Flo Assy, the dynamic French-Ivorian rapper, dives into bold, uncharted territory with his latest release, Risque Avenue. This 14-track album captures a rich blend of storytelling and captivating beats that reflect his journey from the bustling streets of Montpellier to the tumultuous backdrop of Abidjan. Through powerful lyrics and a fierce dedication to his craft, Flo Assy channels his life experiences—shaped by civil strife and cultural resilience—into music that resonates deeply with listeners. Join us as we explore the creative force behind Risque Avenue and delve into the artistic and personal insights that fuel Flo Assy’s electrifying sound.
Your album Risque Avenue is rich with personal and social themes. What was the main message or feeling you wanted listeners to take away from this album?
I wanted to tell in the album that:
- The world can be a very dark place full of uncertainty and negativity.
- Violence can sometimes cripple society to its innest core and to a scary extent.
I wanted to give chills to the audience and I wanted to make them thoughtful.
Can you share the inspiration behind the title track “Risque Avenue” with Mitzy Jones and what makes it significant to you?
The inspiration came from what I’m going through as an artist. And what makes it significant is the fact that even going through those things, I still strive as a musical artist.
You’ve experienced a lot in your journey from Montpellier to Abidjan and now Reunion Island. How have these different places shaped your sound and perspective in music?
Those places have shaped my sound in the way that I rap, the words that I choose, and the themes that I rap about. It has shaped my perspective in music when it comes to sounds, beats, instruments, and instrumentals.
You collaborated with Mitzy Jones, Phantom, and Falcon on this album. What was it like working with them, and how did their contributions influence the album’s direction?
Working with them was interesting in terms of music. It has brought the project and the album an artistic diversity.
The album’s production is split between you and Dony Dark. How did you approach producing the tracks yourself, and how did Dony Dark’s style complement your vision for Risque Avenue?
On the tracks that I did produce myself, I used and assembled samples on BandLab and arranged the beat and the tempo. Dony Dark’s style was complementary to the album in terms of genre. As a matter of fact, his style of production in rap is old school, boom bap, and dark rap.
“Confessions Intimes” stands out as a raw, personal track. Can you talk about the creative process behind this track?
I was trying to be innovative in the lyrics as much as possible. Also, I was trying to be as raw as possible when it comes to the delivery of the rap.
The closing track, “Au Loin” with Falcon, has been described as impactful. Why did you choose this as the final piece on the album, and what mood did you hope to leave listeners with?
It is the only song on the album where I sing. I chose it to be last to emphasize it that way. It is a song about loneliness. So, I wanted the audience to feel sad.
The “Pour Toi” video just dropped! Can you walk us through the story or visuals you wanted to bring to life and how they tie into the themes of the song?
The story is about a couple who have broken up. The visuals bring to life and emphasize the distance that is starting to be between them before their breakup. The song really describes how the breakup really affected the guy and made him heartbroken.
Coming from both French and Ivorian backgrounds, how do you combine those influences in your French rap style?
Both cultural backgrounds have influenced me in how I portray myself in the lyrics and which style that I choose for the instrumentals.
With Risque Avenue out now, what’s next for you? Do you have upcoming projects, performances, or collaborations planned that fans can look forward to?
I’m currently working on a new album, which I should be producing all by myself. I’m also currently working on a new project, which consists of developing my own Web TV broadcasting music entertainment.
As we wrap up, make sure to follow Flo Assy on Instagram, Facebook, and X for all the latest updates and behind-the-scenes content.
