Dubmatique

Early career

In the 1980s, Disoul and OTMC became friends in the country of Senegal.^[1] In the early 90’s Disoul moved to Montreal, Quebec, Canada. Shortly after OTMC goes there to meet his old buddy. They got the idea of starting a French Hip Hop group. The two rappers became acquainted with Dj Choice, who then decides to join them, hence giving birth to Dubmatique.^[2] In 1994, they made their first appearance by doing a freestyle on the mix-tape Tape 9-Too Leust by Cut Killer.^[3]

By 1995, the group starts to be very successful doing shows in local clubs. They participate at the launch of the album Simple et Funky by Alliance Ethnik and the soundtrack for the movie La Haine who are extremely successful in Quebec. They win the award of Best Hip Hop Group of the Year at the Gala Mimi. That same summer, they do a show at the music festival named Les FrancoFolies de Montréal where their perseverance and fan base is noticed.^[4]

La force de comprendre

In 1997, on the French Canadian market, they release their first album named La force de comprendre. It is soon certified platinum and sells over 125 000 copies.^[5] Because of the singles and music videos for Soul Pleureur, La force de comprendre, and Plus rien n’est pareil, they reach the top of the charts on commercial radio stations and TV channels for music videos. The reviews were extremely favorable on both the lyrics and the production. It also includes featurings with two of France’s finest rappers Menelik and 2 Bal. The group went on to do over 150 shows on the biggest stages throughout Quebec. Dubmatique becomes one of the most publicized group. At the French Canadian equivalent of the "Grammy Awards" called "Le Gala de L'ADISQ". The awards they won The Félix Award of "Best Rock Alternative Album" (Their first year at "Le Gala de L'ADISQ", they didn't have a Hip Hop section).^[6] They were nominated for Group of the year, and Revelation of the year. This streak of success would on until 1998 were the won the Félix Award for Group of the year, and two more nominations for Show of the year and Best Seller.^[7] On the English side of Canada they are nominated for a Juno Award in the Best selling Francophone album.^[8]

Dubmatique

Their second album, the self-titled Dubmatique cames out in 1999. They launch the singles and music videos of La vie est si fragile with the violinist Ashley MacIsaac and Mémoires who also have a high attainment of popularity on the charts. The album is certified gold and sells 35 000 copies in their first week.^[9] They collaborate with two members of the group IAM, Shurik’n is featured on the song L’avenir, and Akhenathon remixes the single La force de comprendre from the first album. Montreal artists were also featured El Winner of «Latitude Nord», D-Shade of «Shades of Culture» and Mr. Len. The record is well received and maintains Dubmatique as the number one group in Quebec Hip Hop, and continue to fill up large venues. Finally at "Le Gala de L'ADISQ", they won the Félix Award for "Hip Hop Album of the year", were nominated for Group of the year. Additionally at "Le Gala Soba" they won two Sound of Blackness Awards for Best Group of the year, and Best Francophone Hip Hop Group of the year.

Influences

Dj Choice doesn’t participate on the production of their third album. Disoul and OTMC work with various renowned producers which consisted of Sonny Black, Jaynaz, Ray Ray, and Stéphane Dufour. In 2001 they release the album Influences. Ragga Dub and Sexcite-Moi, a collaboration with the rock singer Éric Lapointe, were chosen as the singles and music videos to launch the album. The group continues to do well on the charts. They win the Félix Award for Best Hip Hop Album of the year. This record is also annotated to be the first apparition by best selling Rnb singer Corneille on a professional project.

Mémoires and solo projects

In 2004, their label Tox releases the compilation Mémoires that contains all their hits, with many of their critically acclaimed song. Shortly after, Disoul and OTMC launch solo projects. In 2005, Disoul decided to use his real name, Jérôme-Philippe and releases a self-titled album where he mixes rapping and singing. OTMC follows up in 2006 with a Hip Hop album named Sincérité volontaire. Their respective songs would play on the radios throughout Quebec and sales are respectable.

Trait d’union

In 2008, a group is created by a fan on Facebook to reunite Dubmatique, and over 50 000 fans join.^[10] This motivates OTMC and Disoul to make an album. In 2009 they launch Trait d’union. Dj Choice participates and produces the song Patience a collaboration with Sir Pathetik, Imposs and John John. Re-known singers such as Barnev Valsaint, Jennifer Silencieux, and Mike Coriolan also participate. With the singles and music videos for La Vibe and Cold World, they get an excellent diffusion and are on demand. Les FrancoFolies de Montréal music festival organises their first reunion show.