Josman, born José Nzengo on October 28, 1992, in Vierzon, France, is a rising star in the French rap scene, known for his introspective lyrics and distinct flow. With roots in both Congo and Angola, his diverse cultural heritage has shaped his music, blending conscious themes with hardcore rap elements. His interest in hip-hop was sparked by his sister, who introduced him to R&B and rap, guiding him toward the genre that would become his passion.
Josman began his rap career in 2007, recording over self-produced beats, and gained early recognition in 2013 when he won the “End of the Weak” freestyle competition, making him the youngest-ever champion. This victory helped him gain visibility, leading to an appearance on the “MasterClasse” program on France 4, where he impressed the renowned rapper Orelsan with his authenticity and talent.
In 2015, Josman released his first mixtape Échecs Positifs, followed by the well-received Matrix in 2016, featuring the hit track “Dans le vide,” which garnered over 18 million YouTube views. His debut album, J.O.$., dropped in 2018 and achieved platinum status in France, with the single “J’aime bien!” earning a diamond certification. He continued to rise with albums like Split in 2020 and M.A.N (Black Roses & Lost Feelings) in 2022, both of which were commercially and critically successful.
Josman’s music seamlessly fuses deep introspection with captivating beats, solidifying his place as one of the leading figures in French rap. In 2023, his influence was further recognized when he won multiple awards at the Les Flammes ceremony, including Song of the Year and Music Video of the Year for his track “Intro.”