A sometime fan of French hip-hop expects Sens Unik's "Le vent tourne" to undulate coquettishly between Arabic melody and Riviera slang, to hear IAM's mike talk toughen up on "La 25ème image," or to enjoy the intricate punning that MC Solaar lavishes on "Comme dans un film." But until now, not many Americans have heard voices like La Cliqua and Les Sages Poètes de la Rue, who make songs like "Requiem" and "Bons baisers du poste" rattle and hum just as fiercely as US hardcore. Neither is it a given that Ste Strausz' -- sleek homegirl from Vitry -- will tough her way through the slangy "C'est la même histoire (c'est asmeuk)" like an improved MC Lyte, Yo-Yo, or Monica. But she does.

-- Michael Freedberg