One of MC Solaar's first claims to fame was the rap he did on a level one French language education tape: "Comment t'appelles-tu?".
MC Solaar's first single, Bouge de là, was a French hit in 1990 that went platinum, as was his first album, Qui Sème le Vent Récolte le Tempo. His second album, Prose Combat, may be his most acclaimed.
As a rapper MC Solaar is known for the complexity and poetry of his songs, which rely on wordplay, lyricism, and philosophical inquiry. The music is based on dance rhythms and sensual grooves. In the English-speaking world, Solaar was signed by London acid jazz label Talkin' Loud and invited to record with British group Urban Species and Guru, a member of the famous and highly-acclaimed New York group Gang Starr.
MC Solaar gained new fans in North America in early 2004, when his 2001 song La Belle Et Le Bad Boy was featured on the final episode of the popular television series Sex and the City. MC Solaar remains best-known outside of France for his work on Guru's Jazzmatazz project and as a guest rapper on the Missy Elliott track All N My Grill. Out of Guru and Solaar's collaboration, the single Le Bien, Le Mal (The Good, The Bad) was a popular Hip Hop/Dance crossover hit receiving playtime on MTV.
Introdiction
MC Solaar Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Comme Tifosis sous opium"
"Mais le contexte est plus fort que le concept"
"Elle sait que le savoir sera mon seul allié"
"500 one."
"Risqué pour les pommettes"
"Solaar"
"On m' en voulait parce que j'avais ce qu'ils voulaient""Dans les bas-fonds on rêve des fonds du FMI
Mais au fond on sait qu´les familles sont souvent proches du RMI"
"Hiro de Africa"
"C'est de la Weed"
"Mettre un gun dans un paquet chips"
"Ce sont des larmes qui coulent dans nos artères"
"Alias le Cinquième As"
"L'aigle ne chasse pas les mouches"
"Si je perds ma Carte Orange, je la recherche en taxi"
"Je sais qu'il reviendra"
The first line, "Microphone, fanatiques de Rome, comme Tifosis sous opium" translates to "Microphone, Rome fanatics, like Tifosis on opium." This line refers to the passion and fanaticism of MC Solaar's fans as being comparable to the intense devotion of soccer fans in Rome. The comparison to Tifosis on opium suggests that the passion is even more intense.
The second line, "Mais le contexte est plus fort que le concept" means "But the context is stronger than the concept." This line suggests that the context in which something is created or performed is more important than the concept or idea behind it.
The third line, "Elle sait que le savoir sera mon seul allié," translates to "She knows that knowledge will be my only ally." This line relates to the idea that gaining knowledge and education is a key to success, especially for those who may not have other resources or advantages.
The next line, "500 one," is likely a reference to a newspaper betting system in which numerical betting options are assigned to various sports teams or players.
The line "Risqué pour les pommettes" means "Risking the cheekbones," which likely refers to the practice of using drugs that could harm or damage the face.
MC Solaar then introduces himself by saying, "Solaar," which is his stage name.
The line "On m'en voulait parce que j'avais ce qu'ils voulaient" means "They resented me because I had what they wanted." This likely refers to the jealousy and resentment that others may feel when someone has success or wealth.
The line "Dans les bas-fonds on rêve des fonds du FMI, mais au fond on sait que les familles sont souvent proches du RMI" means "In the depths we dream of the IMF funds, but deep down we know that families are often close to the RMI." This refers to the struggle of those in poverty who may dream of wealth and success but are realistically often closer to government assistance.
The line "Hiro de Africa" is likely a reference to African history or culture, but its precise meaning is unclear.
The next line, "C'est de la Weed," means "It's weed." This likely refers to the widespread use of marijuana.
The line "Mettre un gun dans un paquet chips" means "Put a gun in a bag of chips," which likely references the danger and violence that can be found in certain areas.
The line "Ce sont des larmes qui coulent dans nos artères" means "These are tears that flow in our arteries," which likely relates to the hardships and struggles that MC Solaar and others have faced.
The line "Alias le Cinquième As" refers to MC Solaar's nickname or stage name, which translates to "The Fifth Ace."
The line "L'aigle ne chasse pas les mouches" means "The eagle does not hunt flies," which likely means that those with great potential or talent should focus on bigger and more important goals, rather than getting bogged down with minor details.
The final line, "Si je perds ma Carte Orange, je la recherche en taxi," means "If I lose my Carte Orange, I'll search for it in a taxi." This line is likely a humorous reference to MC Solaar's own experiences with public transportation and the difficulty of navigating a city without proper documentation.
Line by Line Meaning
Microphone, fanatiques de Rome
We, the fans of MC Solaar, are like avid fans of Rome football team, known as Tifosis, but our obsession is with his music and lyrics.
Comme Tifosis sous opium
Similar to drug-addled Tifosis fans, we are high on the addictive lyrics of MC Solaar's songs.
Mais le contexte est plus fort que le concept
The circumstances in which the music is made and heard are more powerful than the artistic concept behind it.
Elle sait que le savoir sera mon seul allié
Only knowledge and learning will be MC Solaar's ally in the music industry.
500 one.
Referring to a high number, likely signifying the wealth he has accumulated through his music career.
Risqué pour les pommettes
Dangerous for one's cheeks, possibly meaning dangerous for one's reputation or image.
Solaar
A reference to MC Solaar himself.
On m'en voulait parce que j'avais ce qu'ils voulaient
People resented MC Solaar because he had what they wanted, most likely success and fame in the music industry.
Dans les bas-fonds on rêve des fonds du FMI
People in impoverished areas dream of having access to resources from the International Monetary Fund.
Mais au fond on sait qu'les familles sont souvent proches du RMI
Despite these dreams, people know that often families are close to receiving government assistance (such as the French RMI).
Hiro de Africa
A reference to a person named Hiro from Africa.
C'est de la Weed
This is weed (a slang term for marijuana).
Mettre un gun dans un paquet chips
Hiding a gun in a packet of chips, possibly referencing the potential violence and danger that exists in certain communities.
Ce sont des larmes qui coulent dans nos artères
The hardships and struggles of life can cause physical pain, and the tears shed represent this suffering.
Alias le Cinquième As
MC Solaar's nickname, meaning the Fifth Ace.
L'aigle ne chasse pas les mouches
The eagle does not hunt flies, meaning MC Solaar's focus is on bigger and greater things than trivial matters.
Si je perds ma Carte Orange, je la recherche en taxi
If MC Solaar were to lose his transit pass, he would search for it by taking a taxi, possibly referencing his success and wealth.
Je sais qu'il reviendra
I know he will return, possibly referencing an aspect of MC Solaar's life or career that has been lost or gone away but will eventually return.
Contributed by Nicholas G. Suggest a correction in the comments below.