Booba (real name Eli Yaffa) was born on December 9, 1976 in Boulogne-Billancourt, France. His mother was French & his father was Senegalese. He started his career in 1994 in 2 bands, Beat De Boul & Time Bomb. Then he founded the band Lunatic with his friend Ali, appearing on compilations. The duet released their only album Mauvais Oeil in 2000. They split & Booba went solo with Temps Mort in 2002 & Panthéon in 2004. His second album became double gold disc & Booba got a place in French rap. With his third album Ouest Side in 2006, Booba continued with his lyrics & nice music.