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DJ Mehdi – Espion Le EP (LP Album)
70,00 €
CONDITION
Second hand
Sleeve: Mint, New (M)
Important note: A slight tear in the orange paper film wrapping the cover is present on one edge (see photo opposite). This is a common production anomaly for this edition, noted on several copies that we have handled.
The limited vinyl reissue of DJ Mehdi – Espion Le EP in 2024 is a celebration of the musical heritage of a key pioneer of the French hip-hop and electro scenes. Originally released in 2000, this cult EP serves as a bridge between two once distinct musical worlds, a testament to the innovative spirit of DJ Mehdi, who passed away prematurely in 2011.
This collector’s edition offers a clear crystal vinyl, accompanied by a printed PVC oversleeve, a “pinched back” sleeve and an inner sleeve, all designed to appeal to collectors. The limited-edition item showcases meticulous archival work to pay tribute to the time when Espionnage, DJ Mehdi’s label, defined a new sonic identity at the crossroads of genres.
Composed of 11 tracks, the EP includes notable collaborations with rap and electro figures such as Dany Dan, Zdar, 113, Feadz and Rohff. Among the most emblematic tracks are “On s’habitue” with Rocé and “Despee ’98” with Rohff, which perfectly embody Mehdi’s fusion of styles and sonic experimentation.
The title, “On s’habitue“, plays a central role in understanding the album. This title evokes both the human capacity to adjust to difficult situations and the trivialization of deep-seated issues, such as inequalities or the destructive influences of modernity. Rocé highlights a feeling of disillusionment with a system where governments, presented as authority figures, end up revealing their true intentions, often to the detriment of citizens: “Of which we say too late that it is those who fool us.”
In the context of the lyrics, the expression “On s’habitue” can be interpreted as a subtle and striking critique of the passive acceptance of injustices, which, over the years, have gradually become normalized. It reflects a process where the initial constraint becomes routine, making inequalities, abuses of power or cultural losses less visible, and therefore more difficult to challenge. His text resonates particularly with those who, like us, grew up or evolved in urban environments marked by exile, inequalities, economic difficulties or disillusionment with a dominant system.
These tracks show how DJ Mehdi and the artists featured on this EP succeed in marrying deeply human stories with incisive social critiques, all carried by an avant-garde musical production. Their ability to capture the tensions between tradition and modernity, individuality and society, gives this opus a relevance that goes beyond its time. More than a simple musical archive, the Espion EP remains a vibrant and current testimony, in resonance with the cultural and political challenges that still persist today.
Label: Espionnage – ESP-11, Because Music – BEC5614631
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Description
DJ Mehdi – Espion Le EP is a flagship project that captures the essence of a pivotal era for French hip-hop and electro. Originally released in 2000, it reflects the creative effervescence of DJ Mehdi, a central figure in the French music scene. The limited 2024 reissue offers a unique opportunity to rediscover this masterpiece, which highlights bold collaborations and avant-garde production.
Each track is a testament to the alchemy between DJ Mehdi and his collaborators:
“We Are The Espionnage Sound System” (with Feadz) – An energetic opening, where we feel the fusion of hip-hop and electro sounds, symbolizing the experimental spirit of the EP.
“On s’habitue” (with Rocé) – This track combines a stripped-down production with committed lyrics about exile and the disillusionment of modernity, as mentioned above.
“Naja” (with Zdar) – A track that illustrates DJ Mehdi’s finesse in mixing genres, with subtle electro-pop touches.
“Despee ’98” (with Rohff) – A striking collaboration with rapper Rohff, rooted in a raw and punchy energy.
“Spanish Harlem” (with The Cambridge Circus) – An instrumental exploration that adds an international touch to the project.
Espion is not only an EP, but a cultural testimony. It highlights identity challenges, the tensions between tradition and modernity, and the fusion of cultures. The 2024 reissue, with its crystal vinyl and collector’s design elements, testifies to the importance of this album for a new generation of music lovers.
DJ Mehdi’s touch is omnipresent, through minimalist but impactful beats, melancholic melodies and an inventive use of samples. His style combines the refinement of electronic production with the raw intensity of hip-hop. The whole offers a subtle balance between modernity and timelessness.
This reissue coincides with a documentary broadcast on Arte, retracing Mehdi’s career and its impact on French and international music. DJ Mehdi – Espion Le EP thus symbolizes a timeless legacy and a bold musical exploration, reminding us that DJ Mehdi has always sought to push artistic boundaries.
If you are passionate about music or a lover of rare vinyls, this reissue represents much more than a collector’s item: it is an immersion in a unique sound universe that has influenced an entire generation.
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