Hip-Hop – die vergessene Generation Westberlins

When hip-hop was introduced as a youth culture in the early 1980s through movies like Wild Style! or Beat Street it instantly sparked a flame and many youngsters worldwide began to breakdance, listen to rap, or started doing graffiti. This first generation rarely gained recognition or economic success, but looking back from today they have been important trailblazers of this new upcoming subculture. In his book Hip-Hop – die vergessene Generation Westberlins the local based musicologist Issa Franke focused precisely on these originators.

Starting his in-depth research in 2015 he was able to trace down the very first writers, rappers, DJs and breakers of the western part of Berlin. Besides interviews he also meticulously scanned archives of local television channels, radio stations, newspaper clippings and articles in magazines for the earliest appearances of any kind of hip-hop related content.

The outcome is the best imaginable collection of sources one could think of: Action shots on the earliest pieces on the Berlin Wall, playlists of first ever played rap songs on local radio stations, myths like the origins of the legendary WILD STYLE piece or possible influence by stationed US soldiers are part of the intense researched book as well. In chronological chapters Issa Franke manages to redraws with tons of unseen material the step-by-step development of hip-hop’s first generation in Germany’s capital.

The 198-paged scientific book is an absolute must-have for everybody interested in Berlin’s hip-hop history. It must be mentioned that according to the city’s hip-hop origins the part on graffiti is smaller than on breakdance, rap and DJ-ing. Note: German text only.
Featuring: TELLE, STORM, DJ QUICKMIX, DJ KAOS, JAYJAY, BLACKY, DJ RUNEX, Kai Eikermann, Adrian Nabi, O-JAY, CHICO, ROSKOW, REBEL ONE, CRAZY COLOUR, Frank Senf, DJ CHRIZZ, SWIFT ROCK, and many more.

***Note: To support the outstanding work and research we offer a signed edition. The extra charge will go directly to the author.***

198 pages, 16,5 cm x 23,5 cm,
Release date: December 2023
Language: German
Author: Issa Franke
Publisher: Waxmann