Hocus Pocus: Aural Pleasure, Ala Kazam!

Before we start, let’s play a quick game of word association: I say something like “peanut butter,” and you say, “jelly” (though “jelly-time” would’ve also been acceptable). Sounds easy enough, right? So, if I say: “French hip-hop” – what do you say? Probably: “…?” followed by, “Does that even exist?”

And I say, “Hocus Pocus!”

Now you might be wondering where this entry is going now that I’ve gone all abra-cadabra on you, just rest assured I’m not going to pull a rabbit out of my hat or try to find a quarter behind your ear (but your ears might thank me later, so you’re welcome in advanced). Allow me to explain: hailing from Nantes, Hocus Pocus is a well-known French acoustic hip-hop band (with an MC, DJ, 4-piece band, and 3-piece horn section) influenced by the likes of The Roots to A Tribe Called Quest. Since 1995, Hocus Pocus has managed to put a fresh and innovative spin on a seemingly mismatched blend of French and English lyricism, jazz, hip-hop, and soul – peppered with both acoustic and electronic musical elements.

I can’t even pretend like I’ve been listening to Hocus Pocus since 1995 because mathematically – it just doesn’t make sense. In 1995, I was only 7 years old – and I don’t know about you, but my musical tastes back then ranged from “Barney the Dinosaur” to the theme song from “Reading Rainbow” (and that was about it). But the good thing about growing up and studying abroad is meeting natives who introduce you to interesting new bands – and then sharing these interesting new bands with people like you (yes, you). Like this here: “Hip Hop” by Hocus Pocus, featuring The Procussions (from LA, so there’s English in there for you non-Francophones).

An hour later, I found myself at the FNAC Billetterie (France’s Ticketmaster) buying a coup de tête (impulsive) ticket to see them live in Lyon. How I got from watching a music video on Youtube to handing the woman behind the ticket counter my credit card, I’ll never really know (weird how that happens). But if nothing else, Hocus Pocus in concert would be an “experience” – and abroad students are all about new experiences and good stories.

As someone who didn’t even know that this particular variety of French rap existed until very recently, I went to see Hocus Pocus last Tuesday feeling a mix of emotions: the first one being excitement (thinking: this concert is going to be the bee’s knees, I like that one Hocus Pocus song so much). Followed by a bit of anxiousness (but what if they play more than one song? I won’t recognize any of them)…and then an immediate desire to pee myself (I should’ve used the bathroom before I left­). I don’t know what it all meant, but I tried to go into it with little to no expectations (you can’t be disappointed if you don’t have any expectations, right?).

At the concert itself, you could almost feel the energy and excitement buzzing in the air as Féfé (the opening act and another great French acoustic hip-hop artist. Check out his video for “Dans Ma Rue” – which means “In My Street” in French – here) tantalized and mesmerized the audience with his own rendition of Ray Charles’ “I’ve Got a Woman.”

When Hocus Pocus finally got on stage, their stage presence was so in-your-face amazing that as soon as 20Syl (the MC) started performing, it almost felt like the music had just punched you straight in the baby-maker – but you (and your ears) were having such a good time that you didn’t even mind. Hocus Pocus pulled through and put on one of the best performances I have ever seen (the production value of their live set and music could rival that of bands like The Flaming Lips or Kings of Leon). They engaged the crowd, got us moving, kept us interested, and made sure it was an experience we’d never forget.

I don’t go to many hip-hop concerts (Remember when Ludacris was at Extravaganza last Spring Quarter? I was physically there, but let’s just say that I was mentally elsewhere), but this was so much more than just a concert. It was a 90-minute spectacle: a visually and aurally interesting display of sheer talent and artistry. But just like that, it was over.

20Syl walked into the crowd, thanked the audience, and introduced his entire band. Kids and parents alike (the crowd was very diverse – from the prepubescent to the menopausal) were flopping all over the place in an effort to grab the sweaty or dinged-up souvenirs (drumsticks to sweat towels to set-lists). As we were leaving, people were talking entirely too loudly because they were more than likely deafened by the percussion and bass…and good times (who knew good times could pose such a threat to your auditory system?). From what it looked like, everyone who stuck it out to the very end (missing the last metro) was more than pleased.

Recommended songs: “Putain de Mélodie” / “Smile” / “Mr. Tout Le Monde” / and “Hip Hop?” – Don’t worry about not understanding French. The songs work in a lot of English lyrics and infectious rhythm and beats that transcend language barriers.

One Response to “Hocus Pocus: Aural Pleasure, Ala Kazam!”

1. cshaw89 says:

   October 29, 2010 at 11:28 am

   I was at this show, and you’re so right. The energy was electric and the vibe that both Féfé and Hocus Pocus put off was magnetic. I found them through my French roommate and went with a crew of him and his friends. It was stellar and I was shocked by how well Hocus Pocus as mastered their particular niche of music.