The German battle rap scene is currently under scrutiny because the duo Farid Bang and Kollegah received the Echo music prize for their album Jung, Brutal, Gutaussehend 3 which contains anti-semitic lyrics. Rappers such as Retrogott, Ben Solomon, Sun Diego, commented and news outlets reported on the incident:
- English-language articles in the Guardian and New York Times.
- German-language article in Die Zeit
- German-language WDR documentary “Die dunkle Seite des Rap”
This controversy raises complex questions about transgressing genre boundaries, freedom of art, the commercial nature of battle rap, and the larger rise of anti-semitism and right-wing populism in Germany and Europe. What do you think about this controversy? Sound off in the comments section!
The European Hiphop Studies Network 