Summer Cem

One of the most popular acts on the German rap scene, Summer Cem (real name Cem Toraman) is an MC of German and Turkish heritage. Born in Mönchengladbach, Germany on April 11, 1983, Summer Cem is known for gangster tales about money, women, and dangerous good times. Summer Cem's career as a rapper began when he became friendly with fellow German-Turkish rapper Eko Fresh. In 2003, Cem became a supporting performer on Eko Fresh's records, and soon he was signed to the German Dream label. After scoring a hit with Eko Fresh, "Asphalt," Summer Cem dropped his first solo mixtape, Summer Cem Wird Ein Star, and made guest appearances with other noted German rappers. Summer Cem Wird Ein Star was a commercial disappointment, and despite his work with Tekken Bugatti, Ceza, and Bushido, his career was moving slowly. In 2010, Summer Cem brought out Feierabend, his first proper album, which earned enthusiastic reviews but was only a minor commercial success. That changed with the release of 2012's Sucuk & Champagner, which rose to the Top Ten of the German album charts and became a breakout hit in Austria and Switzerland. In 2013, Summer Cem dropped his third album, Babas, Barbies & Bargeld, which became a number five hit in Germany. The title was later changed to Babas, Doowayst & Bargeld, reportedly to avoid legal problems with the manufacturers of Barbie dolls. The hard-working Cem had another album ready to go by the end of 2014, Hak, which debuted on the German charts at number five. Summer Cem's status as one of Germany's most popular artists was confirmed with 2016's Cemesis, his first album to debut in his homeland at number one. When not busy with his own work, Summer Cem frequently writes for other artists, and has recorded with the likes of Farid Bang, KC Rebell, and Majoe. ~ Mark Deming