French-Ivorian rapper Flo Assy has crafted a powerful statement with ‘Risque Avenue’, a project that embraces both raw vulnerability and fierce independence. This album dives deep into personal and social issues, inviting listeners to confront harsh realities while still celebrating resilience. With influences spanning from Montpellier to Abidjan to Réunion Island, Flo Assy’s journey is a testament to how cultural diversity can shape and deepen one’s music, making Risque Avenue as multi-faceted as it is intense.
The main message Flo Assy aims to convey with ‘Risque Avenue‘ is one of reflection. “The world can be a very dark place full of uncertainty and negativity,” he explains, adding that he wanted listeners to feel a chill and be thoughtful. This vision is brought to life through the album’s carefully curated sounds, beats, and instrumentals, with Flo Assy’s lyricism confronting themes like societal violence and personal struggles. He succeeds in creating an album that doesn’t shy away from reality’s darkness but instead channels it into art.
The album’s title track, “Risque Avenue,” featuring Mitzy Jones, is inspired by Flo Assy’s own experiences as an artist. Despite challenges, he strives to succeed, and this track is a bold reflection of his perseverance. The collaboration with Jones amplifies the song’s intensity, and together, they craft a piece that showcases Flo Assy’s lyrical prowess. Working with other artists like Phantom and Falcon added an element of “artistic diversity,” enhancing the project’s richness and giving it a range of perspectives and styles.
Flo Assy’s sound is also deeply influenced by the places he’s lived. Moving from Montpellier to Abidjan, and now Réunion Island, he has absorbed musical styles, dialects, and rhythms from each place. These locations not only influence his word choice and themes but also shape his approach to beats and instrumentation. With his French and Ivorian backgrounds, Flo Assy skillfully blends cultural influences in his rap, bringing a distinctive edge to his music and crafting an internationally relevant style.
On Risque Avenue, the production is split between Flo Assy and Dony Dark, each contributing unique strengths. Flo Assy produced some tracks himself, assembling samples, arranging beats, and setting tempos through Bandlab. Dony Dark’s style, which leans toward old-school, boom bap, and dark rap, brings a complementary tone, adding weight and atmosphere to the album’s thematic exploration. Together, they create a soundscape that allows Flo Assy’s narrative-driven style to thrive.
The recently released video for “Pour Toi” brings another dimension to Flo Assy’s storytelling, portraying the aftermath of a breakup. Through visuals that emphasize distance and heartbreak, the song and video together capture the pain and lingering impact of lost love. This emotional authenticity is a key component of ‘Risque Avenue’, highlighting Flo Assy’s ability to turn personal narratives into compelling art.
Some standout tracks on the album reveal the creative depth Flo Assy brings to his work. “Confessions Intimes,” for instance, showcases Flo Assy’s intent to be raw and innovative, with lyrics and delivery that strip down emotional barriers. Meanwhile, “Au Loin,” the closing track featuring Falcon, departs from Flo Assy’s typical rap style as he sings, evoking a feeling of loneliness. This last song is intentionally placed to leave a reflective, somber note with the listener, encapsulating the project’s emotional arc.
Flo Assy is already working on a new album that he plans to produce independently, allowing him to further explore his creative vision. He’s also launching an innovative project to develop his own Web TV, focused on broadcasting music entertainment. As Flo Assy pushes forward, his commitment to authenticity and innovation promises an exciting future for fans.
