IAM

IAM is a French hip-hop group formed in Marseille in 1989, widely regarded as one of the founding acts of French rap. The group's core lineup includes MCs Akhenaton (Philippe Fragione), Shurik'N (Geoffroy Mussard) and Freeman (Malek Brahimi), alongside producers Imhotep, Kheops and Kephren, who shaped the group's sound and stage direction. IAM's name stands for «Imperial Asiatic Men» among other backronyms the members have used over the years, reflecting their fascination with ancient Egypt, a theme that runs through their imagery and lyrics.

After early releases including the maxi «Red, Black, Green» and their debut album, IAM broke through nationally with tracks like «Je danse le mia» and reached a creative and commercial peak with the 1997 album «L'école du micro d'argent», widely considered a landmark of French rap and one of the best-selling rap albums in France. Songs such as «Nés sous la même étoile» and «Demain, c'est loin» showcase the group's blend of dense, literate wordplay, martial and orchestral samples, and social commentary rooted in Marseille's multicultural identity.

Over more than three decades, IAM has continued releasing albums while several members, especially Akhenaton, pursued solo careers and production work. The group is credited with helping establish rap as a legitimate French musical form and influencing generations of francophone MCs through its literary ambition, historical references and distinctive Mediterranean flavor.