Nikus Pokus, a founding member of the rap group Svinkels, which marked the beginning of the 2000s, died on Friday of a heart attack at the age of 51, people close to the group said on Sunday.
Nikus Pokus (real name Nicolas Tissier) died “while returning from an excursion” at his home in Lézardrieux, Côtes-d’Armor, where he had recently moved, according to people close to the group. He was the father of a 4-year-old daughter and was planning to release his first solo album.
“With heavy hearts but full of love for you, our legendary traveling companion, the entire group and teams wish you to join the stars you have known throughout your incredible life,” the group announced on Instagram on Saturday and Facebook.
Unusual and trashy lyrics
Svinkels, named after a brand of cheap beer, was founded in the mid-1990s by Nikus Pokus and Gérard Baste, then high school students. They were later joined by Mr. Xavier and DJ Pone.
Often compared to the American Beastie Boys, the group marked the beginning of the 2000s thanks to its biting, unusual and trashy lyrics, and its rock or even punk attitude. At the time, Svinkels was classified among the so-called “alternative” rap groups, along with TTC, Klub des Loosers or La Caution, as opposed to the commercial hip-hop promoted by radio stations and major record labels.