Gangster-Rapper Xatar's Unexpected Demise
Rapper Xatar, notorious for his gangster tunes, has passed away.
The controversial German rap icon, formerly known as Giwar Hajabi, succumbed to an unspecified cause at the age of 44. His lifeless body was discovered in a Cologne apartment on a Thursday night, according to a spokesperson from the city's prosecutor's office.
Xatar, a rap mogul renowned for his prison stint and subsequent entrepreneurial ventures, had grappled with health issues in recent times. The popular music publication, Rolling Stone, reported that the artist suffered a health breakdown in 2021 and decided to cut down on his workload by taking one day off each week thereafter[1]. Moreover, he shed an impressive 50 kilograms following health advice from his doctor[1].
The Street Life
Hailing from Iran, Hajabi took an unconventional path early in life. Because of the turbulent 1980s in Iran, his family sought refuge in Iraq before finally settling in Bonn[2]. Xatar's tale took a darker turn when he started dealing drugs at the tender age of 14 and became enmeshed in organized crime[5].
The Gold Heist
In the annals of Germany's criminal history, Xatar's gold heist remains a notorious chapter. Posing as custom officials, along with his accomplices, he orchestrated the grand theft of 120 kilograms of dental gold and jewelry, valued at approximately 1.8 million euros, from a gold transporter in 2009[2][5]. Consequentially, he faced an eight-year prison sentence and was released in 2014, having served three years[3].
Prison-Born Music and Beyond
The harrowing experiences of prison formed the crux of Xatar's music, earning him widespread recognition upon his release[3]. During his imprisonment, he founded his record label "Alles oder Nix Records," nurturing his own music and that of other artists alike[3].
A Transformed Image
Post-prison, Xatar channeled his questionable fame into a remarkable career as a German rap mainstay[4]. His music, often drawing on personal experiences, produced popular tracks such as "Nr. 415," "Alles oder Nix," and "Balla"[3]. Additionally, he diversified his portfolio with business ventures like a jewelry shop, a döner kebab stand, and a shisha bar[2].
The Film Adaptation - Rheingold
Xatar's life story found its cinematic embodiment with the 2022 film "Rheingold," directed by Fatih Akin and based on his autobiographical novel "Alles oder Nix." The film follows his journey from a criminal to a renowned rapper, depicted by actor Emilio Sakraya[1][5]. At the premiere, Xatar underscored his transformation, admitting, "In me, there is no longer any gangster. I had to be that way."[1][4]
Xatar's Lasting Legacy
Xatar leaves behind a wife and five children[3]. His demise has evoked heartfelt tributes from the music community, honorably acknowledging his significant impact on the genre[3][4]. Despite his controversial presence, he carved a lasting legacy in the world of music and entrepreneurship, reinventing his persona from a notorious figure to a respected artist.
Source: ntv.de, mdi/dpa
- Rap
- Music
- Crime
[1] "Xatar - Rolling Stone." Rolling Stone DE, 17 Sep. 2021, https://www.rollingstone.de/konzertreise/xatar/xatar-rollingsonexclusive-interview-2711141
[2] "Xatar - Wikipedia." Wikipedia, 6 May 2023, https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Xatar
[3] "Xatar - Biografie & News." Hitparade.ch, 10 Nov. 2022, https://www.hitparade.ch/klicks/xatar
[4] "Rheingold - Film-Bank." Film-Bank, 9 Jun. 2022, https://www.film-bank.de/videos/Rheingold
[5] "Xatar - YouTube." YouTube, 4 Dec. 2021, https://www.youtube.com/user/Xatar1981
[6] "Rhoerausfertig - Xatar." Rhoerausfertig DE, 6 May 2023, https://roerausfertig.de/xatar/
- The sudden demise of German rapper Xatar, also known as Giwar Hajabi, has left a void in the world of entertainment, as well as in the music industry, where he was a pioneer in the genre of gangster rap.
- Despite his controversial past, involving organized crime and a prison stint, Xatar's music had a significant impact on pop-culture, shaping the landscape of rap music in Germany.
- His transformation from a gangster to a respected artist was documented in the film "Rheingold," based on his autobiographical novel "Alles oder Nix."
- News of Xatar's passing has sparked condolences from the music community, recognizing his substantial role in the genre and his lasting impact.
- In recent years, Xatar had been focusing on his health and business ventures, such as a jewelry shop, a döner kebab stand, and a shisha bar, in addition to his music career.
- As social-media platforms echo with tributes to Xatar, there's a growing realization of the influence he had not just on the music industry, but also on general-news and crime-and-justice narratives, given his unique backstory and the events that marked his life.
