Quick introduction: this guide traces Nekfeu’s musical journey, from the successes of June 2015 to the major releases that strengthened his career over the years. It covers key dates, the Seine Zoo and Polydor labels, and the figures that show his staying power.
Feu (08/06/2015) and Cyborg (09/12/2016) began a series of high chart entries, followed by Les étoiles vagabondes (14/06/2019) and its extension Expansion (28/06/2019). The Feu + Cyborg box set was released in August 2017.
The figures speak for themselves: releases entered the charts between first and fourth place, and several spent more than 100 weeks on them. Singles such as “On verra,” “Égérie” and “Tempête” helped carry these projects, while “Tricheur” with Damso and “Dans l’univers” with Vanessa Paradis confirmed his artistic stature.
This list is intended as an up-to-date reference. It follows an editorial order: studio albums, reissues and box sets, then songs and collaborations. The sections below detail each release, its date and the number of weeks it spent on the charts to guide your exploration.
Nekfeu’s essential studio albums
Four major releases define this period and show clear artistic growth. These recordings form a coherent sequence, supported by the same labels, and offer a range of songs that made a lasting mark on the charts.
Feu — released June 8, 2015 (Seine Zoo/Polydor)
Feu is the foundational album, released in June 2015 on Seine Zoo/Polydor. It entered the top three on 20/06/2015 and remained on the chart for 106 weeks, a sign of its lasting impact. Its tracks include “On verra,” “Égérie” and “Tempête.”
Cyborg — released December 9, 2016 (Seine Zoo/Polydor)
Cyborg arrived as a surprise in December 2016. The album reached fourth place on 10/12/2016 and spent a total of 106 weeks on the charts. “Mauvaise graine” captures this period well.
Les étoiles vagabondes — released June 14, 2019 (Seine Zoo/Polydor)
This concept album topped the Top Albums chart in the week of 08/06/2019. Its longevity was exceptional: first place and 156 weeks on the chart. Notable tracks include “Tricheur,” “Cheum” and “Alunissons.”
Expansion — reissue and extension released June 28, 2019 (Seine Zoo/Polydor)
Expansion extends the June 2019 release cycle. It adds notable tracks and sustains the project’s commercial and critical visibility. It expands the selection of tracks that charted in the week of 22/06/2019.
| Release | Date | Label | Chart performance (weeks) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Feu | 08/06/2015 | Seine Zoo / Polydor | Top 3 — 106 weeks |
| Cyborg | 09/12/2016 | Seine Zoo / Polydor | Top 4 — 106 weeks |
| Les étoiles vagabondes | 14/06/2019 | Seine Zoo / Polydor | No. 1 — 156 weeks |
| Expansion | 28/06/2019 | Seine Zoo / Polydor | Extends the 2019 release cycle — many charting tracks |
To place these releases in the broader landscape of French hip-hop, keep in mind their chronological progression from 2015 to 2019 and the two-stage release strategy, which maximized the visibility and variety of the tracks.
Reissues, box sets and special editions
Special editions turn existing releases into sought-after cultural objects. They appeal to collectors and new listeners alike. These formats keep the catalog visible for several years.
Feu + Cyborg — box set (Polydor, August 18, 2017)
Feu + Cyborg was released as a Polydor box set on 18/08/2017. It entered the Top Albums chart on 26/08/2017 in fourth place and remained on it for 156 weeks, evidence of sustained demand.
Context: labels and release schedule
The partnership between Seine Zoo and Polydor shaped how these releases were marketed. Seine Zoo provided the artistic identity, while Polydor managed their commercial rollout.
- Special editions bring essential tracks together in a single package.
- Changes to the track list or presentation offer new opportunities to discover lesser-known songs.
- The late June 2019 release was conceived as a two-stage editorial expansion.
| Format | Date | Label | Performance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Feu + Cyborg box set | 18/08/2017 | Polydor | Top 4 — 156 weeks |
| Les étoiles vagabondes | 14/06/2019 | Seine Zoo / Polydor | No. 1 — notable longevity |
| Expansion (extension) | 28/06/2019 | Seine Zoo / Polydor | Expands the selection of tracks |
These releases play a strategic role. They promote the catalog between studio album cycles and maximize its visibility in the French-speaking market.
To learn more about the artist and the chronology of his releases, see his Wikipedia page.
Singles and standout tracks that marked generations
Some tracks have endured over the years and left a real musical legacy. They punctuated the release schedule and helped bring the projects to wider attention.
On verra, Égérie and Tempête — the momentum of June 2015
On verra (01/05/2015, Seine Zoo/Polydor) showed staying power: thirteenth place and 111 weeks on the charts. Égérie and Tempête added to that momentum just before and during June 2015.
Mauvaise graine — December 2016, continuing the Cyborg era
The track Mauvaise graine (12/12/2016) confirmed the strength of the singles from the Cyborg era. It reached seventh place and remained on the chart for 52 weeks.
Tricheur (with Damso) — an iconic number one
Tricheur (07/06/2019) became a phenomenon: first place and 60 weeks on the charts. This single illustrates the strength of the rap tracks in the June release cycle.
Dans l’univers (with Vanessa Paradis) — a bridge between pop and rap
The duet Dans l’univers (06/09/2019) shows a successful blend of styles. Reaching second place and spending 63 weeks on the charts, it demonstrates an ability to connect with different audiences.
Other notable tracks
In 2019, several songs gained visibility: Cheum (fourth place, 27 weeks), Alunissons (seventh place, 18 weeks) and Les étoiles vagabondes (fifth place, 18 weeks).
| Track | Date | Label | Performance |
|---|---|---|---|
| On verra | 01/05/2015 | Seine Zoo / Polydor | Top 13 — 111 weeks |
| Mauvaise graine | 12/12/2016 | Seine Zoo / Polydor | Top 7 — 52 weeks |
| Tricheur (with Damso) | 07/06/2019 | Seine Zoo / Polydor | No. 1 — 60 weeks |
The combination of rap singles and collaborations with artists from other musical worlds helped reach several generations. Seine Zoo and Polydor remained central to coordinating campaigns and maintaining the coherence of each album.
Collective projects and early years: from groups to larger collectives
Before his solo fame, Parisian collectives shaped his writing and stagecraft. These groups gave him room to experiment with flows, themes and moods.
1995 — EP and album (2011–2012)
The collective 1995 released an EP on 27/06/2011, followed by an album on 31/12/2012. These releases established a Parisian rap aesthetic centered on technique and dense lyrics.
$-Crew — releases in 2012, 2013 and 2016
$-Crew strengthened the sense of unity around the Seine Zoo label. Its releases in 2012, 2013 and on 17/06/2016 show the collective gaining momentum.
L’Entourage and 5 Majeur — key collaborations
L’Entourage (04/04/2014) and the collective 5 Majeur (EP in 02/2011) brought artists together. Alpha Wann and Nekfeu’s Mixtape Street mixtape (11/10/2011) remains a milestone.
- These collectives helped refine tracks that anticipated future solo albums.
- Alpha Wann played a recurring role in the studio and onstage.
- A network of kindred artists: Orelsan, Népal, Dinos and Laylow — shared influences and stages.
| Collective | Key date | Role |
|---|---|---|
| 1995 | 27/06/2011 – 31/12/2012 | Development of his style, EP and album |
| $-Crew | 2012 / 2013 / 17/06/2016 | Seine Zoo platform, springboard for a solo career |
| L’Entourage / 5 Majeur | 02/2011 – 04/04/2014 | Creative exchanges, concerts, mixtape |
“The joint mixtape shows how their writing styles complement each other and how ideas circulate among peers.”
Over time, these collectives laid the groundwork for major releases to come, refining distinctive vocal styles and production choices.
Nekfeu discography: albums, reissues and projects
Across studio albums and special editions, the years 2015–2019 form a coherent sequence. The breakthrough came in June 2015 with Feu, followed by major releases that sustained his commercial momentum.
This sequence combines a foundational album (08/06/2015), a surprise project (09/12/2016), then Les étoiles vagabondes (14/06/2019) and its extension (28/06/2019). The box set released in August 2017 reinforces this continuity.
- Several emblematic tracks — “On verra,” “Tricheur” and “Dans l’univers” — illustrate this chart longevity.
- The network of collectives, including Alpha Wann and $-Crew, provides a strong artistic foundation.
- The June releases launched long, highly visible release cycles.
For a complete chronological overview, consult the page devoted to his releases on Wikipedia. It helps you follow the dates, chart performances and connections between releases.
Conclusion
In conclusion, his career follows a clear path: each album found its audience through memorable tracks and careful planning.
The figures speak for themselves: Feu and Cyborg (106 weeks each), the box set (156 weeks) and Les étoiles vagabondes (first place, 156 weeks) show sustained interest from listeners.
The Seine Zoo/Polydor partnership played a decisive role in promoting each release, the special editions and the box set.
Balancing artistic ambition with popularity, the catalog blends rap, ambitious collaborations and forays into pop. To explore further, read the review of Expansion and revisit the releases in order to hear how they evolved.