The Formative Years

Die Fantastischen Vier 

I was first introduced to German hip hop through bands like Advanced Chemistry and Die Fantastischen Vier in the early nineties. Both began around the same time and the latter evolved artistically over time to become a reliable entity whose releases I have always made sure to check out when they were released. 

When they first hit the scene, Fanta Vier were a trailblazing, prominent force when it came to liberating hip hop in the old world from aping the superficial clichés known from the US. Instead they focused on taking the core elements and started infusing it with their idiosyncratic DNA and contextualising it for a contemporary Teutonic context, rapping in German.

Having started out as a goofy, fun outfit that fairly on secured mainstream accolades, Die Fantastischen Vier went on to combine commercial success and authenticity in a manner that is not often found on German terrain.

Albums like “Lauschgift” and “4:99” became masterpieces that were lightyears ahead of the efforts of the German compatriots and being pioneers, they managed to not only make rap socially acceptable but accomplished the feat to become an integral component of the Germanic cultural canon.

Lyrically, they conveyed an eloquently articulated, inspiring and spirited attitude to life, which was complemented by tight productions and a refreshing musical catchiness that continues to capture the zeitgeist – elements that remain the common denominator to this very day, thirty-two years after they first incarnated.

The fact that each of the four members has carved out individual careers and side projects for themselves contributes to constant growth as far as their identities are concerned, which in turn reinvigorates the band and contributes to the creation of something fresh and new when they convene to work on new material.