Tunisiano

by Jason BirchmeierTunisiano is a French rapper of Tunisian heritage who established himself as a member of the rap group Sniper before embarking on a solo career in 2008. Born Bachir Baccour on May 19, 1979, in Deuil-la-Barre, a commune in the northern suburbs of Paris, he founded the group Sniper with fellow Parisian rappers Blacko and Aketo. Prior to Tunisiano's solo debut, Sniper released three albums -- Du Rire aux Larmes (2000), Gravé Dans la Roche (2003), and Trait Pour Trait (2006) -- and grew increasingly popular: Du Rire aux Larmes peaked at number 21 on the French albums chart, Gravé Dans la Roche at number two, and Trait Pour Trait at number one. The group also released a series of hit singles over this time span: "Pris Pour Cible," "Quand on Te Dit," "Du Rire aux Larmes," "On S'en Sort Bien," "Gravé Dans la Roche" (a Top Five hit), "Sans (Re)pères" (Top Ten), "Bons Moments," and "Trait Pour Trait." In 2008 Tunisiano made his solo debut with the album Le Regard des Gens and the hit single "Equivoque." Tunisiano's solo success rivaled that of his group: Le Regard des Gens charted in not only France (at number 11) but also in the neighboring countries Switzerland and Belgium (number 35 and 24) while "Equivoque" became a Top 20 hit in France.