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German rap becomes popular film subject as documentaries gain traction
🇩🇪 Germany /Culture & Society

German rap becomes popular film subject as documentaries gain traction

From Die Zeit · () German

Translated from German, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

In-depth Named sources Context piece
  • Documentaries about German rap artists are gaining popularity on streaming platforms and television, with recent examples focusing on figures like Haftbefehl, Shirin David, and Xatar.
  • Sociologist Heidi Süß attributes this trend to hip-hop's long history as a media culture and the genre's current commercialization and diversification in Germany.
  • These documentaries benefit filmmakers, broadcasters, streaming services, and the artists themselves, offering new markets and promotional opportunities.

German rap, or Deutschrap, is increasingly becoming the subject of popular documentaries, captivating audiences on streaming services and television. Recent productions have spotlighted prominent artists such as Haftbefehl, Shirin David, and Xatar, with the ZDF network also releasing a series featuring rapper OG Keemo and producer Funkvater Frank. This surge in artist-focused documentaries reflects the genre's significant cultural and commercial impact.

Hip-hop and rap have always been a media culture. In the 80s, hip-hop 'washed over from the big pond,' with films like Wild Style and Beat Street appearing, for example. That means films and docs about hip-hop have a long history.

— Heidi SüßThe sociologist explains the historical connection between hip-hop and media, contributing to the popularity of rap documentaries.

Sociologist Heidi Süß, who researches rap and masculinity, explains that the popularity of these films is rooted in hip-hop's extensive history as a media-driven culture. "Hip-hop and rap have always been a media culture," Süß stated, referencing early films like "Wild Style" and "Beat Street" from the 1980s. She notes that the current focus on individual artists is also a result of rap's growth in Germany over decades, leading to a genre that is "more diverse and commercialized than ever before."

These documentary projects offer mutual benefits for various stakeholders. Broadcasters and streaming platforms leverage the appeal of well-known rappers to attract younger demographics. Artists, in turn, can expand their reach and markets within a highly competitive rap scene. Süß points out that artists are diversifying their "product range," moving beyond music to ventures like energy drink brands and shisha tobacco.

Currently, it is as large, differentiated, and commercialized as never before.

— Heidi SüßThe sociologist describes the current state of the rap genre in Germany.

Furthermore, these documentaries often serve as promotional tools, coinciding with new album releases or projects. They are part of a broader trend in pop culture where stars utilize cinematic narratives, including documentaries and biopics, to enhance their public image beyond their musical output. As Süß observes, artists are "expanding their product range" by exploring these visual storytelling mediums.

There is an enormous amount of competition in the rap scene, the market is huge. You have to expand the product range.

— Heidi SüßThe scientist discusses the need for artists to diversify their offerings in the competitive rap market.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Die Zeit in German. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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