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 no ordinary artist: authentic, uncompromising, multifaceted, he is a true atypical star of the rap game and doesn’t hesitate to show his uniqueness, whether in clips, at fashion shows, or in shoots for Project X Paris.
Kalash, the Multifaceted Artist
If we go back to the 90s or 2000s and told you that a Martinican artist would dominate the French charts with hardcore lyrics and reggae/dancehall sounds, you wouldn’t 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 hadn’t really made its mark in France yet. Today, the population is much more familiar with these sounds, largely thanks to huge stars like Admiral T and Kalash. The first, from Guadeloupe, opened the door and at 41, he can be said to have set an example with a long, successful career. He even built bridges with many French artists who wanted to collaborate with the Antillean star, which helped spread dancehall throughout France. The second, Kalash, has literally taken the throne of the game, validated by all the biggest names and achieving view counts almost no one could have dreamed of.
Yet, 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 almost exclusively religious schools. Not always very in tune with dancehall codes... But as often in his career, he found his own path. A path that started a long time ago, as he has almost 20 years of career. First very present in local underground scenes, he released his first album, “Kalash,” in 2010. But it was just before his third project, “Kaos,” that he gained much wider success. His single “Bando” was shared by Booba, who then signed him to his label. With this album and what followed, the artist even made history in this music. His ease with his voice immediately stood out in a game dominated by autotune and filtered voices. His two features with B2O on this third project convinced a metropolitan audience not very familiar with these sounds, as well as the cult freestyle OKLM with Booba, Niska, and Damso. Then in 2017 came the breakthrough with “Mwaka Moon.”
A project led by a title track featuring Damso, which surpassed 300 million views on YouTube and keeps climbing. More than PNL’s “Au DD,” the clip shot on the Eiffel Tower, to give you 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 stayed with him on his next two projects, “Diamond Rock” and “Tombolo.” He also talks a lot about spirituality and Martinican culture, an identity he is very proud of. Now established as a reference in his field, he multiplies original attempts, features, and seems to thrive in all styles he tries. A versatility that is also a strong point for his career outside music.
The Kalash x PXP Collab
Kalash had the chance to walk the runway at Fashion Week for a French luxury brand, Blue Marble. And there’s a big difference between investing in fashion or just wearing big brands and walking in front of hundreds of professionals at Fashion Week. A challenge brilliantly overcome by the artist, who impressed just by daring to walk Fashion Week as a French “rapper,” something unthinkable just five years ago. The collaboration with him went wonderfully because we love this kind of versatile artist profile at Project X Paris. To start gently, we had him try some “classic” streetwear pieces from the 90’s capsule, with a two-tone striped set, white and brown, and an oversized varsity jacket with patches on top. All set in a cool underground and mystical decor, with the Apollo Sano quad (even though we know he prefers two-wheelers since the “Mada” clip).
Then the setting changed, with a very light white piece dotted with speakers, a little nod to his profession. For the outfit, we moved to something a bit more exuberant, especially in colors, but it fits him like a glove. Sunglasses firmly in place, Kalash wore the Varsity set looking very comfortable. At the same time, a striped varsity jogging bottom, a varsity hoodie in the same colors, and the look was complete. For those a bit hesitant, we also had him try the two-tone padded varsity oversized jacket, green and white like the rest, and the result is amazing. Clothes often look great on Kalash, as shown in his many clips. So we have an artist very comfortable with “old school” style outfits, which is normal since at 34, the rapper has obviously absorbed the dress codes of the 90s 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 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’s wearing a Signature Project X Paris set, the flagship set of our catalog, obviously very well worn by Kalash and “pimped” with some jewelry. A multifaceted artist, 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!