1991, and rap generally is taking over. Even commercial French radio is playing it. But with only as many rap stars as the number of fingers on two hands, you'd think there's not enough? Specially in Marsaille, where there wasn't many rappers, groups or labels, not commercially anyway.Along come IAM, a group of 6 from planet Mars, Akhenaton (aka Chill), Shurik'n, DJ Kheops, Imhotep, Malek and Divin. Their sound sweeps through, and everyone knows this is going to be a big thing. Akhenaton raps fast, and can switch to English in a flash, DJ Kheops scratches and cuts between records like he was Flava Flave, and Shurik'n has a very distinctive sound - and a lyrical genious.So when I heard ... De La Planete Mars, I was quite suprised. There's definately an influence of Public Enemy, NTM and Assasin. But what did they have NTM and Assasin didn't? Well their lyrics are more developed, more constructive; more of an argument about why things happen, rather than the more violent reactions of Assasin and NTM, who often go for more explicit lyrics and ideas. It also reminds me of MC Solaar's debut, Qui Seme Le Vent..., but without the cute poetic lyrics. Chill just says what he wants, he doesn't seem to care, whereas Shurik'n seems to be more laid back, yet not submissive. Big moments on this album include Planete Mars, with it's lyrical perfection; Tam Tam De L'Afrique, for it's emotional lyrics and beats; Red,Black And Green for it's funky beats, interesting lyrics and DJ Kheops work; Elvis for it's look at racial problems in the 50s and how it relates today; Kheops Appartient A L'Horizon for it's amaing turntablism and finally Wake Up because Chill shows his skills in French and English.This is an amazing debut, one which is both lyrically interesting and musically interesting. You should definately get hold of this - it's a masterpiece of how rap was in France, before sampling laws changed and hip hop's style totally changed. To me this is better than NTM's Authentik, which has a similar sound, and Assasin's debut - and it's in the running to be better than PE's It takes a.... One of their better albums, and one of the best albums of 1991. Get it - this is music to your ears.