1995
from Paris, France
formed
January 1, 2008 (age 16)
Biography
1995 is a French battle rap crew whose name signifies the year in hip-hop they were inspired by. Their sound is positive and battle-ready. The collective contains five rappers -- Alpha Wann, Areno Jaz, Fonky Flav', and Sneazzy West, as well as their beat architect, DJ Lo. Founded by Wann and Jaz as P.O.S. (Porteur Officiel de Sac-à-dos), they eventually brought on the other members because they had one thing in common: paying tribute to 1990s hip-hop, hence the name change. The group's first single was actually the video "Dans Ta Résso," which garnered millions of views on YouTube, and was followed by "Hi Haters," which established their presence on the battle rap scene. Combined, they reached over 12 million views. The self-released EP La Source was issued in 2011 and reached number 23 on the French SNEP charts. The group -- whose members all participate in solo projects as well -- signed to a distribution deal with Universal and released their second EP, La Suite, in 2012; it reached number eight. Their debut album, Paris Sud Minute, hit the number four spot and insured 1995's lasting presence on the French rap scene. ~ Thom Jurek, Rovi
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