Prince Waly Biography: The Cinematic Storyteller of French Hip-Hop

Who Is Prince Waly?

Prince Waly (born Moussa Magassa) is a French rapper, songwriter, and performer from Montreuil, Seine-Saint-Denis, widely recognized for his cinematic storytelling style, introspective lyricism, and strong roots in the French underground rap scene.

He is best known as a member of the duo Big Budha Cheez and the collective Exepoq, as well as for his acclaimed solo projects such as Junior, BO Y Z, and Moussa. (wikipedia.org)

His music blends 1990s-influenced hip-hop aesthetics, street storytelling, and film-inspired narratives, making him one of the most distinctive voices in modern French rap.

Early Life and Background

Moussa Magassa was born on 24 December 1991 in Montreuil, France, and grew up in the working-class district of La Boissière.

He is of Senegalese heritage, and grew up in a large family with several siblings.

From a young age, he was influenced by:

• 1990s French rap (Lunatic, X-Men, IAM)
• American hip-hop culture
• Cinema and gangster films
• Street fashion and urban culture

A key moment in his early inspiration came after hearing Lunatic’s “Mauvais Œil”, which strongly shaped his artistic direction. (wikipedia.org)

The Origin of His Name

The name “Prince Waly” comes from a combination of personal and cultural references:

• “Waly” comes from his father’s name
• “Prince” comes from the idea of being “the prince of his father”
• Inspired partly by the film Boyz n the Hood, where identity and legacy play central roles

This name reflects his strong focus on family identity and generational storytelling.

Early Career: Big Budha Cheez

Prince Waly began his music career with his childhood friend Fiasko Proximo, forming the duo:

Big Budha Cheez

The group became known in the French underground scene for their:

• Boom bap-inspired production
• Cinematic storytelling
• Street-level authenticity
• Strong Montreuil identity (“M.City”)

Their early projects, including L’heure des loups and Épicerie coréenne, helped establish their reputation in the French rap underground. (trackmusik.fr)

Early Recognition: “Clean Shoes” and Breakthrough Moment

Prince Waly gained early attention through the track “Clean Shoes” (2013), which circulated within French hip-hop circles and helped him gain recognition beyond his local scene.

This period marked his transition from underground rapper to emerging national talent.

Solo Career Development

After building momentum with Big Budha Cheez, Prince Waly began developing a solo career, collaborating with producers such as Myth Syzer, a key figure in the French alternative hip-hop scene.

Junior (2016) – First Solo EP

His debut solo project:

Junior (2016)

Created with Myth Syzer, Junior showcased:

• Smooth, cinematic production
• Emotional storytelling
• Strong artistic identity
• Transition from group to solo artistry

This project marked his official entry into solo recognition in French rap. (gentsu.fr)

BO Y Z (2019) – Artistic Maturity

Prince Waly’s second major solo project:

BO Y Z

This EP solidified his reputation as a highly skilled storyteller.

The project is known for:

• Strong cinematic references
• Influences from gangster films
• Dense lyrical imagery
• Collaboration with respected French artists

Critics praised it as a mature and refined evolution of his sound. (goutemesdisques.com)

Moussa (2022) – First Full Album

His debut studio album:

Moussa

Named after his real first name, the album represents his most personal work to date.

Key themes include:

• Identity and self-reflection
• Urban life in Montreuil
• Social struggle and ambition
• Personal transformation

The album features collaborations with major French-speaking artists including Alpha Wann, Jazzy Bazz, Luidji, Freeze Corleone, and Ali (Lunatic). (wikipedia.org)

It is widely regarded as one of the strongest French rap albums of its release year.

Musical Style

Prince Waly’s music is defined by a unique artistic approach:

• Cinematic storytelling
• Boom bap and modern fusion production
• Strong narrative structure
• Dense cultural references (films, comics, street life)
• Emotional but controlled delivery

His writing often prioritizes imagery and atmosphere over straightforward punchlines.

Lyrical Themes

His lyrics frequently explore:

• Life in Montreuil and Seine-Saint-Denis
• Family identity and legacy
• Urban survival and ambition
• Nostalgia and 1990s influence
• Cinema-inspired storytelling
• Social realism

He is often described as a “rapper-narrator” rather than a traditional battle rapper or trap artist.

Health Struggles and Return

Prince Waly faced a serious health challenge after being diagnosed with a cancer affecting his vocal cords, which temporarily impacted his ability to perform.

After recovery, he made a strong return to music, reinforcing his reputation as a resilient and deeply human artist. (philharmoniedeparis.fr)

Cultural Impact

Prince Waly is considered a key figure in modern French rap because he:

• Helped elevate cinematic storytelling in hip-hop
• Preserved 1990s rap aesthetics in modern production
• Strengthened Montreuil’s identity in French rap culture
• Built a bridge between underground and mainstream rap
• Developed one of the most recognizable narrative styles in France

Why Prince Waly Matters

Prince Waly matters because he represents a different path in hip-hop:

• Artistic storytelling over commercial trends
• Cultural depth over viral moments
• Cinematic identity over formulaic rap structures

He is widely respected as one of the most original voices in contemporary French rap.