From Makko to RapK: Here are ten tracks for every mood.
It’s still officially winter, but every now and then you can see a ray of sunshine. In the alternation of biting cold and sunny days, you somehow find yourself hanging between laziness and optimism, especially when you’re sensitive to the weather. We have picked out ten German rap tracks that give us hope for spring, but at the same time also fit perfectly as a soundtrack for winter gloom.
1. Makko – “Tomorrow/Today”
The Berliner advises his fans not to listen too much to other people and to do their own thing. The house beat almost gives you spring feelings again, but with its compassionate lines about not comparing yourself with others, the song fits perfectly with these particularly self-critical winter thoughts.
2. Yung Hurn – “Ice Block”
With a cloudy stickle beat, Yung Hurn (s) knocks a heart into a block of ice. In the video for the song of the same name, the Viennese rapper is shown holding an ice pick and slushy ice cream in his hand as he sings about the numbing feelings caused by women, drugs and luxury goods. It’s almost impossible to incorporate more symbolism for melancholic coldness.
3. Shindy – “31. December”
In typical Shindy aesthetics, he talks about his path to success. 800 euros for a white sweater and he “lives every day as if it were December 31st”. The rapper knows how to make music about the topics common to the genre. But he also shows the dark side and asks himself what will become of the children if life is valued based on the value of a Rolex.
4. Viko63 and Penglord – “Run with me”
The two friends Viko63 and Penglord have shown that electronic music belongs in the rap game. And you don’t always need dark melodies to get through the winter. “Lauf mit mir” could also be a good track for the summer with its synth-pop, but it also easily fits into the winter German rap list.
5. BHZ (Dead Dawg, Monk, Longus Mongus) – “Light Blue”
Walking through rainy streets at night, excessive consumption and a pinch of heartbreak. BHZ drink vodka to keep warm (not recommended). A track that makes you feel like you’re wrapped in cotton wool.
With “Obscurité”, the Cologne-based band has packed personal difficulties and heartbreak into one song. It’s okay to struggle with your own challenges and this is accompanied by a piano sample (and marijuana).
7. Rin – “Gamma”
Rin is one of Germany’s biggest rappers and revolutionized the scene with cloud rap in 2016. His album EROS is timeless and will probably have as much of an impact on young people in the future as it did in 2017. And even though he has changed his musical direction a bit today, “Gamma” remains the Rin track that makes you feel nostalgic.
8. Fergy53 – “Snowman”
“Snowman” explains with its name why the track ended up on this list. The melancholic beat makes it a suitable song for lost in thought train rides in the winter months.
9. Luvre47 and Paula Hartmann – “Not in the mood”
The two sing almost peacefully about a couple who only needs themselves. It seems like the outside world doesn’t matter. But at the same time, Paula Hartmann makes it clear what a woman’s reality actually looks like. “Riding the subway alone at night, the third guy tries it. Things that only girls know, the way home, always running the last few meters.” And now imagine black ice…
10. RAPK and Kwam.E – “4g”
Tariq, Victor, aka RapK and Kwam.e, rap about neighborhood love. Whether Berlin-Kreuzberg or Hamburg – they just want to immerse themselves. And no matter which city: “This love is real, 0-4, 3-0, that’ Connect”.