Koba LaD, whose real name is Marcel Junior Loutarila, was born on April 3, 2000, in Saint-Denis, France. Of Congolese descent, he grew up in Évry, a suburb of Paris, alongside his mother and ten siblings. He spent his early years in the Bois-Sauvage neighborhood before moving to the Parc aux Lièvres district at the age of ten. His stage name, "Koba LaD," is inspired by a character from the Planet of the Apes franchise (Koba) and "LaD" stands for "La Débrouille" (meaning "resourcefulness" in French).
Musical Career
Koba LaD began rapping at the age of 15 and gained significant attention in 2017 with his freestyle series Ténébreux. His unique voice and raw energy quickly caught the attention of the French rap scene. In 2018, he signed with Def Jam France and released an EP compiling his Ténébreux freestyles.
His debut album, VII (2018), was a major success, achieving platinum certification in France. The album included hit tracks like Train de Vie and La C. He followed up with L’Affranchi (2019), further solidifying his position in the industry. His third album, Détail (2020), continued his success, featuring collaborations with prominent artists like Niska, Ninho, and Maes.
Influences & Musical Style
Koba LaD draws inspiration from American drill and trap artists, notably Chief Keef. His music blends aggressive beats with auto-tuned melodies, creating a distinctive sound in the French rap landscape. Lyrically, he often reflects on street life, ambition, and personal struggles. His signature deep voice, combined with a dynamic and unpredictable flow, sets him apart from many of his contemporaries.
Discography (Selected Works)
Albums:
VII (2018)
L’Affranchi (2019)
Détail (2020)
Notable Collaborations:
RR 9.1 (with Niska)
Quotidien (with Ninho)
Matin (with Maes)
Koba LaD continues to be one of the most influential voices in modern French rap, consistently delivering energetic performances and innovative tracks that resonate with fans worldwide.
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