The song "Popo" by French rapper Hatik speaks about the relationship between youth in disadvantaged neighborhoods in France and the police force. The lyrics talk about how residents of these neighborhoods are constantly under the watchful eye of the police, and how interactions with them can often lead to violence and arrests. The opening lines, "On apprend à faire avec les condés d'puis l'époque des billes" (We've learned to deal with the cops since playing marbles), suggest that this type of tension has been present for a long time. The lyrics describe how young people often view the police as adversaries, and how throwing a firecracker or fleeing from the police can be seen as victories. However, the consequences of these actions can be severe, such as being beaten or arrested. Hatik also speaks about the emotional toll this situation can take, mentioning how a new line on a criminal record means more pain for a mother's heart. The chorus repeats the word "popo", which is a slang term for the police in French. It emphasizes how much of a central figure the police have become in the lives of the youth in these neighborhoods, to the point where they seem to dominate conversations and thoughts. Overall, "Popo" speaks about a complex and fraught relationship between the police and marginalized communities in France.
