A little while ago, Jessica from the brilliant Into The Groove asked if i could recommend any pop from the Ivory Coast. To be honest, i wasn't much help. I'd completely forgotten that Magic System hailed from Abidjan. Last year they teamed up with Mohamed Lamine and the French hip-hop group 113 for the tremendously catchy Un Gaou A Oran on an album called Rai 'n' B Fever.

Magic System ft Mohamed Lamine & 113 - Un Gaou A Oran


Fans of French pop sometimes overlook the country's vibrant hip-hop and soul scene but there's enough high-quality stuff to make it worth investigating. Things have moved on somewhat since MC Solaar. One excellent group with a strong political edge is the aforementioned 113. Their single Marginal has an absolutely killer 80s electro bassline. I'd be interested to find out if it's a sample so, if anyone knows, please tell me.

113 - Marginal

The one French rap collective to really make any kind of impression over here has been Saïan Supa Crew. Their latest album, Hold Up, featured guest appearances from the amazing Camille and the somewhat less amazing Will.I.Am. However, the track on which the Black Eyed Peas man collaborated, La Patte, is one of the record's highlights. It bears something of a similarity to Pizzicato Five's Twiggy Twiggy. Inkeeping with their reputation as a band that doesn't take themselves too seriously, the amusing video sees them dressing up as cheerleaders, Orthodox Jews and Elvis.

Saïan Supa Crew ft Will.I.Am - La Patte