Sursis

Description

If rap were a cinematic genre, then Lexa Large’s might be a Woody Allen comedy. His sensitive writing and evocative lyrics are like little short films that tell the story of our flaws with humor and kindness. After exploring his daily life as a young thirty-something, faced with new social and family responsibilities, Lexa Large is now taking a step back. With Sursis, his new EP, the Lille-based rapper cultivates his “boy next door” side. Nine tracks, packed with striking sonic discoveries, that tell us about the ups and downs of our times with self-deprecation. The genesis of this new release is a story of surprising and happy collaborations. His longtime partners, Moan and Mad Shearz, were joined by new contributors: young electro producer Adam Carpels, the pop sounds of Seth XVI, features with Thérèse and James Iz Cray, and production by Philippe Paradis. The latter, better known for his collaborations in French chanson, has elevated Lexa Large’s flow by giving it the sonic identity it needed. Conceived before, during, and after the major pandemic upheavals of 2020, Sursis seems to signal halftime in the rap game. Lexa Large takes on the subjects of his generation: nostalgia for the passing of time (Poussières de mémoire) and taking stock of a life (Sursis), failed “dates” (Next), friends who drift away (Le témoin du marié)... With this record, Lexa Large offers us a bittersweet memento mori and invites us to look at the world through our childlike eyes. Grown up.