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Well, Kaaris is that rapper who doesn’t just come from Sevran, but 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, that might seem anecdotal, but it’s still useful to get an idea of the character.
You might think that with such a hard flow, he would have had a quiet childhood, but no. His father left when he was a baby and it was his mother who had to manage seven children, between Côte d’Ivoire and France. They started in a small Parisian apartment before landing in Sevran, where everything really began to take shape for him.
What always strikes me about Kaaris is this mix of devouring ambition and unshakable authenticity. Before fame, he zigzagged between music and survival, notably with a compulsory stint in Côte d’Ivoire, 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 a confidential thing, and Kaaris made it essential.
Kaaris: character, origins, and identity that mark French rap
Okou Armand Gnakouri is the real name behind Kaaris. Born on January 30, 1980, in Abidjan, he faced challenges from the start, with the loss of his father and a family exile in France. That builds character, creates scars, which are found in his music and his stage attitude.
We’re not just talking about a rapper, but a guy who embodies the streets with controlled rage. His heavy voice, his unfiltered texts, it’s authentic. He was originally Catholic but converted very early to Islam, an important personal choice that also colors his life.
He’s nothing like a pure commercial product, his journey is as tortuous as his music. Besides, 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 surge in the early 2010s.
Honestly, when Booba noticed him and invited him for a feature on Kalash, you could feel his destiny tipping over. That track is the point of no return, the spotlight that opens the doors wide, very wide towards success.
From his beginnings to recognition: the meteoric rise of Kaaris in rap
So yes, the road was not a smooth river. After nearly being forgotten with a mini-album in 2007, 43e BIMa, his return to France was crucial. He honed his skills, met producers, but nothing crazy so far.
In 2011, he released his mixtape Z.E.R.O, fairly well received, but it was mainly the collaboration with Booba on the album Futur that propelled him. Then, the album Or noir in 2013 set the fire. I remember sales exploded, and he became one of the leaders of trap rap.
The reissue in 2014 confirmed his rise, and it’s impossible to miss the second album Le Bruit de mon âme in 2015, where he collaborated with big names like Future, which is unusual. His following mixtapes and albums, like Okou Gnakouri in 2016 or Dozo in 2017, confirmed 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 left an impression and didn’t eclipse his talent for all that. Music is his kingdom, and since 2020, with the album 2.7.0, he keeps dropping heavy stuff, even in 2025.
Private life and anecdotes: the man behind rapper Kaaris
So, Kaaris is also a family man. He is father to three children, which is no small matter. His daughter Brooklyn was born in 2016, one son in 2021, and the last in 2025, Zaïre. Fairly discreet about his personal life, he did share his conversion to Islam at a very young age, a real conviction that follows 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 that culture. And regarding movies, he’s pretty involved in cinema, acting in films starting in 2014, establishing himself as an actor as well.
I find it amazing 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 stay in that vein: engaged, powerful, and above all honest. Hats off to a guy who just wanted to express himself.
Significant events and news about Kaaris in 2025
2023 and 2024 marked a triumphant return for Kaaris, notably with the tour that filled Accor Arena. Imagine seeing a sold-out concert in a few minutes, that says a lot about his aura. That date at 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 moving. Kaaris shares his music on his official Instagram account and often drops excerpts that make his fans vibrate. The clip of Tonnano, for example, is a hit on YouTube.
And I really invite you to explore his discography on Deezer, it’s rich, varied, and always surprising. For those wondering what has become of Kaaris 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 in contemporary French rap.
The most remarkable 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 reduced to his hard side, but who hides a deep and passionate universe, you won’t be disappointed by diving into this page. Really, he’s a guy who left a lasting imprint.
