Hip-Hop Classic #17: Supreme NTM - That's My People (Chosen by Timothy Shieff)

'That's My People' is the third single from French Hip-Hop group Supreme NTM's self-titled fourth studio album, which was released in 1999 on Epic Records. The track is produced by NTM, Sully Sefil & Kool Shen and features a sample of 'Prelufe in E-Minor, Op. 28, No. 4' composed by Frederic Chopin, along vocal samples from Keith Murrary & Method Man. The group takes its name from the French slang "NTM", an abbreviation for "Nique Ta Mère" ("Nique" is derived from the shortening of the French word "forniquer" (fornicate)) meaning "F**k Your Mother". NTM is known for their hostility towards the Police, violent lyrics, and legal battles with the French authorities. Their musical style is predominantly Hardcore Rap, although their later albums (such as this) include Funk, Soul & Reggae influences. Tim was never going to let me down - this is obscurely brilliant.

Timothy Shieff: "I know no-one's gonna choose Big L, and to me he's one of the dopest, so it was tough to not go with one of his classics - but like you said, no-one has gone French and I don't think anyone will. This track meant a lot to me when I first started getting into French Hip-Hop - I fell in love with it and it still sounds dope to this day, plus I found a version with English subtitles so I know what they're saying is real too, it's not just nice flow from the language"