Malek Brahimi (Freeman)

**Malek Brahimi (Freeman)**

Born Abdel Malek Brahimi on May 9, 1972, in Marseille, France, Freeman is a multifaceted artist known for his work as a dancer, composer, and rapper, with roots tracing back to Algeria. He embarked on his artistic journey in the late 1980s when he met Akhenaton and Shurik'N, leading to his involvement with the rap group B. Boys Stance. By 1989, he had become an integral dancer for the group and featured prominently in their music videos and albums, including tracks like "Do the Raï Thing" and "The Return of Malek Sultan."

Freeman's aspirations as a rapper blossomed during the production of IAM's acclaimed album, *L'École du micro d'argent*, where he contributed to the track "A good raw sound for the crooks." His first solo album, *L'Palais de justice*, released in March 1999, achieved remarkable success, peaking at number 7 on the French charts and earning gold certification. The album showcased collaborations with notable artists such as Pit Baccardi and Oxmo Puccino.

In the early 2000s, Freeman played a significant role in IAM's *Revoir un Printemps* before releasing his second mini-album, *Mars Eyes*, which reached the 20th spot in the charts. However, internal conflicts within IAM led to his departure in 2008. Since then, he has focused on solo projects, including *En Haut la Misère Pays* and *Moi et Moi Seul*, and collaborated with various artists. His recent work includes the album *Plafond de verre*, released on April 25, 2023, showcasing his enduring influence in the French hip-hop scene.