Introduction. This overview presents an editorial selection of videos that shaped the French rapper’s career between 2015 and 2019. It revisits key releases — On verra (May 12, 2015), followed by several 2016 tracks including Plume and REUF Version FIVE — and their impact on how his albums were received.
Why these images matter. These music videos brought fans together across the French-speaking world and beyond. They combine street aesthetics, cinematic references, stories of friendship, love and poetry.
Approach and content. The article explains the selection criteria, places each release in context (dates, events and links to cinema), and considers what these images reveal about the artist and his audience.
Why revisit Nekfeu’s music videos now?
Two major events renewed interest in the artist’s visual world: a new album announced in early June and a documentary film co-directed by Syrine Boulanouar, released in cinemas at the same time.
After more than two years away, this return to the stage and screen was a genuine event. It prompted renewed listening and interest in his videos.
The role of cinema is central: the theatrical film extends a world already rich in cinematic imagery in each music video. This continuity forms an artistic sequence in which every release prepares the next.
Changes to his catalogue, including the removal and return of projects, also heightened attention to his career and videos.
A chance to revisit the ranking in context
Revisiting these videos offers a way to trace their aesthetic and narrative development, from the beginning to the high points, and to offer a ranking based on clear criteria.
For more context, read about the new album and film here: new album and film.
Nekfeu: the music videos that defined his career — the essential list
The following selection highlights videos that shaped his visual world.
Criteria
Cultural impact: each video is assessed for its effect on audiences and its ability to reach the press beyond fan circles.
Aesthetics: direction, editing and lighting determine whether a track develops a distinct visual identity.
Career moment: a track’s place also depends on its release date, sometimes in April, which marks certain creative cycles.
Reception: the ranking considers audience response, influence on the rap scene, and social and media attention.
Narrative elements: the list favors videos in which the song resonates with the story and lyrics and images speak to each other.
Critical aim: the goal is a structured ranking with commentary that places each entry in the artist’s history and the course of his career.
- Transparency: this selection remains open to debate.
- Balance: visual impact matters more than raw audience numbers.
- Clarity: each selected track has a comment explaining its place.
On verra — the first major solo breakthrough and an anthem to life
A carefully planned release. On May 12, 2015, this first single from the album Feu set the tone: a radio-friendly release that propelled the artist to a new level.
Group energy and shared joy. The video shows friends celebrating, smiling, playing sports and gathering together. These images capture a generational moment and a spirit of camaraderie.
The appearance of a former Miss France gives the video a recognizable star and helps the song reach beyond rap’s traditional audience. Its melody and unifying chorus make an immediate impression, supported by simple, sunny direction.
Place in the discography. The track is a turning point: it opens the Feu era and makes the rapper’s name impossible to ignore. The video spread widely through word of mouth and social media shares.
“Images that capture carefree joy and a love of life.”
Legacy: even when critics have ranked it cautiously, its visual and symbolic impact remains. The balance between the group’s authenticity and pop ambition explains its appeal across generations and makes it a classic French music video of 2015.
Context and reception
- A strategic release for radio and playlists.
- Sunny, accessible direction.
- Viral reach through sharing and media coverage.
Égérie — where love meets social criticism
Égérie stands as a visual cornerstone of the debut album: the song combines a declaration of love with a sharp view of society.
Its direction features elegant framing and precise art direction. The women on screen move between the roles of muses and actors, while some images remain etched in viewers’ memories.
The story depicts a strained relationship that questions social conventions. Its open ending extends the song’s ideas and invites reflection instead of a neat conclusion.
A statement track that establishes the rapper’s name
With vivid writing and carefully composed shots, the track establishes the rapper in the music scene. The performance plays on the ambiguity between a declaration and a clear-eyed observation.
“A blend of romance and criticism that never loses its emotion.”
- Role on the album: establishing a strong visual identity.
- Reception: a widely discussed video whose shots became iconic.
- Ranking: often placed highly for its pop appeal and visual depth.
In short, Égérie brings aesthetics, storytelling and criticism together while retaining the musicality that gives the album its strength.
Princesse ft. Nemir — neon lights and a relationship under strain
Released on April 13, 2016, “Princesse” presents a visual world built on the contrast between darkness and bright colors.
A sensitive collaboration for a modern love song
Némir’s gentle voice adds nuance to the lyrics. This choice deepens the song’s emotion without weighing down its presentation.
From darkness to color: a striking use of light
Lighting is the central visual choice. Neon-colored clothes cut through the darkness and symbolize flashes within a troubled relationship.
The direction remains minimalist. Arguments, silences and glances are enough to tell the story of a breakup.
“Images and lyrics answer each other: the alternating shots sustain the tension until the final frame.”
- Release: April 2016, with a distinctive visual identity.
- Alternating shots: sustain the tension.
- Reception: fans responded to the duo’s emotional precision.
| Element | Defining feature | Impact |
|---|---|---|
| Visuals | Neon lights and darkness | Heighten the emotional tension |
| Sound | Collaboration with Némir | Adds sensitivity to the song |
| Place | Part of the 2016 run of releases | Confirms his skill with duets |
Conclusion: a video whose form and subject work together, offering a clear portrayal of a breakup and a strong continuation of his discography.
Plume — animation, mystery and spirituality
Released on January 20, 2016, this track uses animation as a natural extension of the music.
The video opens up a symbolic visual world populated by totemic figures and rituals. Animation creates a dreamlike atmosphere that deepens the mystery without dialogue.
Themes: the divine, community, life and love
The art direction explores spirituality. Sacred motifs and ceremonies create an almost mythological world.
The implied story follows a day-long journey of initiation. A search for self and a connection to ancestors emerge through the sequence of images.
The relationship between love and life appears in small touches: tender gestures and vulnerable bodies, without verbal melodrama. The artwork moves from earthy browns to vivid flashes of color to express an inner progression.
- The animation symbolically extends the song.
- Totemic figures and rituals give it a mythological dimension.
- Several levels of meaning invite both curious fans and newcomers.
“A poetic interlude that confirms his visual ambition and opens a new aesthetic path.”
Place in the discography: Plume marks an aesthetic turning point and shows a desire to explore beyond an immediately urban world.
Jusqu’au Bout (Creed) ft. S-Crew — an anthem to perseverance
The direct connection to the film Creed gives the track an immediately recognizable sporting dimension. Released on January 12, 2016, the video assembles excerpts from the first Creed film, a modern continuation of the Rocky series, to illustrate its message.
Alternating editing: training scenes, rounds in the ring and moments of uncertainty appear in turn. The shifts follow the track’s rhythm and build a story of pushing past one’s limits.
S-Crew’s presence gives the song a collective dimension. Several rappers share its ideas of brotherhood, discipline and solidarity.
The connection is clear: boxing symbolizes life and inner struggle. Images from the film echo the lyrics’ punchlines and introspection.
The chorus acts as an emotional catalyst. It connects the preparation and fight sequences, giving audiences a memorable point of return.
“A sporting anthem in which cinema and rap celebrate perseverance together.”
Reception: embraced by some listeners, the track resonated through the pairing of film imagery and musical writing.
REUF Version FIVE — French cinema in the service of friendship
On March 18, 2016, a video linked to the film FIVE turned a song into an extension of the feature film. Its familiar cast lends the project a warm, cinematic feel.
Actors, a group of friends and situational humor
Context: Pierre Niney, François Civil, Igor Gotesman, Margot Brancilhon and Idrissa Hanrot come together as a group. The rapper joins them for an anthem to friendship.
- Mood: visual gags, playful exchanges and lively editing.
- Relationship: camaraderie lies at the heart of its simple, sincere message.
- Actor: Margot Brancilhon’s presence strengthens the link between cinema and music.
The video takes its place among the varied releases of 2016 and shows how comfortably the artist moves between formats. Drawing on the film’s profile, the video extends the track’s reach.
“A natural continuation of the film: its images, appearances and comic rhythm extend the experience.”
Impact: collaborations like this introduce the artist to audiences beyond rap. Fans see a sincerity and warmth that strengthen the project’s appeal.
Sous les nuages — the visual poetry of Les Étoiles vagabondes
Sous les nuages is presented as the only standalone video from the latest album, apart from the film of the same name. That gives it a special place in the project.
Contemplative poetry: slow images, atmospheric textures and wide shots suggest a state of mind rather than a linear story. The track uses restraint to heighten its emotion.
An artist’s eye: the cinematography favors simplicity. There are few effects, but ample room for the voice and the silences. The direction serves the lyrics and gives the song space to breathe.
Reception: appreciated by fans on release, the video later settled into a quieter place in the catalogue. It offers another way into the film.
“A sensitive work that invites us to watch, listen and let the emotion emerge.”
- Place in the catalogue: an intimate, standalone work.
- Themes: introspection, journeys and questions about life.
- Purpose: to offer a pause without spectacular effects.
Tempête — technique, energy and a thunderous beginning
From its opening, Tempête presents itself as a display of technical skill and urgent sound. Here, the rap of his early solo career meets sharply crafted production that demands attention.
The track showcases dense writing: multisyllabic rhymes, long passages delivered in one breath and closely packed references. Together they confirm a precise, rapid verbal style.
The video’s editing heightens that effect: sharp cuts, short shots and raw energy are synchronized with the kick drum. This approach increases the visual impact and supports the performance.
On the album Feu, Tempête serves as a leading track. Listeners often place it among the project’s best songs.
Its power in sound and image raised expectations for what would come next. The track helped build a loyal audience and remains a classic on French rap playlists.
“A display of technical skill that retains its force and freshness.”
- Sharp production and rapid-fire writing.
- Visual and sound editing that heightens the tension.
- An enduring place in fans’ memories and rankings.
La Ballade du Frémont ft. Doums — stories, the street and fragments of life
La Ballade du Frémont creates a street atmosphere in which every detail becomes a small story.
Storytelling and intimacy. The song unfolds fragments of life with unusual tenderness. People, gestures and places appear as a series of small portraits.
The collaboration with Doums reinforces that sincerity: the rapport between the two voices makes their exchange convincing and alive.
The music favors gentleness. Muted production and warm layers of sound surround the story and guide the listener.
The writing rests on precise images. Implied conversations and concrete details bring the characters to life without overstatement.
Appearing on the debut album, this track becomes a milestone: it confirms the rapper’s gift for storytelling and his ability to move listeners through restraint.
It holds a special place among fans. Often requested at the end of concerts or chosen for another listen, it ranks highly in retrospective lists.
“An intimate classic: story, love and the need to slow down so the music can breathe.”
Biographical fragments and fiction mingle, deepening the connection. The rapper’s performance serves the story without showing off.
In conclusion: a classic often placed near the top of rankings, illustrating the consistency of his mature, sensitive writing. For another critical perspective, see this retrospective ranking: essential ranking.
Nique les clones, Pt. II — a clear message for its rap era
This track stands as a statement against imitation and for finding a personal path in French rap.
The video adopts a direct aesthetic: close shots, head-on energy and framing that makes room for the lyrics. Minimalist direction puts the punchlines first.
The reception confirms it: fans see it as a turning point, a song tied to a particular stage of the artist’s career.
In rankings, the track often places highly. It combines musical impact with visual power.
“An enduring slogan that stays in the memory long after the song ends.”
The connection between lyrics and images strengthens its criticism of certain industry practices. The shots serve the argument rather than mere spectacle.
- What followed: a lasting influence on later aesthetic choices.
- Effect: a slogan that stays with listeners after the first play.
- Strength: simplicity that amplifies the message.
In short, this song is a modern classic. It captures an era and a clear position within rap.
Elle pleut ft. Némir — tenderness on screen in a moving love song
The track favors delicacy. Restrained, luminous images focus on silences and small gestures.
The collaboration with Némir highlights the finesse of the writing. Glances and details from the couple’s everyday life give the lyrics a tangible setting.
Sound and image form a harmonious balance: a delicate song elevated by images free of excess. Neutral tones, spacious shots and a slow pace follow the music.
Artistically, the track continues his earlier duets. The rapper’s performance is precise and sensitive, without verbal excess.
Audiences and playlists responded to its emotional honesty. For fans, the track has become a touchstone of the artist’s sentimental side.
“A work that moves through its sincerity and restraint.”
Timeless in its subject, the song retains a lasting place in rankings of love songs. It remains an example of aesthetic restraint and sincere emotion.
Humanoïde — introducing Cyborg through images and ideas
Humanoïde opens like a long confession, six minutes in which the voice asks unsettling questions.
An ambitious opening. The track has an extended form and unusual lyrical density. The images remain spare to give its meaning room to breathe.
Existential questions, humanity and the world
Themes: humanity facing the world, technology and passing time. The lyrics move between clear-eyed reflection and poetry.
The direction favors restraint. Long shots and silences focus attention on the flow of ideas.
- Sound design: crescendos, breaks and silences shape the listening experience.
- Unusual length: a deliberate aesthetic choice that builds anticipation for the rest of the album.
- Audience impact: respect for its formal daring and the depth of its questions.
Legacy and coherence. Sound, lyrics and images converge on a single intention. The track belongs to a rare and demanding contemplative tradition in rap.
“A majestic opening that raises expectations for the rest of the project.”
| Element | Feature | Function |
|---|---|---|
| Length | Six minutes | Establishes a contemplative pace |
| Visuals | Restraint | Focuses attention on the lyrics |
| Structure | Crescendos & silences | Creates a dramatic structure |
Tricheur ft. Damso — a hit driven by two sharp lyricists
The collaboration with Damso produced a track that quickly went viral, driven by two skilled rappers. Their chemistry is apparent from the simple, effective chorus.
The track favors a dark aesthetic. Close shots, cold light and constant tension accompany its subject. The contrast between silences and forceful lines intensifies every phrase.
The video explores deception and views of society. Gray areas take precedence over certainty, inviting viewers to question the choices shown on screen.
Their flows complement each other: controlled breaths, measured pauses and exchanged lines create a genuine dialogue. That balance makes the song work both on playlists and under close listening.
Reception: a major streaming success, widespread playlist support and a regular place near the top of the charts. Its polished sound and visuals give it staying power.
“A landmark collaboration combining lyrical ambition with broad appeal.”
In short, the single fits into the album’s artistic progression, between introspection and urban portraits, and strengthens the image of an artist able to combine ambition with popular success.
What these videos say about the artist: evolution, purpose and story
These images trace a clear progression from the first album to an assured maturity.
From beginnings to maturity: a pattern emerges. The early videos establish his name and visual reference points. Over the years, his signature becomes steadier and the latest album finds its fullest expression.
Creative network: collaborations and the presence of a muse or other rappers reveal a wider community. It broadens the artist’s horizons and gives the project a collective dimension.
Central duality: tension between social criticism and love runs through most of the works. It feeds the music and gives the images depth.
The effect of events: catalogue removals, followed by the double diamond certification of Les Étoiles vagabondes : expansion, changed the attention paid to the artist. The theatrical documentary strengthened the visual dimension and made June a pivotal month.
“The visual world forms a sequence: each video or film feeds the next and builds a shared memory.”
For a deeper look at this artistic journey, also read The wanderer’s journey.
Conclusion
To close this visual journey, remember the central point: each video contributes a fragment to a coherent story.
Rooted in their time, these images endure and hold a place in French rap culture. Fans sustain that memory through sharing and repeated listening, keeping the songs alive.
The latest album moved some of its visual expression into film, extending the story. The balance of technical skill, storytelling and emotion explains the lasting appeal of the work as a whole.
To revisit this ranking and understand some key moments, read about the surprise concert announcement at Bercy in this account. Once again, each video feeds the next and prepares the end of a cycle already looking ahead.