Montréal’s hip-hop scene has always had a pulse of its own — gritty, poetic, and proudly bilingual — and 12 Singes have long been part of that heartbeat. Born from the city’s vibrant underground, this collective of MCs and producers came together in the early 2000s, united by a shared love of boom-bap, street wisdom, and unapologetic lyricism.
Over the years, the group — featuring Frenchi Blanco, C-Drik, Fatgab, Reptile Rampant, Cheak13, M.I.G, Nysrok,Tank, Le Chum, John John and DJ Horg — has built a cult following through razor-sharp bars and timeless production that bridges the old school and the new.
After years of collaboration and solo projects across Québec’s expanding rap landscape, 12 Singes re-emerged with a vengeance in recent months, dropping a series of heavy singles that remind everyone why Montréal lyricism is a force to be reckoned with. Tracks like “Arrange Ta Face,” “Conspiration des Singes III,” and “OH MY LORD” have racked up solid traction on YouTube, setting the stage for their latest heater, “Joue Pas À Ca.”
Released in September 2025, “Joue Pas À Ca” hits hard from the first bar — all pounding drums, dark synth layers, and surgical flows. The title (“Don’t Play With That”) says it all: this is a warning shot from vets who’ve seen it all and aren’t here for the games. The video, shot by John John in Montréal’s industrial backstreets, captures that same energy — gritty realism meets lyrical precision. Every verse feels earned, every hook deliberate, a statement that real rap still lives north of the border.
While details on the upcoming 12 Singes album remain under wraps, insiders hint that it’s set to drop before the end of 2025 early 2026, marking the crew’s most cohesive project to date. Expect a mix of cinematic beats, politically charged verses, and raw authenticity that’s been missing from the mainstream.
Fans should keep an eye on 12 Singes’ YouTube channel and socials for updates. If “Joue Pas À Ca” is any indication, the album will be one of the most important Francophone rap releases of the year.
Check out “Joue Pas À Ca” below and stay tuned — 12 Singes are back from the jungle of Montréal, and they’re not playing.
