RK (born Ryad Kartoum, 7 November 2001) is a French rapper from Meaux, Seine-et-Marne, who rose rapidly to prominence within the French rap scene for his melodic sensibility and emotionally charged storytelling. He broke through with his debut studio album Insolent in 2018, which achieved platinum certification within just five months — a rare feat that immediately positioned him as one of France’s most commercially powerful young artists. He followed this success with Rêves de gosse (2019), Neverland (2020), and Mentalité (2022), projects that cemented his reputation for blending vulnerability with confidence, often exploring themes of ambition, youth, and inner conflict. Despite his young age, RK became a defining voice of a new generation of French rap, balancing mainstream appeal with personal lyricism.

Off stage, RK’s public image has been marked by both style and controversy. His fashion choices lean towards contemporary street-luxury, favouring clean silhouettes, dark palettes, and statement accessories that reflect modern Parisian rap culture. Eyewear frequently plays a role in sharpening his look, adding an air of detachment and authority. He has been seen wearing bold frames from brands such as Gucci and Cartier, often opting for dark lenses and assertive shapes that reinforce his guarded, enigmatic persona. Alongside his artistic career, RK’s public narrative has also included legal issues, which have been widely reported in French media and have added complexity to his public image. As an artist, he remains a polarising yet influential figure — emblematic of the intensity, contradictions, and cultural impact of contemporary French rap.