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Well, Kaaris is that rapper who doesn’t just come from Sevran, but who has a much deeper story behind him. Born in 1980 in Abidjan, he has already blown out more than 45 candles, and on the side, he stands about 1.78 meters tall. Yes, it might seem trivial, but it’s still useful to get an idea of the character.
You might think that with his so hard flow, he would have had a peaceful childhood, but no. His father left when he was a baby and it was his mother who had to manage seven children, between Ivory Coast and France. They started in a small Parisian flat, before landing in Sevran, where everything really began to take shape for him.
What always strikes me about Kaaris is this mix between a devouring ambition and an unwavering authenticity. Before fame, he zigzagged between music and survival, notably with a mandatory stay in Ivory Coast, where he tried to make ends meet. Not easy, really not easy.
And then, bam, in 2013, French rap would never be the same when he released his album Or noir. This project became more than a classic, a reference for an entire generation. Seriously, at that time, trap in France was an underground thing, and Kaaris made it unavoidable.
Kaaris: a character, origins and identity that leave a mark on French rap
Okou Armand Gnakouri is the real name behind Kaaris. Born on January 30, 1980, in Abidjan, he faces hardships from the start, with the loss of his father and a family exile in France. That forges a character, creates scars, which are found in his music and his attitude on stage.
We’re not just talking about a rapper, but about a guy who embodies the pavement with a controlled rage. His voice so heavy, his unfiltered lyrics, it’s authentic. He was originally Catholic but converted very early to Islam, an important personal choice that also colors his life.
He is nothing like a pure commercial product, his journey is as twisted as his music. By the way, he first started rapping under the pseudonym Fresh at the end of the 90s, participating in quite a few underground compilations, before experiencing a new breath at the beginning of the 2010s.
Honestly, when Booba noticed him and invited him for a feature on Kalash, that’s when you feel his destiny shifts. That track is the point of no return, the spotlight that opens the doors wide, very wide, to success.
From his beginnings to his consecration: the meteoric rise of Kaaris in rap
So yes, the road wasn’t a calm river. After nearly being forgotten with a mini-album in 2007, 43e BIMa, his return to France was crucial. He hones his skills, meets producers, but nothing crazy so far.
In 2011, he released his mixtape Z.E.R.O, well received, but it was especially the collaboration with Booba on the album Futur that propelled him. Then, the album Or noir in 2013 set things on fire. I remember the sales exploded, and he became one of the leaders of trap rap.
The re-release in 2014 confirmed his rise, and it was impossible to miss the second album Le Bruit de mon âme in 2015, where he collaborated with big names like Future, that’s not common. His following mixtapes and albums, like Okou Gnakouri in 2016 or Dozo in 2017, confirmed that he has more than one trick up his sleeve.
And we can’t forget that famous fight at Orly airport, it caused quite a buzz. An episode that marked minds and did not eclipse his talent all the same. Music is his kingdom, and since 2020, with the album 2.7.0, he continues to deliver heavy stuff, still in 2025.
Private life and anecdotes: the man behind the rapper Kaaris
So, Kaaris is also a family man. He is a father of three children, that’s no small thing. His daughter Brooklyn was born in 2016, one of his sons in 2021, and the last in 2025, Zaïre. Quite discreet about his personal life, he nevertheless shared his conversion to Islam very young, a true conviction that stays with him.
I also read that he launched his clothing brand Jeunes Riches at the end of 2015. Yes, a guy who doesn’t just listen to rap but lives and breathes this culture. And about movies, he has quite a bit of cinema experience, acting in films starting in 2014, to establish himself as an actor too.
I find it crazy that he manages all that, between music, brand, family, cinema, while keeping that side true to himself. Even his fairly varied collaborations, ranging from Gims to Kalash Criminel, show he knows how to navigate all universes.
And honestly, his latest projects in 2025, with tracks like Tonnano or Sevran remain in this vein: committed, powerful, and above all honest. Hats off to a guy who just wanted to express himself.
The major events and news of Kaaris in 2025
2023 and 2024 marked a triumphant return for Kaaris, notably with the tour that filled the Accor Arena. Imagine seeing a sold-out concert in a few minutes, that’s how strong his aura is. That date in Bercy was a first, and he did so well that a second date had to be added.
He also keeps an eye on his collaborations, with the trap scene always in motion. Kaaris shares his music on his official Instagram account and often posts clips that make his fans vibrate. The video clip of Tonnano, for example, is a hit on YouTube.
And I truly invite you to explore his discography on Deezer, it’s rich, varied, and always surprising. For those wondering what Kaaris is up to in 2025, well, he hasn’t slowed down; he’s even sharper than ever!
Between musical projects, his sometimes controversial public stances, notably with certain clashes, and his family life, Kaaris remains an essential figure, a true pillar of contemporary French rap.
The most memorable collaborations of Kaaris
- ⚡ With Booba on Kalash and other tracks
- 🔥 The explosive duo with Kalash Criminel on the album SVR
- 💥 Meeting with Gucci Mane for the track 2.7 Zéro 10.17
- 🎤 Feat with Future on Le Bruit de mon âme
- 💣 Recent projects with Freeze Corleone, Gims, and other heavyweights
If you want to know everything about this artist too often summarized by his tough side, but who hides a thorough and passionate universe, you won’t be disappointed by diving into this page. Really, he’s a guy who left a lasting mark.
