Probably one of the most eagerly awaited albums of 2021, Lala &ce’s “Everything Tasteful” finally brings to light an artist who has already spent several years building a world all her own where rules are meant to be broken. Rapping, singing or producing according to her whim, she develops a hybrid music that offers space for all kinds of experiments. At the heart of an explosive French hip-hop scene, she and her label &ce Recless represent a certain kind of rap that has evacuated its macho or misogynistic clichés, where the most creative artists of the moment can come together.

Can you tell us about your background? What did you do before you started making music and how long have you been doing it?

As far back as I can remember, I’ve always listened to and made music. I wrote and recorded my first track when I was thirteen, but it became has become my main activity and passion for the past three years.

Which artists have inspired you and shaped your identity?

Lil Wayne and Missy Elliott.

How would you describe your music? Do you think you fit into any specific genre?

It’s hard for me to fit myself into one genre since my music is a fusion of many different influences. I do rap, r’n’b, afro and often a mix of everything. All that while maintaining my own sound and voice on each track.

You have done several features for American artists. Do you think American rappers are closer to your vision of music?

Popular American rappers are closer to my vision than popular French rappers. But my close friends and artists are even closer to my vision.

Which artists would you like to collaborate with in the near future?

Swae Lee, TayC, Partynextdoor.

You did a track called « Serena ». What does Serena Williams mean to you and why did you dedicate a song to her?

She represents a Black woman from an underprivileged neighborhood succeeding in an environment and a sport that was not intended for her. She inspires me a lot. She is a fighter and a great entrepreneur.

In October 2020, you walked the runway for the brand Ami. Are you interested in the artistic overlap with fashion or art?

I’ve always wanted to dabble in other branches of art, whether it’s jewelry or fashion… I already have a few projects underway!

I heard you have a project for the opening of the Pinault Foundation. Can you tell us about it?

I’m putting together a kind of musical in collaboration with Low Jack. He’s making the music and I’m inviting other guest artists I like. It’s all based on a very beautiful and very strange story. You’ll know more soon.

You’ve started your own label and began producing other artists. What are your plans and why did you feel the need to produce other artists ?

I’ve always wanted to start my own label to develop artists. It’s like a dream come true for me to have created &ce Recless! Developing my artistic direction in music and visual art is important and fulfilling to me. It lets me pursue my vision even further. The first artist is called Le Diouck, who sings and raps in Wolof, French and English. Not only is he a tremendous rapper, he also has his own artistic universe, one that has never been seen before. My label’s motto would go something like this: put out something new on the French music scene with every release!

Have Covid and lockdown increased your creativity or slowed you down?

Since it’s no longer possible to attend or play shows, I’ve had a lot of time to hit the studio and make a lot of music. So lockdown has helped me push my creativity to the next level.

What are your thoughts on our contemporary era? How do you feel about the world and our environment?

Read the full interview on Crash#93, available in our Crash Store.

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Photographer : Manuel Obadia-Wills

Stylist : Edem Dossou @totalworld

Make-up : Lili Choi @calliste

Hair : Nabil Harlow @calliste

Stylist assistant : Isabelle Doubourdieu

Interview : Cléo Perrin