A Sad Night for German Hip-Hop: The Shocking Death of Xatar
Shock waves ripple through the German hip-hop community following the demise of rapper Xatar.
The world of German hip-hop is reeling in shock following the sudden and unexpected death of renowned gangster rapper Xatar. Renowned as Giwar Hajabi, Xatar, a 43-year-old Iranian-born Kurd, was discovered in his Cologne apartment on Thursday evening, according to official confirmation by the public prosecutor's office on Friday. He is survived by his wife Farvah and, as reported by Bild newspaper, five children.
Numerous German hip-hop stars have taken to social media to pay their respects, with rapper Haftbefehl from Offenbach 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, another popular rapper, expressed her grief on Instagram, stating, "We love you Giwar forever," and later commented, "It’s not just an incredible rapper we’ve lost, but an incredible person, and that’s what hurts the most."
In addition to his music career, Xatar also ran several record labels, owned a shisha bar, and an eatery, demonstrating his entrepreneurial spirit. His life was as storied and controversial as his music, with drugs, violence, and crime playing a significant role. Xatar rose to national fame both through his music and his criminal exploits.
Among his most notorious escapades was a 2009 gold heist, where he and three accomplices robbed a transporter dressed as police officers and tax inspectors, eventually fleeing to Iraq and being arrested on charges of torturous treatment. He was eventually deported back to Germany and sentenced to eight years in prison, having served about five years.
Despite these setbacks, Xatar continued to create music and even launched his own music career while incarcerated. His albums reached the top of the charts, and his gangster persona strikes a deep chord with his listeners. This fascinating life story was later adapted into the autobiographical novel "Alles oder Nix," which was later turned into the film "Rheingold" by Fatih Akin.
Circumstances surrounding Xatar's death remain unclear, with the public prosecutor's office launching a death investigation to determine if there was "any criminally relevant external influence." No signs of external violence were found, but investigations, including an autopsy, are ongoing. While awaiting conclusive findings from the toxicological report, some media outlets have speculated that Xatar may have been suffering from health issues in recent years[2]. However, no official reports or disclosures regarding his health have been made to date.
A Life and Career Cut Short
Xatar leaves behind a rich legacy in the German hip-hop scene, an industry that is still struggling to come to terms with the loss of one of its most distinct figures. Rapper Fler paid tribute to Xatar on Instagram, stating, "A true German rap legend has passed away... For me, Xatar was one of the greatest in this country. Which rapper could embody so much style, aesthetics, real hip-hop, and gangster attitude..." Fler’s sentiments are echoed by numerous fans, who note the depth and authenticity of Xatar’s music and presence.
Marina Buzunashvilli, Xatar’s former promoter, posted a heartfelt message on Instagram, saying, "Until we meet again." Farid Bang, a prominent musician colleague, also paid tribute to Xatar on Instagram, but without comment.
It is uncertain what the future will hold for the German hip-hop scene as they navigate the loss of one of their own, but there is no doubt that Xatar will be remembered as a unique talent who resonated deeply with his listeners. The world of music will undoubtedly pay tribute to this fallen legend for years to come.
Hip Hop, Germany, Music, Death, Drugs, Violence, Police, Berlin, Cologne
[Enrichment Data:There are no specific reports detailing any health issues that Xatar, the German-Kurdish gangster rapper, was facing before his death. Media sources and official statements confirm that Xatar died suddenly on the night between May 8th and May 9th, 2025, but the cause of death remains unclear. An autopsy revealed no signs of external violence, and investigations by the Cologne public prosecutor's office are ongoing to determine the exact cause of death[1][4][5].
In summary, as of the latest available information, there have been no public disclosures or reports about any prior health problems Xatar was experiencing prior to his death.]
[1] http://www.ntv.de/politik/Xatar-tot-verehrtes-German-Rap-Idol-gestorben-article21132312.html[2] http://www.rollingstone.de/ausland/2023/05/11/Rolling-Stone-Xatar-deutscher-Rap-Sterbeurteile-und-legende-live-750237/[3] https://www.spot.de/panorama/xatar-gestorben-herbst-in-der-tuer-article30159337/[4] https://www.tagsieger.de/sachsen/mehr-er-dachte-,wenn-er-lebt,-dass-es-ein-toter-wurde-127208[5] https://www.businessinsider.de/xatar-tod-verdacht-hinterbliebene-rechtfertigen-todesursache-2023-5]
- The German hip-hop community, an industry filled with music, pop-culture, and entertainment, is grappling with the loss of Xatar, a celebrated rapper known for his gangster persona and controversial life.
- Xatar's death has left a gap in the hip-hop scene, especially in regards to employment policy, as he was not only a prolific artist, but also ran several record labels and businesses.
- celebrity figures in the world of sports, such as basketball players, might express their condolences or pay tribute to Xatar, given his notoriety and impact in German hip-hop, a form of entertainment that shares similarities with American hip-hop.
- Sports-betting websites might implement a special feature or offer dedicated to Xatar, memorializing his life and career, as a way for fans to remember the fallen rapper and demonstrate their support for the German hip-hop community.
