Kalash at the top of style

Surpassing 300 million views on YouTube with a single clip is not something every artist achieves. But Kalash is not like other artists: authentic, uncompromising, multifaceted, he is a true atypical star of the rap game and does not hesitate to show his uniqueness, whether in clips, fashion shows, or photoshoots for Project X Paris.

Kalash, the artist with a thousand facets If we go back to the 90s or 2000s and told you that a Martiniquais artist would dominate the French charts with hardcore lyrics and reggae/dancehall sounds, you would never have believed it. Worse, you might have even asked what dancehall was, even though it was probably already the most consumed music in the Caribbean. The style had not yet imposed itself in France. If today the population is much more educated about these sounds, it is largely thanks to huge stars like Admiral T or Kalash. The first, from Guadeloupe, opened the door and at 41 years old, he can be said to have served as an example with a long and successful career. He even created bridges with many French artists who wanted to collaborate with the Antillean star, which helped spread dancehall throughout France. The second, Kalash, literally sat on the throne of the game, being validated by all the biggest names and achieving view counts almost no one could have dreamed of.

However, not everything was necessarily written for the rapper/singer (call him what you want, he can do it all). His father was a big fan of Lenny Kravitz and music but also a very devout believer, and Kalash attended mostly religious schools during his education. Not always very in tune with dancehall codes... But as often in his career, he found his own path. A path that began a long time ago, as he has almost 20 years of career. Initially very present in local underground scenes, he released his first album, "Kalash," in 2010. But just before his third project, "Kaos," he achieved much broader success. His single "Bando" was reshared by Booba, who signed him soon after on his label. With this album and what followed, the artist even made history in this music genre. Immediately, his ease in playing with his voice stands out and sets him apart in a game dominated by autotune and filtered voices. His two features with B2O on this third project convinced a metropolitan audience little educated in these sounds, as well as the cult freestyle OKLM alongside Booba, Niska, and Damso. Then the following year, 2017, came the breakthrough with "Mwaka Moon."

A project led by the eponymous single featuring Damso, which surpassed 300 million views on YouTube and continues to climb. More than PNL's "Au DD," filmed on the Eiffel Tower, to give an idea. Beyond this single, the project is perfectly balanced, and visually, all clips from the album are slaps. Lyrically, which obviously talk about street stories, he takes a stand on various issues like police violence and racism. A rebellious side that has not left him on his next two projects, "Diamond Rock" and "Tombolo." He also talks a lot about spirituality and Martiniquais culture, an identity he is very proud of. Now established as a reference in his field, he multiplies original attempts, features, and seems to flourish in all styles he tries. A versatility that is also a strong point for his career beyond music.

The Kalash x PXP collab Because Kalash had the chance to walk the runway at Fashion Week for a French luxury brand, Blue Marble. And between investing in fashion or simply wearing big brands, and walking in front of hundreds of professionals at Fashion Week, there is a big step. A challenge brilliantly overcome by the artist who impressed, if only by the boldness of walking Fashion Week as a French "rapper," something unthinkable even five years ago. The collaboration with him went wonderfully well because we love this kind of very versatile artist profile who feels at home at Project X Paris. To start gently, we gave him some "classic" streetwear pieces from the 90's capsule, with a two-tone striped set in white and brown, and an oversized varsity-style jacket with patches on top. All in a nice underground and mystical setting, with the Apollo Sano quad (even though we know he prefers two wheels since the "Mada" clip).

Then a change of scenery with a very light white piece sprinkled with speakers, a little nod to his profession. For the outfit, we started moving to something a bit more exuberant, especially in colors, but it fits him like a glove. Sunglasses firmly fixed, Kalash wore the Varsity set looking very comfortable. At the same time, a university striped jogging bottom, a university hoodie in the same colors, and the look is complete. For those a bit shy, we also had him try the two-tone padded varsity-style oversized jacket in green and white like the rest, and the result is awesome. Clothes often look great on Kalash, as his many clips show. So we have an artist very comfortable with "old school" style outfits, which is normal since at 34, he has obviously integrated the 90s dress codes in which he grew up.

But he is also extremely comfortable in more recent styles. Like with this outfit directly inspired by UK drill visual codes, a music where rappers often appear masked or hooded for obvious legal reasons. The black geometric padded vest from the Drill & Drip capsule proves that Kalash has perfectly grasped the new codes; he even dares to wear the balaclava to complete the perfect driller outfit. All in dark black, of course. Without the vest and balaclava, he remains in a Signature Project X Paris set, the flagship set of our catalog, obviously very well worn by Kalash and "pimped" with some jewelry. An artist with a thousand facets, we told you! We loved working with him; it all happened with a simplicity we really appreciate at PXP, and we wish him the best in all his upcoming projects!