French rapper Rilès Kacimi is pushing the boundaries of album marketing by running on a treadmill for 24 hours straight – with circular buzzsaws positioned menacingly behind him.
The high-stakes performance, which began on February 8, is being livestreamed on his YouTube channel to his 1.94 million subscribers. The setup leaves absolutely no margin for error; any slowdown or misstep could have serious consequences due to the placement of the saws.
To ensure transparency and authenticity, the stunt is taking place in an open environment without walls, allowing fans to witness the dramatic scene in person while others tune in online.
This isn’t Rilès’s first foray into extreme physical challenges. The rapper has previously completed impressive feats including running 120 kilometers in nine hours and 20 minutes without breaks, and a 100-kilometer run in just under nine and a half hours.
His preparation for this latest challenge has been intense. In January, he documented his training on social media platform X, revealing he had run an impressive 246.65 kilometers in a single week.
The livestream has captured significant attention, drawing over 5,700 viewers who have expressed mixed reactions. “A generational performance with the most impactful message. Thank you Rilès,” one viewer commented in the live chat. Others showed concern, with one viewer simply stating, “Imagine if he stops running,” while another practically wondered, “How does he pee?”
The stunt is promoting his new album titled “Survival Mode,” and it’s certainly living up to its name. Whether viewed as brilliant marketing or an unnecessary risk, one thing is certain: Rilès has managed to create an unforgettable moment in music promotion history.
