On the occasion of the 50th anniversary of Hip-Hop culture, it is important to pay tribute to the artisans who turned 50 in 2023.

Today, we salute Pone not only for his impact on the French scene, but also for his significant role in Hip-Hop culture and in parallel by force of things by positively influencing hip-hop culture in Quebec.

As he celebrates his 50th birthday, he continues to be a driving force in the hip-hop movement, guiding the next generation with his wisdom and experience. His legacy lives on through the artists he influenced and the platforms he helped create, making him a legendary icon of hip-hop culture on both sides of the Atlantic.

Photo : Grumplefix

A story of Fonky Family

Pone, whose real name is Guilhem Gallart, was born on March 7, 1973 in Toulouse, France. He is best known as an iconic member of the Fonky Family, one of the most influential rap groups on the French and Marseille scene. Pone played a key role in the group’s success as a talented producer and DJ, helping to shape FF’s distinctive sound.

Pone’s musical career began in the 90s, when French rap was gaining momentum. In 1994, he founded the group Fonky Family, initially composed of 6 members including Pone, Djel, Le Rat Luciano, Don Choa, Sat and Menzo. In 1997, he released the album Si Dieu veut… de la FF, an album entirely produced by him and which was a huge success.

Pone has distinguished himself by his exceptional skills as a DJ and producer, bringing innovative creativity to the music of the Fonky Family. His unique style fused elements of jazz, soul and funk with rap, creating a distinctive and recognizable sound. Powerful beats and bold samples helped define the band’s sound aesthetic.

Over the years, the Fonky Family continued to thrive with albums such as Art de Rue, which resonated in the streets of Montreal and Marginal Music. Pone was a central element of these projects, working closely with the other members of the group to create musical works that left a lasting impression on the French rap landscape.

In addition to his involvement with the Fonky Family, Pone has also collaborated with other renowned artists and collaborated on several projects including:

Fonky Family

-Si Dieu veut… (1997)

-Hors-Série vol.1 (1998)

-Art de rue (2001)

-Hors-Série vol.2 (2001)

-Marginal Musique (2006)

-Nouvel album 2023

 

Others

-Chroniques de Mars / Côté Obscure compi. (1998)

-Les Princes de la ville / 113 (1999)

-Une couleur de plus au drapeau / KDD (2000)

-Mode de vie : Béton Style / Le Rat Luciano (2000)

-La vie avant la mort / Rhoff (2001)

-Vapeurs Toxiques / Don Choa (2002)

-Dans mon monde / Sat L'Artificier (2002)

-Brut de femme / Diam's (2003)

-Jungle de Béton / Don Choa (2007)

-Tu verras dans nos yeux / Mik Délit (2008)

-Vision / Karlito de Mafia K’1 Fry (2020)

 

Solo

-Kate and Me (2019)

-Listen and Donate (2021)

Pone’s solo work, whether as a producer or DJ, has been critically acclaimed and has strengthened his reputation as a major creative force in the global music industry.

In 2019, Pone decides to put online on its platform 73bpm.com his entire work as a producer from 1990 to 2014 as well as videos of his new creative process.

En 2020, soit 22 ans après la collaboration Fonky Family-Rainmen pour le titre La vie des gens pauvres et misérables, le duo québécois récidive en s'associant avec ExPomPom et Gimenez pour faire le remix du titre Shinin’ Jasmine tiré de l'album Kate and Me de Pone. 

La chanson, moins connue au Québec a eu un certain succès chez nos cousins français ravivant ainsi le lien Marseille-Montréal à nouveau.

Écoutez le morceau emblématique issu de la collaboration entre les groupes de Hip-Hop Rainmen et Fonky Family dans la vidéo ci-dessous :

The eye on the lens

In 2015, tragedy struck the pillar of the FF, when he learned of suffering from Charcot’s disease, also known as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). After being diagnosed, Pone took a musical break until January 2018, focusing on his health. Following a tracheotomy that significantly improved his condition and despite the many physical challenges imposed by this degenerative disease, he regained the desire to compose although he initially thought it would be impossible

His illness, which leads to the progressive death of neurons controlling various functions such as walking, speech, swallowing and breathing, did not prevent Pone from regaining his musical passion thanks to a technology assisted by the eye.

Adapting to his new reality, Pone uses an eye system that guides the mouse of his computer according to the movement of his eyes. This technology allows him not only to compose music but also to write and speak with a voice generated by his computer, although this implies a slight time lag in his answers.

The creative process has always played a crucial role in Pone’s life, offering a sense of escape and well-being. His wife Wahiba testifies to the remarkable change in Pone’s music, highlighting an even more intense emotional expression than before.

The man of a passion...

In addition to his musical projects, Pone works on associative medical initiatives. Despite the challenges of his condition, he remains determined to create and contribute to the cause. In 2021, in collaboration with two specialized doctors and the resuscitation department of the CHU de Nîmes, he set up the association Trakadom, an association focused on the training of caregivers and informal caregivers to allow the return home of patients suffering from similar conditions to his.

To support the association, he encourages the public to listen to the album. Listen and donate, a four-track mini-album, on music platforms, generating royalties donated to Trakadom. Fans can also purchase a three-track vinyl or its four-track collector version, with works by the famous artist JR illustrating these limited editions.

Pone, with his unwavering talent and resilience in the face of adversity, embodies the strength of human creativity and delivers a powerful message: that everything is possible, even beyond the limits imposed by disease.

Pone’s journey is a testament to his determination and unwavering love of music. His impact on the French rap scene remains undeniable, and his legacy continues through generations of artists who will be inspired by his talent and dedication.

For good reason, Pone is an excellent artist with a beautiful versatility: he has published several books including the most recent, 'A little further'' under the publishing house Lattes.

This masterpiece orchestrated by the master is available via the links below:

France : HERE

Canada : HERE

The Beautiful Province of Pone

The Fonky Family, with its distinctive influence, has always held a valuable place in the Quebec hip-hop community. The collaboration with Rainmen has contributed to the evolution of sound and style that characterize the hip-hop scene in Quebec.

Pone’s influence extends beyond the music itself. His key role in the development of the platform HITstory, initiated by Naufrage, the famous Quebec duo, demonstrates its desire to support and propel the new generation of artists. HITstory, as a platform, has served as a springboard for many talents by offering increased visibility and opportunities for collaboration.

Photo : N/O

This testimony of Naufrage speaks volumes:

“We complain about our little worries despite our resources and we spend our daily lives selling influence and desire. One should rather envy this man for his art and courage in the constraint of the physical world. Maximum Admiration for Pone de la Fonky Family. May the whole universe hear this sound and become aware of the source.”

 

During 2024, a tribute will be paid to Pone by the duo of artists Brognon Rollin will transform the tower of the Fanal into a poetic beacon, through which they will address to the Marseillais a message of Pone.

 

Happy birthday big brother. Thank you for always keeping an eye on us.

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