Kohndo
Encyclopedia
Kohndo is a French rapper and producer born on June 17, 1975, in Saint-Cloud
, a suburb of Paris. Kohndo is known as one of the best lyricist in french rap. He gained recognition as a rapper during the 1990s as a part of the influential rap group, La Cliqua
.
, Kohndo moved to Benin
(West Africa) where his family originated. A few years later he moved back to France
, and grew up in Bobigny
, a suburb located north-east of Paris
. In 1984, he discovered part of Hip-Hop culture through the TV Show, H.I.P. H.O.P. hosted by Sidney
. In 1987, he relocated to the "Cité du Pont de Sèvre" (Pont de Sèvre Housing Projects) in Boulogne Billancourt, a wealthier suburb located west of Paris
. There he befriended his downstairs neighbor whose family, like his, came from Benin
, and who would be later known in the rap scene as Zoxea
, a member of Les Sages Poètes de la Rue
. With Zoxea
, Kohndo discovered the deeper aspects of Hip-Hop, and after having learned ‘human beatboxing
’ began rapping. Zoxea
introduces Kohndo to his cousin: Egosyst, with whom he formed the band: "Coup d’Etat Phonique" alongside producer Lumumba
and then-young rapper, Raphael
.
In 1994, at a radio show, Egosyst and Kohndo met Daddy Lord C, a rapper and former member of the Black Dragons, a Parisian gang. With Daddy Lord C, producer Chimiste, dj Jelahee and Rocca they would form La Cliqua
.
, Kohndo toured radios and stages, and then released, in 95, a first EP, now considered a master piece of French Rap: "Conçu pour durer" (Built to Last) on Arsenal Records. Doc Odnok delivered, for the first time on record, his then eccentric rhyming style alongside his microphone associates: Daddy Lord C, Rocca, Raphael and Egosyt. The record was an immediate success in the French Hip-Hop scene. Quickly Arsenal Records signed with major label Barclay
, and La Cliqua worked on their next project released in 1996 as a compilation album: "Arsenal Represente le Vrai Hip-Hop" (Arsenal represents the Real Hip-Hop). The record featured all members of La Cliqua and their young affiliates: Petit Boss and Cercle Vicieux.
Critically acclaimed, La Cliqua became a major feature on the French Hip-Hop landscape. They opened for Arrested Development at the Olympia
in Paris and performed in New York
at the Zulu Nation
Anniversary. Following in the footsteps of "Represente le Vrai Hip-Hop", Rocca was the first emcee from La Cliqua to release a solo album: "Entre Deux Monde" which featured Kohndo on: "Mot pour mot" and "Rap Contact 2".
In 1997, Egosyst, Kohndo's rhyme partner on "Coup d’Etat Phonique" decided to leave La Cliqua. Kohndo would remain with the band until 1998, when he left the crew to develop his solo projects and career.
's album "La fin du Monde", on Koma's "Le Reveil" and to participate in the compilations: "ZonZon" (Soundtrack) and "Paris, New York, Marseille" (along with Jay-Z
and IAM
). In 1999, Kohndo released a first EP: "Prélude à l’Odysée", establishing himself as a solo artist. The following year he released another EP: "Jungle Boogie", and then a 3rd one in 2001: "J’entends les Sirènes". On those solo projects, Kohndo exposed his vision of a Hip-Hop far from the clichés of violence and fake gangsterism.
2003 saw the release of his long-awaited album, the critically acclaimed: "Tout est écrit", presented as a recollection of "urban poetry" with welcome hints of soul and jazz. In 2004, Kohndo released "Blind Test", a compilation of older tracks and previously-unreleased materials.
Over the years Kohndo has open stages for Masta Ace
, EDO G (at Nouveau Casino), Talib KweIi, Mobb Deep
(La Scène Bastille) and Isaac Hayes
(Olympia
).
and Dwele
. Other American artists contributed to this album such as Jaheim
and Insight
with who Kohndo delivers one of the best combination of French and English lyrics ever recorded. The album was released with a DVD which featured 3 new videos, including "Dis-moi" with Slum Village
and "Stick to Ground" with Insight
, both shot in Paris. Kohndo produced 4 tracks on the album. Other producers on the album include 20Syl of Hocus Pocus
, dj Brasco as well as Jee 2 Tuluz and Stix who were already featured on "Tout est écrit".
It must be pointed out that "Deux Pieds sur Terre / Stick to Ground" offers an international angle of Hip-Hop, not only because of the featured American artists but also because it has been released in Europe, Japan, Australia and in the USA.
, Phat Kat
, Black Milk
, Wildchild, Rasco
, Declaime, etc. Kohndo is a member of the French Zulu Nation. He has collaborated on various projects and shows with french pioneer Hip-Hop Dj and main representative of the French Zulu Nation: Dj Deenasty.
Saint-Cloud
Saint-Cloud is a commune in the western suburbs of Paris, France. It is located from the centre of Paris.Like other communes of the Hauts-de-Seine such as Marnes-la-Coquette, Neuilly-sur-Seine or Vaucresson, Saint-Cloud is one of the wealthiest cities in France, ranked 22nd out of the 36500 in...
, a suburb of Paris. Kohndo is known as one of the best lyricist in french rap. He gained recognition as a rapper during the 1990s as a part of the influential rap group, La Cliqua
La Cliqua
La Cliqua is a French hip hop group, featuring Rocca, a bilingual French rapper with Colombian roots. Other members include Kohndo, Daddy Lord C and Raphaël.-External links:*http://www.momes.net/musique/rap/lacliqua/lacliqua.html...
.
Early career
After his birth in FranceFrance
The French Republic , The French Republic , The French Republic , (commonly known as France , is a unitary semi-presidential republic in Western Europe with several overseas territories and islands located on other continents and in the Indian, Pacific, and Atlantic oceans. Metropolitan France...
, Kohndo moved to Benin
Benin
Benin , officially the Republic of Benin, is a country in West Africa. It borders Togo to the west, Nigeria to the east and Burkina Faso and Niger to the north. Its small southern coastline on the Bight of Benin is where a majority of the population is located...
(West Africa) where his family originated. A few years later he moved back to France
France
The French Republic , The French Republic , The French Republic , (commonly known as France , is a unitary semi-presidential republic in Western Europe with several overseas territories and islands located on other continents and in the Indian, Pacific, and Atlantic oceans. Metropolitan France...
, and grew up in Bobigny
Bobigny
Bobigny is a commune, or town, in the northeastern suburbs of Paris, France. It is located from the center of Paris. Bobigny is the préfecture of the Seine-Saint-Denis département, as well as the seat of the Arrondissement of Bobigny...
, a suburb located north-east of Paris
Paris
Paris is the capital and largest city in France, situated on the river Seine, in northern France, at the heart of the Île-de-France region...
. In 1984, he discovered part of Hip-Hop culture through the TV Show, H.I.P. H.O.P. hosted by Sidney
Sidney
Sidney may refer to:-United States:* Sidney, Arkansas* Sidney, Illinois* Sidney, Indiana* Sidney, Iowa* Sidney, Kentucky* Sidney, Maine* Sidney, Montana* Sidney, Nebraska* Sidney , New York** Sidney , New York* Sidney, Ohio...
. In 1987, he relocated to the "Cité du Pont de Sèvre" (Pont de Sèvre Housing Projects) in Boulogne Billancourt, a wealthier suburb located west of Paris
Paris
Paris is the capital and largest city in France, situated on the river Seine, in northern France, at the heart of the Île-de-France region...
. There he befriended his downstairs neighbor whose family, like his, came from Benin
Benin
Benin , officially the Republic of Benin, is a country in West Africa. It borders Togo to the west, Nigeria to the east and Burkina Faso and Niger to the north. Its small southern coastline on the Bight of Benin is where a majority of the population is located...
, and who would be later known in the rap scene as Zoxea
Zoxea
Jean-Jacques Kodjo, a.k.a. Zoxea, was born on November 11, 1974 in Sèvres, Hauts-de-Seine. He was brought up in the Castéja Project of Boulogne-Billancourt in the suburb of Paris....
, a member of Les Sages Poètes de la Rue
Les Sages Poètes de la Rue
Les Sages Poètes de la Rue : Dany Dan, Melopheelo and Zoxea, are a French hip hop band that has profoundly influenced and keeps influencing their musical genre as a band or through their solo career.-History:...
. With Zoxea
Zoxea
Jean-Jacques Kodjo, a.k.a. Zoxea, was born on November 11, 1974 in Sèvres, Hauts-de-Seine. He was brought up in the Castéja Project of Boulogne-Billancourt in the suburb of Paris....
, Kohndo discovered the deeper aspects of Hip-Hop, and after having learned ‘human beatboxing
Beatboxing
Beatboxing is a form of vocal percussion primarily involving the art of producing drum beats, rhythm, and musical sounds using one's mouth, lips, tongue, and voice. It may also involve singing, vocal imitation of turntablism, and the simulation of horns, strings, and other musical instruments...
’ began rapping. Zoxea
Zoxea
Jean-Jacques Kodjo, a.k.a. Zoxea, was born on November 11, 1974 in Sèvres, Hauts-de-Seine. He was brought up in the Castéja Project of Boulogne-Billancourt in the suburb of Paris....
introduces Kohndo to his cousin: Egosyst, with whom he formed the band: "Coup d’Etat Phonique" alongside producer Lumumba
Lumumba
Lumumba can refer to:*Patrice Lumumba , the first Prime Minister of the Congo*Lumumba Stanislaus Di-Aping, a Sudanese diplomat and negotiator at 2009 United Nations Climate Change Conference...
and then-young rapper, Raphael
Raphael
Raffaello Sanzio da Urbino , better known simply as Raphael, was an Italian painter and architect of the High Renaissance. His work is admired for its clarity of form and ease of composition and for its visual achievement of the Neoplatonic ideal of human grandeur...
.
In 1994, at a radio show, Egosyst and Kohndo met Daddy Lord C, a rapper and former member of the Black Dragons, a Parisian gang. With Daddy Lord C, producer Chimiste, dj Jelahee and Rocca they would form La Cliqua
La Cliqua
La Cliqua is a French hip hop group, featuring Rocca, a bilingual French rapper with Colombian roots. Other members include Kohndo, Daddy Lord C and Raphaël.-External links:*http://www.momes.net/musique/rap/lacliqua/lacliqua.html...
.
The La Cliqua years
With the stage name Doc Odnok and as a part of La CliquaLa Cliqua
La Cliqua is a French hip hop group, featuring Rocca, a bilingual French rapper with Colombian roots. Other members include Kohndo, Daddy Lord C and Raphaël.-External links:*http://www.momes.net/musique/rap/lacliqua/lacliqua.html...
, Kohndo toured radios and stages, and then released, in 95, a first EP, now considered a master piece of French Rap: "Conçu pour durer" (Built to Last) on Arsenal Records. Doc Odnok delivered, for the first time on record, his then eccentric rhyming style alongside his microphone associates: Daddy Lord C, Rocca, Raphael and Egosyt. The record was an immediate success in the French Hip-Hop scene. Quickly Arsenal Records signed with major label Barclay
Barclay
-People:* Barclay , people with the surname Barclay* Clan BarclayFictional* Andy Barclay, the protagonist in the first three films of the Child's Play series* Reginald Barclay, character in Star Trek: The Next Generation-Business:...
, and La Cliqua worked on their next project released in 1996 as a compilation album: "Arsenal Represente le Vrai Hip-Hop" (Arsenal represents the Real Hip-Hop). The record featured all members of La Cliqua and their young affiliates: Petit Boss and Cercle Vicieux.
Critically acclaimed, La Cliqua became a major feature on the French Hip-Hop landscape. They opened for Arrested Development at the Olympia
Paris Olympia
The Olympia is a music hall in the 9th arrondissement of Paris. Located at No. 28, Boulevard des Capucines, its closest métro/RER stations are Madeleine, Opéra, Havre – Caumartin and Auber....
in Paris and performed in New York
New York
New York is a state in the Northeastern region of the United States. It is the nation's third most populous state. New York is bordered by New Jersey and Pennsylvania to the south, and by Connecticut, Massachusetts and Vermont to the east...
at the Zulu Nation
Universal Zulu Nation
|rightThe Universal Zulu Nation is an international hip hop awareness group formed and headed by hip hop pioneer Afrika Bambaataa. Originally known simply as the Organization, it arose in the 1970s as reformed New York City gang members began to organize cultural events for youths, combining local...
Anniversary. Following in the footsteps of "Represente le Vrai Hip-Hop", Rocca was the first emcee from La Cliqua to release a solo album: "Entre Deux Monde" which featured Kohndo on: "Mot pour mot" and "Rap Contact 2".
In 1997, Egosyst, Kohndo's rhyme partner on "Coup d’Etat Phonique" decided to leave La Cliqua. Kohndo would remain with the band until 1998, when he left the crew to develop his solo projects and career.
After La Cliqua
Shifting lyrical styles for a more relaxed and mature approach, in 1998, Kohndo was invited on NAPNap
A nap is a short period of sleep.Nap may also refer to:-Politics:* National Action Party , a political movement* National Action Plan on the Elimination of Child Labour...
's album "La fin du Monde", on Koma's "Le Reveil" and to participate in the compilations: "ZonZon" (Soundtrack) and "Paris, New York, Marseille" (along with Jay-Z
Jay-Z
Shawn Corey Carter , better known by his stage name Jay-Z, is an American rapper, record producer, entrepreneur, and occasional actor. He is one of the most financially successful hip hop artists and entrepreneurs in America, having a net worth of over $450 million as of 2010...
and IAM
IAM
- Concepts :* Identity and Access Management, a concept that combines business processes, policies and technologies.* Innovation Access Method, a high-performance indexed access-method for IBM's z/OS and OS/390 operating systems that provides a transparent alternative to IBM's VSAM* Indo-Aryan...
). In 1999, Kohndo released a first EP: "Prélude à l’Odysée", establishing himself as a solo artist. The following year he released another EP: "Jungle Boogie", and then a 3rd one in 2001: "J’entends les Sirènes". On those solo projects, Kohndo exposed his vision of a Hip-Hop far from the clichés of violence and fake gangsterism.
2003 saw the release of his long-awaited album, the critically acclaimed: "Tout est écrit", presented as a recollection of "urban poetry" with welcome hints of soul and jazz. In 2004, Kohndo released "Blind Test", a compilation of older tracks and previously-unreleased materials.
Over the years Kohndo has open stages for Masta Ace
Masta Ace
Duval Clear , known better by his stage name Masta Ace, is a rapper from Brownsville, Brooklyn. He appeared on the classic 1988 Juice Crew posse cut "The Symphony"...
, EDO G (at Nouveau Casino), Talib KweIi, Mobb Deep
Mobb Deep
Mobb Deep is an American hip hop duo from Queensbridge, Queens, New York, U.S., that consists of Havoc and Prodigy. The duo is "one of the most critically acclaimed hardcore East Coast hip-hop groups." The group is best known for its dark, hardcore delivery, as exemplified by the single "Shook Ones...
(La Scène Bastille) and Isaac Hayes
Isaac Hayes
Isaac Lee Hayes, Jr. was an American songwriter, musician, singer and actor. Hayes was one of the creative influences behind the southern soul music label Stax Records, where he served both as an in-house songwriter and as a record producer, teaming with his partner David Porter during the...
(Olympia
Paris Olympia
The Olympia is a music hall in the 9th arrondissement of Paris. Located at No. 28, Boulevard des Capucines, its closest métro/RER stations are Madeleine, Opéra, Havre – Caumartin and Auber....
).
"Stick to Ground"
Kohndo released his second solo album in 2006: "Deux Pieds sur Terre / Stick to ground", a new masterpiece partly mixed in Detroit, featuring the Motor City's very own: Slum VillageSlum Village
Slum Village was a hip hop group from Conant Gardens, Detroit, Michigan.The group was formed by three members: rappers Baatin and T3, plus rapper and producer J Dilla . J Dilla left in 2002 to pursue a solo career with MCA Records...
and Dwele
Dwele
Andwele Gardner , better known by his stage name Dwele is a soul singer, songwriter and record producer from Detroit, Michigan.-Biography:...
. Other American artists contributed to this album such as Jaheim
Jaheim
Jaheim Hoagland is an American R&B singer and formerly a rapper performing under the mononymous name of Jaheim. He was signed by Naughty by Nature's Kaygee to Divine Mill Records in 2000, and released his debut album Ghetto Love in 2001. His second effort, Still Ghetto, was released a year later,...
and Insight
Insight
Insight is the understanding of a specific cause and effect in a specific context. Insight can be used with several related meanings:*a piece of information...
with who Kohndo delivers one of the best combination of French and English lyrics ever recorded. The album was released with a DVD which featured 3 new videos, including "Dis-moi" with Slum Village
Slum Village
Slum Village was a hip hop group from Conant Gardens, Detroit, Michigan.The group was formed by three members: rappers Baatin and T3, plus rapper and producer J Dilla . J Dilla left in 2002 to pursue a solo career with MCA Records...
and "Stick to Ground" with Insight
Insight
Insight is the understanding of a specific cause and effect in a specific context. Insight can be used with several related meanings:*a piece of information...
, both shot in Paris. Kohndo produced 4 tracks on the album. Other producers on the album include 20Syl of Hocus Pocus
Hocus Pocus
Hocus pocus, hocus-pocus, or hokus pokus is a term used by magicians, usually the magic words spoken when bringing about some sort of change.It may also refer to:-Books:* Hocus Pocus , a 1990 novel by Kurt Vonnegut...
, dj Brasco as well as Jee 2 Tuluz and Stix who were already featured on "Tout est écrit".
It must be pointed out that "Deux Pieds sur Terre / Stick to Ground" offers an international angle of Hip-Hop, not only because of the featured American artists but also because it has been released in Europe, Japan, Australia and in the USA.
Kohndo & Velvet Club
It was following the release of "Deux Pieds sur Terre / Stick to Ground", and after various collaborations with musicians that Kohndo decided to form a live band to share the stage with him. In a few months of meetings and auditions, Kohndo had created the "Velvet Club" - composed of: Sebastien Artigue (Bass), Yann Massoubre (Drum), David Santhino (Keys), Thomas Agrinier (Guitar) and Dj Kozi (Turntables). Kohndo & Velvet Club have performed all over France, noticibale performances have been at the festivals "La Rue au Grand Palais", "Nancy Jazz Pulsation" and the "Printemps de Bourges".Career developments and engagements
A rapper, beatmaker and executive producer, Kohndo is also working as a sound engineer on various projects, such as on the album of dj Brasco "Fill the Gap" which features American rappers: Frank n DankFrank n Dank
Frank n Dank are an American hip hop group from Detroit, Michigan. They also go by the names Frank Nitt previously known as Frank Nitty and Dankery Harv. They are mainly known for their many collaborations with the late J Dilla...
, Phat Kat
Phat Kat
Phat Kat , is a rapper from the east side of Detroit, Michigan. His career began in the mid 90's as part of 1st Down, which consisted of Phat Kat on vocals and Jay Dee on production...
, Black Milk
Black Milk
Curtis Cross, better known as Black Milk, is a hip hop producer and MC from Detroit, Michigan.-Biography:In 2004, he formed B.R. Gunna, with Young RJ, and Fat Ray, and together they released Dirty District: Vol. 2, a follow up to a compilation released in 2001 by Slum Village, which he had...
, Wildchild, Rasco
Rasco
Keida Brewer , known professionally as Rasco , is a rapper from San Francisco, California, United States, whose early recordings were released on Stones Throw Records...
, Declaime, etc. Kohndo is a member of the French Zulu Nation. He has collaborated on various projects and shows with french pioneer Hip-Hop Dj and main representative of the French Zulu Nation: Dj Deenasty.
With Coup d'Etat Phonique and La Cliqua
- Conçu pour durer (EP - Arsenal Records) (1995)
- Dans ma tête II (12 inch - Arsenal Records) (1995)
- Arsenal Re-présente "Le Vrai Hip Hop" (Compilation Album - Arsenal Records) (1996)
- Mot pour Mot & Rap Contact II (on Rocca's Album "Entre deux mondes" - Arsenal Records) (1997)
As a solo artist
- Prélude à l’odyssée (EP - Exil Records) (1999)
- Jungle Boogie (EP - Exil Records) (2000)
- J’entends les sirènes (Woop ! Woop !) (EP - Nothing but soul records) (2001)
- Tout est écrit (Album - Ascetic Music) (2003)
- Blind Test (Album compilation - Jungle Boogie Records) (2004)
- Dis-Moi ce qu’elles veulent feat. Slum Village b/w Stick to ground feat. Insight (12 inch - Ascetic Music, Greenstone Records) (2005)
- Deux Pieds sur Terre / Stick to ground (Album - Ascetic Music, Greenstone Records) (2006)
- D’un mot à l’autre / Sur le toit du monde (12 inch - Ascetic Music, Greenstone Records) (2006)
- Classic and Rare Joints (Mixtape, Greenstone Records) (2009)
Notable appearances
- Au Sommet de Paris - NAP ("La fin du Monde") (1998)
- Zonzon (Soundtrack) (1998)
- Paris, New York, Marseille (Compilation) (1998)
- Koma ("Le Reveil") (1998)
- Qui Sommeille en moi" - Triptik (TR-303) (2003)
- "Du Sable sur les Paupière" - Hocus Pocus (2006)
- "Music Hall" - Blackstamp Music (2009)