has therefore logically approached the one who has become one of the fashion icons of today's urban culture.
But Naps is not just about streetwear. His aesthetic is also inspired by the Miami vibe, with quite bling-bling, open shirts, and a small chain on the chest à la Tony. Overall, we can feel that he's been greatly inspired by gangster films from the 80s and 90s, in which everyone had an incredible look, either hyper exuberant or very classy and understated with Italian suits. From the era of "Pochon Bleu", a true commercial hit and summer anthem of 2017, to his participation in "13'Organisé" or his new album "Les Mains faites pour l'Or", the Marseille rapper has managed to impose his musical and graphic touch to the delight of his many fans. A sunny, joyful, catchy touch with a lot of good humor, reflecting the city of Marseille, an important crossroads of current urban culture. So important that Project X Paris is available in several shops around the Phocaean city, particularly on the famous Avenue Saint-Antoine, or in the city center, Rue Saint-Ferréol.
Naps & Project X Paris, a logical collaboration
Naps is therefore comfortable with all styles, whether it's wearing sweatpants with a sweatshirt or a hoodie, or much more classic and understated pieces. With a pronounced penchant for very daring clothes, it's therefore natural that he has partnered with Project X Paris for the new 2021 collections. He has tried several styles, so we were able to notice this little chameleon-like side of the artist, at ease in all atmospheres.
He obviously loved the pastel outfit with the joggers and the zipless hoodie, but he equally liked the white outfit, with a simple sweatshirt and a huge butterfly motif, on both the top and the sweatpants. These are very understated pieces, which contrast a bit with the Marseille native's usual style, but they suit him perfectly. Never one to shy away from the spotlight, he readily participated in the photoshoot, striking poses in sometimes quite amusing situations: lying down surrounded by green and purple bills, or perched on his bike, always in good spirits. All of this took place in a beautiful house not far from the Louvre, the perfect place to create a contrast between luxury and the very extravagant side of streetwear (as well as that of the artist).
But where it fits best is when Project X Paris has him wear the most extravagant clothes. Naps is someone who is quite lively, with a lot of humor and who quickly stands out, whether in life or in a featured track. When he put on the blue or green tie-dye outfits, bingo, it was a perfect match. Not everyone is necessarily ready to own this kind of piece, but he wears them without batting an eye, very at ease, same for the unisex outfit with the numerous PXP logos, which is not the most classic of clothes we offer. The rapper is fearless and owns everything, just like with his music. He's not afraid to try things, to dare, and it's very often successful, that's why he represents very well the bold and innovative side of the Project X Paris brand.