Kreuzberg's discovery of hip-hop
A mic in the hand and rapping about xenophobia, discrimination and conservative Islamic traditions - by the early 1990s, young Germans with Turkish roots had discovered hip-hop.
Berlin's Turkish hip-hop scene
A mic in the hand and rapping about xenophobia, discrimination and conservative Islamic traditions - by the early 1990s, young Germans with Turkish roots had discovered hip-hop. The clubs, cultural centers and tucked away courtyards of Berlin's multi-cultural district Kreuzberg became the epicenter of the scene.
Pioneers of German-Turkish hip-hop
The group Cartel was among the scene's first hits. Their Middle Eastern beats and socially critical lyrics struck a nerve with young migrants. Cartel's 1995 debut album drew much attention to the rap formation built around Hakan K. (l) and Erci E from Berlin. They ended up on music TV channels like MTV and VIVA, and the rock star Peter Maffay helped produce their album "Begegnungen" (Encounters).
Agitpop from the streets of Kreuzberg
The new German-Turkish hip-hop boom didn't remain a regional musical phenomenon for long. Soon hip-hop fever had made its way from the Spree down to the Bosporus. In big Turkish cities like Istanbul and Ankara, the provocative genre with German and Turkish lyrics was received with enthusiasm by young people.
Ceza: rap star
More and more crossover projects between German and Turkish rappers sprang up. In 1998, the Berlin rapper Ceza produced two albums with the Turkish hip-hop duo Nefret. And a few years later, Ceza's star rose further thanks to the film "Crossing the Bridge - The Sound of Istanbul" by director Fatih Akin. In 2007, Ceza took home the "Best Turkish Act" award from the MTV Music Awards in Germany.
Bridging hip-hop and social outreach
The Turkish-German rapper Challa (real name: Caglar Budlaki) from Kreuzberg was active for years in local street gangs before being sent to jail for various crimes. Today, the 31-year-old has made a turn around and teaches hip-hop and breakdance in Berlin schools and cultural centers, such as the Kreuzberg youth center Wasserturm (Water Tower).
Provocative on principle
Social engagement is also a watchword for Kool Savas, a fellow rapper who grew up in Kreuzberg. Dubbing himself the "King of Rap," he has lent support to German aid organizations like Visions for Children. Kool Savas' 2002 pop ballad "Der beste Tag meines Lebens" (The Best Day of My Life) charted in Germany's top ten, but his provocative songs have led some critics to say he promotes violence.
Not just a man's game
The Kreuzberg rapper and actress Aziza A. proves that Berlin's hip-hop scene isn't just for the boys. She is among the pioneers of German-Turkish rap, putting out her debut album "Es ist Zeit" (It's Time) in 1997. Her bitingly ironic plays on words deal with the precarious circumstances faced by Turkish youth in Germany, and the songs chip away at common clichés about Turkish women.