Jul, whose real name is Julien Mari, is one of the key figures in Marseille rap. This son of the Louis-Loucheur neighborhood has recently demonstrated the extent of his fame. In less than an hour, the 60,000 tickets for his concert on May 23, 2025, at the Orange Vélodrome were sold out. Ticketing platforms were quickly emptied. More than 700,000 people from the entire French hip-hop scene were trying to get one.
While this record sale is impressive, it is not by chance. Jul, often described as an icon of French rap, speaks to a united fan base, his famous “Team Jul”. This audience mimics his iconic hand gesture on football fields. Moreover, they also replicate it on social media profiles. To strengthen this bond, he does not hesitate to offer unreleased tracks. His generous attitude, relayed by the media and social networks, helps to develop his notoriety on the urban scene.
“I do this for my supporters, I want them to always have music to listen to. Family first.” — Jul, interview on Instagram Live
A prolific artist with impressive records
Jul doesn’t just dazzle the rap sphere. He is an extraordinary production machine, very present on Spotify, Deezer, or YouTube. In just over ten years of career, he has released more than twenty studio albums. His latest project, D & P à vie, announced for April 25, adds to an already colossal discography. He composes his instrumentals, writes his lyrics, and often directs his videos in the streets of Marseille. His style, marked by Auto-Tune and powerful beats, remains immediately recognizable.
📊 Key figures of Jul
- 141 gold singles
- 56 platinum singles
- 25 diamond singles
- More than 5.5 million albums sold
- 700,000+ fans in line for his concert in Marseille
- 20+ studio albums
The numbers confirm this unique status in the rap game. This excitement is based on a clear recipe: catchy choruses, haunting melodies, and constant proximity to his audience.
Marseille rap, between heritage and modernity
Jul’s success is rooted in a hip-hop tradition unique to Marseille. Since the 1990s, IAM, the Fonky Family, and 3e Œil have shaped a vibrant musical identity. Jul extends this heritage, in tune with the era of streaming and digital communication. He blends traditional rhythms with electronic sounds, thus attracting a wide range of listeners.
His approach is halfway between neighborhood culture and international ambition. This duality appeals to fans of historical rap as well as those discovering urban music through social networks. It gives Jul a unique place in the French musical landscape, supported by a devoted audience.
A unique style that has become a global signature
Jul’s success goes beyond mere commercial data. He has imposed a “type beat” that is immediately recognizable, influencing other rappers and producers. In France, artists like Naps, L’Algérino, or Soso Maness follow in his footsteps. Abroad, rappers 6ix9ine, Morad, or Boef each, in their own way, adopt the Marseille recipe: syncopated flow, massive bass, and catchy choruses.
Jul embraces his multiple inspirations. He listens to French variety and American trap, often citing Future. This openness allows him to unite a diverse audience. Indeed, it attracts both purist rap enthusiasts and fans of mainstream urban music. His aura grows as he multiplies projects, accumulating views on YouTube and Spotify.
A discreet man, faithful to his roots
Behind this meteoric success, Jul maintains a reserved temperament. He gives few interviews, preferring to communicate via his Instagram account. His posts, sometimes raw, give the impression of an artist close to his origins. He even embraces his French mistakes, which he considers a reflection of his authenticity.
His videos, shot in the neighborhoods of Marseille, feature childhood friends. His journey embodies a revenge on a modest destiny, started in construction. Through perseverance, Jul has become one of the leading figures in French rap. He proves that success can be achieved far from traditional production or distribution channels.
Jul, a mirror of an era and a city
Jul symbolizes the vitality of a cosmopolitan Marseille. He stands as a spokesperson for a youth that believes in success through hard work. His simple and catchy choruses, already cult, accompany the daily lives of thousands of fans.
Some observers point out the industrialization of his production. Yet, the public responds, as evidenced by the upcoming concert at the Stade de France, already sold out. Jul continues his journey, chaining collaborations and leaving his mark on the French rap scene.
His popularity is based on a solid base of loyal fans. Moreover, a constant renewal of his universe projects him ever further into the musical landscape. Beyond debates on form and substance, Jul embodies determination. His story serves as an example to those who dream of succeeding while staying true to themselves. He has become a staple, whose name resonates throughout France.
