This French Hip-Hop Track Is the Best Pick-Me-Up in Turbulent Times

French hip-hop collective Sexion D’Assaut.


TUNE OF THE WEEK: MA DIRECTION


(SONY MUSIC ENTERTAINMENT FRANCE, 2012)

Life is full of challenges, that’s part of the package. Maybe you’ve taken a different route to the one expected of you. Maybe something didn’t work out the way you hoped it would. Maybe you’re lacking a bit of direction. No, not One Direction, I’m referencing Sexion d’Assaut’s anthemic banger, Ma direction. In times of doubt, it’s the best pick-me-up.

Legendary French hip-hop group Sexion d’Assaut released Ma direction as part of their second album L’Apogée in 2012. Since then, the members have had successful solo careers, notably Black M and Maître Gims, who both have platinum records to their name.

“Le pont qui mène au succès, est un pont fragile.” (“The bridge which leads to success is a fragile one.”) Maître Gims (who now goes by GIMS) acknowledges in the song opening. 

The next verses cover the difficulties of dropping out of school, working long hours to make ends meet and pursuing your dreams. Member Lefa even raps about reading Bridget Jones and Anne Frank’s diaries for inspiration. Not sure what he was hoping to learn from Bridget Jones’ diary, that you should always wear nice underwear just in case?

In the instantly catchy chorus, Maître Gims sings the group’s timeless message of self-acceptance; to keep going and follow your own journey, “c’est ma direction” (“it’s my direction”).

In an age now where it’s easy to fall into the trap of social media comparisons and feel the pressure to be hyper successful in every area of our lives, Ma direction serves as a timely reminder that we are all on different journeys and what matters is to take control of your own.

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