Alix Mathurin (French pronunciation: [aliks matyˈʁɛ̃]), known publicly as Kery James, is a French-Haitian rapper, singer, actor, director, and screenwriter.

James began his rap career in 1991 as a co-founder of the group Ideal J, which gained momentum when DJ Mehdi joined as a producer the following year.

Ideal J experienced growing success during a time when French rap was beginning to gain recognition, but the group disbanded in 1999 following the murder of Las Montana, one of James' close friends.

Following the September 11, 2001, attacks, he directed Savoir et vivre ensemble (Know and Live Together), a project in which rappers, singers, and athletes promote unity.

[citation needed] In subsequent years, while colleague DJ Mehdi progressed as a producer, Kery worked on writing new material, his texts reflecting a life that involved altercations with the police, street rivalries, and an omnipresent fear of death.

[citation needed] In 1996, the band's first album under the moniker Ideal J led the group to with singles like "Ghetto français", "Show business" and "Je veux du cash".

Ideal J multiplied their appearances on Maxis and as featured acts, with the single "J'désole mes parents" present on the compilation Nouvelle donne.

[citation needed] In 2004, James' second album, Ma vérité continued to underline social and political militant messages taking positions on such subjects as the war in Iraq and on reality TV.

[citation needed] In March 2008 he released a new album À l'ombre du show business whose title track was a collaboration with French chanson Charles Aznavour.