"Je vis, donc je vois, donc je dis": Banlieue Violence in French Rap "Je vis, donc je vois, donc je dis": Banlieue Violence in French Rap

by Chennault, Schyler B

Since its creation over two decades ago, French rap music has evolved to become both wildly popular and highly controversial. It has been the subject of legal debate because of its violent content, and accused of encouraging violent behavior. This thesis explores the French M.C.'s role as representative and reporter of the France's suburbs, la Banlieue, and contains analyses of French rap lyrics to determine the rappers' perception of Banlieue violence. Using the song lyrics, this work examines the conditions and causes of that violence as seen by the Banlieusard, and answers the critics' accusations that French rap is a call to violence.