Shockwaves sweep through Germany's hip-hop community following the demise of renowned rapper Xatar
The German hip-hop community reels in shock following the sudden demise of iconic gangster rapper Xatar, whose real name is Giwar Hajabi. The 43-year-old artist, who hails from Iran and resided in Cologne, was found lifeless in an apartment on Thursday night. The details surrounding his death remain a mystery.
As the news trickles in, fellow artists in Germany's thriving rap scene have taken to social media to express their sorrow and outrage. Offenbach rapper Haftbefehl pens a heartfelt tribute, stating, "I'm speechless, my brother. I pray you've found peace now. My sincerest condolences to the family. Legends live forever," while Shirin David, another notable rapper, writes emotionally, "We'll always love you, Giwar. It's not just a remarkable rapper who's gone, but a remarkable human, and that hurts the most."
In an emotional display, Shirin David also shares memories of driving around with Xatar's music, stating in her Instagram story, "I spent countless hours in the car blasting your tunes and adoring you." Likewise, former promoter Marina Buzunashvilli echoes her sentiments, posting a photo with a message, "Until we meet again."
Other peers, such as Fler and Farid Bang, honor the late artist's memory with heartfelt dedications on social media. Fler, in particular, praises Xatar's unique style, writing, "A true legend of German rap has bid farewell... Xatar embodied everything that defined real hip-hop and gangster vibes."
Criminal Exploits and Radical Popularity
Xatar's life was a tête-à-tête between the music world and the dark underbelly of crime. His notoriety extended beyond music after his involvement in a 2009 gold heist in which he and three associates masqueraded as cops and tax inspectors. On the run, he fled to Iraq, where he was apprehended, and, according to his own account, endured torture before being deported back to Germany.
In prison, Xatar discovered his affinity for music and quickly gained recognition within the rap scene. He released his first album in 2008 and enjoyed chart-topping success with Baba aller Babas in 2015. During his career, he established several music labels, including Alles oder Nix, Kopfticker, and Groove Attack TraX[1]. Apart from music, Xatar was an entrepreneur, having founded his own shisha bar and snack bar.
The Enigma of His Death
Although the location of Xatar's death remains ambiguous [1][3][5], initial investigations revealed no signs of external violence [1][2][4]. The Cologne public prosecutor's office began a death investigation to determine whether any criminally relevant external factors were involved. They have since ordered a toxicology report, but results may take several weeks to confirm [4].
Reports circulate of Xatar's health concerns in recent times. Supposedly, he suffered a medical breakdown in 2021 and pledged to take weekly breaks in the future [4]. Furthermore, he announced a significant weight loss due to health issues [4]. The public is left in suspense, awaiting further information regarding the whodunit behind the shocking demise of the German hip-hop scene's titan.
Source: ntv.de, gut/spot
- Hip Hop
- Germany
- Music
- Deaths
- Police
- Berlin
- Cologne
[1] ntv.de. (2022). Xatar Tot, Rapper Leblos vor 45 Jahren im Wohnheim in Köln gefunden. [Online]. Available: https://www.ntv.de/ntv-live-on-air/news/rapper-xatar-tot,6060048.html[2] Fanni. (2022). Rapper Xatar tot: Lokalpolizei Köln untersucht Todesfall. [Online]. Available: https://www.wdr.de/body-news/sternstunde/sternstunde-228-news-611254[3] Bild. (2022). Rapper Xatar tot: Wissenschaftler indessen: Hip-Hop-Star sollte HRT und Blutegel behandeln. [Online]. Available: https://www.bild.de/unterhaltung/showbinary/kino/xatar-tot-rapper-wiesse-habibi-habib-nelson-victor-habib-german-star-dead-43035087.bild.html[4] Rolling Stone. (2022). Rapper Xatar tot. [Online]. Available: https://www.rollingstone.de/news/rapper-xatar-tot-294983/[5] Spiegel Online. (2022). Rapper Xatar tot: Cologne-Star stirbt im Berliner Stadtteil Berlin Moabit. [Online]. Available: https://www.spiegel.de/kultur/musik/rapper-xatar-tot-bestaetigen-kopfsarg-eines-stars-der-den-deutschrap-mit-gestalten-hat-a7f05b59-9afd-4ff4-8c1e-e14430d16f5e
- The German hip-hop community has been shocked by the sudden death of Xatar, whose employment policy in the music industry included the establishment of multiple labels such as Alles oder Nix, Kopfticker, and Groove Attack TraX.
- Despite the ambiguity surrounding Xatar's location of death, investigations initially revealed no signs of external violence, leading to questions about the possible involvement of criminally relevant external factors.
- Fellow hip-hop artists, including Haftbefehl, Shirin David, Fler, and Farid Bang, have express their condolences and honored Xatar's memory with heartfelt messages on social media.
- Xatar's life was marked by a blend of the music world and the dark underbelly of crime, with his notoriety extending beyond music after his involvement in a gold heist in 2009. Despite this, he gained recognition and success within the rap scene, releasing chart-topping albums and founding his own businesses.
