I. BEN plg: An Introspective Journey Toward Authenticity 

BEN plg, born Thomas Léger, is a rapper from Tourcoing, a city in northern France. His musical path began under the name Ben l’Oncle Rap, but he later adopted the stage name BEN plg, which stands for « Pour La Gloire » (« For Glory »). This name change represents his desire to create music that speaks to the love of art, rather than chasing fame or success. His artistic evolution reveals a continuous search for authenticity, one where he channels his personal stories, struggles, and raw emotions. 

His latest album, Paraît que les miracles n’existent pas (released on March 7, 2025), showcases his unique approach to rap music. The album mixes polished production with deeply introspective lyrics, offering a candid reflection on his personal life, mental health, family struggles, and the harsh realities of everyday existence. Tracks like « On tombe, on réessaye » (We Fall, We Try Again) serve as an example, where BEN plg bares his soul, sharing not only his failures but also the resilience that allows him to overcome them. 

What truly sets this album apart is BEN plg’s decision to include his mother as a featured artist. In a genre often driven by individualism, this collaboration stands as a testament to the importance of family and roots in shaping an artist’s identity. The inclusion of a family member brings a more intimate, authentic layer to the music, showing the interconnectedness of his personal and professional lives. Moreover, the title Paraît que les miracles n’existent pas (translated to « Apparently, Miracles Don’t Exist ») sets a realistic tone, calling for listeners to accept life’s imperfections and find meaning within their own experiences, rather than waiting for impossible transformations. This reflects a grounded perspective that contrasts with the often idealized views of success in the music industry. 

II. BB Jacques: Raw Poetry and a Defiant Identity 

BB Jacques, born in France to Lebanese parents, grew up navigating between two cultures—his Lebanese heritage and the urban French environment. His music is deeply shaped by this bicultural experience, which enables him to blend influences from both worlds. His approach to rap is one of defiance against conventional expectations. Since his debut in 2020 with several singles and the mixtape La nuit sera calme in 2021, BB Jacques has made it clear that he isn’t interested in fitting into a commercial mold. Instead, his work reveals a commitment to poetic and unfiltered self-expression. 

BB Jacques’s album Blackbird showcases his artistic evolution and unique ability to convey vulnerability, strength, and profound introspection. Themes of love, personal loss, and the complexities of identity flow through the tracks, with the rapper embracing his personal struggles and turning them into creative fuel. The track « Pygmalion, » for example, blends technical rap with an emotive narrative, offering listeners a glimpse into the artist’s mind while revealing his raw emotional landscape. 

In his music, BB Jacques challenges the traditional structure of rap songs, opting for unconventional rhythm placements and forgoing catchy choruses. This further reinforces his authenticity, as it illustrates his desire to break free from the predictable patterns often seen in mainstream rap. By avoiding traditional hooks, BB Jacques invites the listener into an experience that is less about catchy lines and more about the depth of the emotion conveyed. This non-conformity adds an essential layer to his work, demonstrating his willingness to challenge the norms in the pursuit of artistic freedom. His use of literary references, metaphor, and the stark honesty in his lyrics add another dimension to his music, making it feel like an ongoing conversation with the audience. 

III. Authenticity as a Common Thread Between BEN plg and BB Jacques 

While BEN plg and BB Jacques have distinct styles and backgrounds, they share one common pursuit: authenticity. Both artists reject the commercial expectations of the music industry, instead choosing to create music that is a true reflection of themselves. In doing so, they forge deep connections with their listeners, who value the honesty and vulnerability present in their works. 

One notable collaboration between the two artists is the track Étoiles et satellites (Stars and Satellites). This song sees them sharing their individual perspectives while blending their unique sounds. Despite their different approaches to music—BEN plg with his more introspective storytelling and BB Jacques with his raw, poetic lyricism—they manage to create a piece that speaks to the shared human experience of navigating through life. Their collaboration is a clear message that authenticity in art transcends genre and stylistic differences, forging a connection that resonates with listeners on a universal level. 

The success of Étoiles et satellites highlights the value of genuine expression in music. Whether through their solo work or collaborations, both BEN plg and BB Jacques offer something much more significant than just entertainment—they offer an opportunity for listeners to engage with their personal truths. Their music creates a space where vulnerability is not seen as a weakness but as an essential element of self-expression. 

IV. The Universal Appeal of Authenticity in Rap 

Rap has always been a genre that prizes authenticity. From its early roots in the streets of New York and across the world, it has been a platform for marginalized voices to speak truth to power. Authenticity is embedded in the very DNA of rap music, which has often served as an outlet for personal narratives, social commentary, and the unfiltered realities of life. 

Artists like BEN plg and BB Jacques continue this tradition, proving that authenticity is not only relevant but essential in today’s rap scene. Their music resists the superficiality that sometimes pervades mainstream music and instead focuses on real-life experiences, personal struggles, and emotions. In a world where trends and commercial pressures can often overshadow individual creativity, these artists remain committed to their own truths, offering listeners an escape into worlds that feel genuine and relatable. 

Rap music, at its core, is a conversation between the artist and the listener. The authenticity found in the work of BEN plg and BB Jacques ensures that these conversations are meaningful and impactful. By remaining true to themselves, these artists prove that staying authentic is not just a stylistic choice—it is an act of artistic integrity that resonates deeply with their audiences. 

Conclusion 

Authenticity is the beating heart of rap music, a genre that has always valued truth, personal expression, and the voice of the unheard. Through the works of BEN plg and BB Jacques, it is evident that authenticity is more than just a buzzword—it is the cornerstone of their artistry. Their music not only offers a window into their personal worlds but invites listeners to share in their journey of self-discovery and expression. In a music landscape that is often dominated by trends, these artists remind us of the power of staying true to oneself and sharing one’s truth with the world. For BEN plg and BB Jacques, authenticity is not just a choice—it is their legacy, and it is what makes their music resonate so deeply with fans around the world. 

Guillem VIDAL