Thank you Germany: Part 085: The country has an impressive hip-hop scene

Germany doesn't just wow the world with electronic music. Rap and hip-hop from Germany is also quite impressive. From the Rödelheim Hartreim project to KIZ and many other bands, music from Germany offers high standards both musically and in terms of lyrics. What is special about the German music scene is that it has always emphasised the political side of hip-hop and rap. This means that Germany delivers good music at a very high level.

Even if there may be different tastes between the generations, it is clear that the lyrics from many German music productions are also suitable for discussion in school lessons or political education. There are also a few black sheep in the music scene in Germany who attract attention through xenophobic incitement or even anti-Semitic stereotypes in their lyrics. However, both the press and the music scene itself usually react to such incidents themselves and with very clear statements. In other countries, there is not always such a clear demarcation against hateful lyrics as German musicians do. The fact that it exists here has to do with the artists' high level of political awareness.

Even musicians and bands to whom this is not immediately attributed usually position themselves very clearly here. This is a particular strength of the German music scene of which we can be proud. In hip hop and rap, this strength comes to the fore in its own way. Many songs work with insults and subvert them subversively with artfully constructed lyrics. Any text that is not artfully constructed or is simply offensive is clearly criticised in the scene. This results in a reflected debate about language and discrimination. Many German songs have also triggered important political debates in this way. Music of this kind ensures that young listeners develop a well-trained sense for political debate at an early age. Music is also often used in political education work. It is a particularly good way to reach young people.

Political education work therefore not only uses tried and tested texts. It also uses music to reach young target groups in its work. German hip hop and rap songs do a good job here. There are many bands from this area that have their own fan base. But even musicians who are not on the radio reach their audience via festivals and concerts. The German language also proves in hip hop and rap that it supports very special artistic achievements. The diverse expressions and the precise composition of rhymes can turn songs into perfectly formed masterpieces. Many rappers demonstrate a very special skill in this respect. They have composed songs that are known across national borders and appear with a special performance. Even their own habitus, their posture, can become the trademark of a musician from this scene. Many of these famous artists have developed individual characteristics that set them apart from the mainstream.

You simply have to love Germany for the special diversity of this famous music scene.