Biography
WHO IS SEMPE ?
HONESTY, INTEGRITY, and HARD WORK : not only a general recipe for success, but a trifecta of attributes as rare together as they are individually uncommon. SEMPE is a Swiss young phenom marking the beginning of a new era for Swiss Hip Hop. Thanks to his hard work and talent, he was able to transgress frontiers and build international connections between the American and Swiss Hip Hop industry. Citing versatility as his key attribute, SEMPE now has over half a dozen videos on Youtube and a lot of views. SEMPE is well recognized for his great capacity of communication, his sens of style as a recording artist and his performances. His incredible lyrical talent, his enchanting voice and great flow made of SEMPE one of the most respectful lyricist of the French Hip Hop industry.
SEMPE started rapping when he was 12 years old when his French teacher told him he had a certain talent for writing and acting. He then joined a few Swiss entities, which allowed him to perform in clubs and at many venues. In 2008, SEMPE had the opportunity to participate in a Swiss government project for the promotion of the Swiss urban and classical music. The same year, SEMPE had the chance to join a summer tour and perform in some prestigious festivals such as the Paléo festival Nyon or the Montreux Jazz festival.
What separates SEMPE from his peers, though, are two seemingly trivial, but actually monumental tidbits: his constant travel back and forth from New York, and his raw focus, energy, and determination. “I’m always up for an adventure. I was one of the only ones from my hood to hop on the train; to see New York, to see Miami, etc. I been through the world – I spent 1/4 of my life in the USA.” But the remembrance of Switzerland – its vitality, its vigor, its corruption, and ruggedness, an unparallel work ethic – to get rich, or die tryin’.
As far as SEMPE’s influences go, apart from a few outoftowners, the Nyc home base is well represented. “I love so much different type of music, it’s a shame!” As far as concepts, the answer isn’t what you’d expect, but signifies an innate intelligence, tremendous foresight, and the result of exposure to different: different music, different cultures, and different regions. “My style is universal. I’ll go wherever the tempo takes me…the concepts come from the beats. Certain beats speak to my soul. It has to feel live.”
A constant tour de force of videos, work, and tours, SEMPE’s Internet presence is a sight to behold. “The Internet is the numberone promotional tool in the world. Children have so much technology nowadays, that they don’t even have to come outside. They can just stay indoors and have fun.” Maintaining this momentum, though, is a constant struggle for a 21stcentury entertainer, as SEMPE elaborates: “The grind is the toughest part. It’s beautiful when the music is out, and they vibe to it. But the hard part – you gotta wake up early, everyday, after barely sleeping for days on end, to go to the studio to find a tune, edit, and break day. Sometimes, I wanna close my eyes and sleep, but I’d never allow myself to do that – not till I’m in a coffin. I work hard, I go hard.”
Showing no signs of slowing up, SEMPE’s onslaught will continue with the release of “AAA”, the most highly anticipated album in Switzerland. Having done features with a broad range of stars as VADO ; ACE HOOD ; TORCH ; FRENCH MONTANA , etc.. groundwork has laid a solid, universal foundation. Success is only a step away.
TURNING POINT :
During the end of 2009, SEMPE was discovered by the talented DJ of New York, Dj Lazy K, known for having worked and contributed to the successes of Jay Z, The Fugees, Kanye West, 50 Cent, Rick Ross or Max B and for having won many Dj-Battle competitions in the U.S.
The years 2010, 2011 & 2012 were very interesting for SEMPE as he spend a lot of time in New York, Boston and Miami doing music. It is a great opportunity for a Swiss Hip Hop artist rapping in French. SEMPE is now respected in the U.S. , in Europe and has many tracks released in U.S. mixtapes.
COLLABORATIONS :
SEMPE is the first and only french artist who has worked with international renown producers such as : Cardiak Flatline ; Araabmuzik and YH of Zombeez Gang ; Jahlil Beats of ROC Nation (Dreamchasers Records) ; 808 mafia of BSM ; Mike Will ; The Olympicks ; Pay Cash ; Flawless & Tone P ; The Renegades ; Black Metaphor ; Dollabillkidz ; Scalaprods ; Yvan ; Version F ; ADM ; Argo ; Mike Millionaire ; The Soundbrothers ; Eriek or Automatik & A6, etc…
SEMPE has worked with : French Montana of Bad Boy ; Ace Hood of YMCMB ; Torch of MMG ; Vado ; Frenchie BSM ; Lino Cordova ; Jason Lyric ; Jr Writer ; NOE ; Masspike Miles ; 40 Cal ; Charlie Clips ; D-Block ; Coke Boys ; Brick Squad Mafia ; Brick Squad Monopoly ; OG Mack Drama ; Dj Lazy K ; Jae Millz ; Amafia ; Siya ; Byrd Lady ; G4S ; Murdah Baby ; Tarvoria ; Yobi ; Bo Deal ; Ransom ; K-Homie ; Tone Trump ; Zoey Clarke ; Donny Goines ; Sony BSM ; Fendi BSM & many others.
SEMPE has also jumped on many U.S. mixtapes and remix for U.K. and Europe with artists as Meek Mill ; Pusha T ; Fred the Godson ; Cam’ron ; Juicy J of 3.6.Mafia ; Young Chris ; Mims ; Big KRIT ; Waka Flocka ; etc…
OWN RELEASES :
Chocolate & Cheese 1 : April 2011
In this mixtape, mixed and hosted by Dj Lazy K, SEMPE shares with us the Americano-Swiss connections featurings such as : Frenchie 1017 ; 40 Cal ; French Montana ; Lino Cordova ; Araabmuzik ; JR Writer ; Vado ; NOE of Byrdgang ; Tone Trump, etc…
Chocolate & Cheese 2 : April 2012
Featuring Mims ; Vado ; A-mafia ; Massepike Miles ; Murdah Baby ; Waka Flocka and many others…
The Swiss Lost Files : August 2012
Ft Swiss and French rappers
Chocolate & Cheese 3 : 10.11.12
More than an EP, this mixtape is featuring Lino Cordova ; Charlie Clips ; 40 Cal ; Big Krit ; Rasco ; P Mancini ; BSM artists and more…
AAA : 12.12.12
First solo album. SEMPE talks about life problems such as divorce and abandonment, writes about global ecological problems or politics. Continuing with his international collaborations, the album includes prestigious featurings with Ace Hood of YMCMB ; Torch of MMG ; Vado ; French Montana and Lino Cordova.
BRICK SQUAD MAFIA :
In August 2012, SEMPE signed with the world famous brand & label BRICK SQUAD MAFIA. SEMPE is the first French rapper who signed with an American prestigious label like BSM. Brick Squad Mafia is a one of the industries fastest growing companies! BSM is not only specialize in artist talent and development, but also strive to set a standard of excellence in everything they do. Brick Squad Mafia was founded by 1017 Brick Squad member Mack Drama to help artists utilize their talent and get their career to the next level.
Mack Drama recognizes the need and opportunity to provide a platform for inner city youth via music where they can rise to the occasion in terms of talent and stardom. From this, Brick Squad Mafia came into existence. Brick Squad Mafia currently represents some of the industry’s most talented rising stars which will prove to be a force to be reckoned with in 2012 !
