Soolking

Abderraouf Derradji (عبد الرؤوف درّاجي; born 10 December 1989), known professionally as Soolking, is an Algerian singer and rapper.

He arrived in France in 2008, but returned to Algeria to be included in the Algerian rap formation Africa Jungle.

The band released two albums.

He started his career under the pseudonym MC Sool until 2013 before adopting his new stage name.

He incorporates reggae, soul, hip hop and Algerian raï in his music.

Derradji was born in Algeria in a northern suburb of the capital Algiers, also known as Staouali.

His father was a percussionist and he started very young in a rock band incorporating music and dance.

He started his solo career in 2016 and is signed to the label Affranchis Music launched by Sofiane.

He had an initial success with "Milano" and "Guérilla" before a phenomenal success with "Dalida", an homage to the singer Dalida, sampling her hit "Paroles, paroles".

On 2 November 2018, Soolking released his debut solo album Fruit du démon that was certified Gold in France.

The singles "Guérilla" and "Dalida" were certified Platinum.

On August 23, 2019, Soolking held a large concert at Stade 20 Août 1955, accompanied by L'Algérino, Fianso, Alonzo and Dhurata Dora.

During entering the stadium five people died due to the stampede.

Soolking said after the concert that if he had known what happened he would have cancelled the concert.

One of the reasons for the accident was that there were sold more tickets than the stadium's capacity could accommodate.

He released his second studio album Vintage in 2020.

On 26 May 2022, he released Sans visa, his third album.