MC Solaar is the stage name of francophone hip hop and rap artist Claude M'Barali was born on March 5, 1969 in Dakar, Senegal to parents from Chad. Solaar is one of the most internationally popular and influential French rappers.

As a rapper MC Solaar is known for his complexity, which relies on wordplay, lyricism, and philosophical inquiry. The music is based on dance rhythms.

In the English-speaking world, Solaar was signed by London acid jazz label Talkin' Loud and invited to record with British group Urban Species and Guru, a member of the famous and highly-acclaimed New York group Gang Starr.

He has since released six records and one live album and currently resides with his wife, French actress Chloé Bensemoun, and their only son, Roman.