IAM is a pioneering French hip-hop group formed in Marseille in 1989. The group’s founding members—Akhenaton (Philippe Fragione), Shurik’n (Geoffroy Mussard), Kheops (Eric Mazel), Imhotep (Pascal Perez), and Kephren (François Mendy)—crafted a distinctive sound blending intricate lyricism, ancient Egyptian and Mediterranean themes, and jazz, funk, and traditional North African influences. Their debut album, “De la planète Mars” (1991), established them as major voices in the emerging French rap scene, but it was their 1997 masterpiece, “L’École du micro d’argent,” that cemented their status, earning critical acclaim and becoming one of the best-selling French rap albums in history.

IAM’s music confronts issues such as identity, social inequality, racism, and the immigrant experience, offering thought-provoking commentary on life in Marseille and beyond. Renowned for their poetic wordplay, conscious lyrics, and dynamic stage presence, IAM remains a foundational influence in Francophone hip-hop, inspiring generations of artists and listeners with their innovative approach and unwavering commitment to authentic storytelling.