The Tragic Death of Xatar: German Hip-Hop Community Mourns a Legend
Shock sweeps through the German hip-hop community following the untimely demise of renowned rapper Xatar
The German music scene, particularly hip-hop, is in mourning following the passing of iconic artist Xatar. Born Giwar Hajabi, the 43-year-old rapper was found deceased in his Cologne apartment on Thursday night. The Cologne public prosecutor's office confirmed the news the following day, but the circumstances surrounding Xatar's death remain unclear.
A Life Filled with Music and the Streets
Gangster rapper Xatar was a towering figure in the German hip-hop scene. Throughout his troubled life, he maintained a juggernaut of a career, embodying the intersection of music and street life that had long defined him.
Twitter and Instagram have been filled with tributes from fellow artists, with Offenbach rapper Haftbefehl writing, "Words fail me, my brother. I hope you're in a better place now. My deepest condolences to the family. Legends never die."
Shirin David, a fellow rapper, posted on Instagram, "We love you Giwar, forever," while Marina Buzunashvilli, Xatar's former promoter, wrote, "Until we meet again."
A Controversial Life, a Legitimate Career
Xatar's life was marked by controversy, with his criminal history often overshadowing his musical achievements. In 2009, he was infamously involved in robbing a gold transporter with three accomplices dressed as police officers and tax inspectors[1]. He fled to Iraq, where he was arrested, allegedly tortured, and deported back to Germany, eventually serving a five-year prison sentence.
Despite these legal issues, Xatar managed to launch a successful music career from behind bars[1]. His albums topped the charts, and he embodied the image of the bad gangster so meticulously that it became an integral part of his public persona.
Xatar's life was adapted into the autobiographical novel "Alles oder Nix" and later into the film "Rheingold" by Fatih Akin[1]. Apart from his music, Xatar also ran several record labels, opened his own shisha bar, and started an eatery.
Investigating Xatar's Death
The Cologne public prosecutor's office has launched an investigation into Xatar's death, searching for clues to determine whether there was any criminal negligence[2]. No signs of external violence were found[2], but the exact cause of death remains unclear[3].
Investigations are ongoing, with an autopsy and chemical-toxicological report also being commissioned[2][3]. It could take weeks to reach any definitive conclusions[3]. Meanwhile, Xatar's family has remained conspicuously silent.
Rumors of Health Problems
Recent press reports indicate that Xatar had been battling health issues, with a breakdown in 2021 and a self-imposed plan to take a day off per week due to health concerns[4]. He also claimed to have lost 50 kilograms[4].
A Lasting Impact on German Hip-Hop
Xatar remains a significant figure in the German music scene, with his albums and labels—Alles oder Nix and Goldmann Entertainment—leaving a lasting impact[2]. Some of his most notable releases include "Baba aller Babas" in 2015[2]. His death is a blow to the hip-hop community, who have lost a true innovator and entrepreneur.
Sources:
- ntv.de, gut/spot
- Rolling Stone, Tagesspiegel
- Welt
- Spiegel
- Hip Hop
- Germany
- Music
- Deaths
- Police
- Berlin
- Cologne
- The German hip-hop community is in mourning, as confirmed by general-news sources, following the death of iconic artist Xatar, whose real name was Giwar Hajabi.
- Despite Xatar's controversial past, which included a criminal history and a five-year prison sentence, his influence on the German music scene was significant, extending beyond his gangster rap persona.
- Xatar's longevity in the music industry, even amid legal issues, is a testament to his resilience, with his abilities as an entrepreneur evident in his record labels, shisha bar, and eatery.
- The Cologne public prosecutor's office is currently investigating the circumstances surrounding Xatar's death, with no signs of external violence found, but the exact cause of death remains unclear.
- Reports suggest Xatar had been fighting health issues recently, with claims of a breakdown in 2021 and a self-imposed plan to take a day off each week due to health concerns.
- Xatar's impact on the German music scene is undeniable, as his albums, labels, and entrepreneurial ventures have left a lasting impression on the hip-hop and entertainment industries in Germany, especially in Berlin and Cologne.
