The "Nouvelle École" is back on Netflix!
Summary
Here we go again. After a first season that broke all records, highlighting rap as a major discipline in France today, the rap talent show "Nouvelle École" is back. And this year again, it’s likely to be a hit. Let us explain why.
The "Nouvelle École" of French rap in the spotlight
It took time before rap was finally recognized as a major genre in France. Even when Franck Gastambide broke all records with his series "Validé," some still said it was "thanks to the lockdown," or "because people had nothing else to watch." A few years later, however, the conclusion is simple: rap dominates the music production industry. In terms of sales, listeners, productivity, and even diversity, since many "sub-genres" of rap have emerged in recent years, making it even richer. This year, we even had the first award ceremony organized by and for the rap game, "Les Flammes." French rap is essential, and Netflix understood that well. By adapting the American show "Rhythm + Flow" with "Nouvelle École," they probably did not expect such a huge success.
But the French-speaking audience was extremely eager for this kind of program. So it is with great curiosity and real impatience that we will watch the arrival of "Nouvelle École" season 2. A very close arrival, since the broadcast is scheduled for May 17, still on Netflix. The show has become a safe bet for the streaming platform and promises to attract even more people after the audience success of season 1. With the same ingredients as always: a jury of rap headliners, composed of Niska, SCH, and Shay, a competition lasting several rounds, featuring about a dozen contestants, and above all, a huge cash prize for the winner, who will take home 100,000 euros, if the standards remain the same as last year. Enough to invest calmly in the next steps of their career.
But it’s not just a classic talent show where the winner takes all the spotlight and the others fall into oblivion. Just look at how the artists who participated in season 1 have evolved. Obviously, Fresh, the big winner, was able to ride the wave of his victory with two projects and singles that made a strong impact. But the other contestants continue to shine as well, thanks to the advice given by industry professionals. We especially think of BB Jacques, who continued in his own universe and achieved great results with each release. Or Ben PLG, who was not the most highlighted contestant by the show but convinced everyone with his trilogy "Réalité Rap Musique" and the project that followed. Great examples of how such a show can boost you and send you to the top, even without winning.
(Fresh la Peufra - winner of Nouvelle École Season 1)
"Nouvelle École," the biggest French rap competition
It’s no coincidence that this kind of rap show is booming. It’s mainly due to a real demand from the public. But also to the quality of the French talent pool when it comes to rappers and artists in general. A pool much wider than just Île-de-France or the Marseille neighborhoods. For several years now in France, the rap scene has been active everywhere. At Project X Paris, we saw proof of this this year when we launched the contest "Your Project, Your Trace" in partnership with Trace. Supported by huge influencers like Nasdas or Kader Diaby (who also tried his luck at Rap Contenders), the contest brought us several thousand applications, with freestyles from "unknown" artists, each heavier than the last. The French rap talent pool seems inexhaustible.
For season 2 of "Nouvelle École," the production went all out in casting. In the jury, with Niska, Shay, and SCH, obviously, but especially in the choice of contestants. There are 19 so far (but the show may hold some surprises!), and they all have a very personal artistic identity. Slkrack, Coelho, Dau, Yuz Boy, Nayara, Bayass, Arka, Elso, Lpee, Warend, Comme1Flocon, K2 Shab's, Yonn, Ash to the Eye, Josué, La Valentina, Redhat, Jeremiah, and Vadek will compete to try to win the 100K, and given each one's talent, it’s hard to say who will win in the end.
Beyond the 100,000 euros, it’s mainly the respect of the judges, who are all great artists, and the recognition from the public that the artists seek. Because rappers, in the past, have always managed to release records even when there was no money. But being validated by SCH, Niska, or Shay is not given to everyone. Having access to good advice from true professionals isn’t either. So we can’t wait to see the competition start, in the purest hip hop spirit. And we are especially eager to know who will succeed Fresh la Peufra, who brilliantly won the first season of "Nouvelle École." The bets are on!