Bushido

Notorious for his allegedly misogynistic, homophobic, and nationalistic lyrics, pioneering German gangsta rapper Bushido is one of his country’s most influential and controversial lyricists. • Bushido was born in West Germany to a Tunisian father and a German mother. • In his teens, Bushido, a mischievous high school dropout, was found guilty of drug possession and mandated to complete a painting apprenticeship. • During the apprenticeship, he befriended rapper Fler. The pair delivered their seminal Carlo, Cokxxx, Nutten in 2002. • Bushido cracked the German Charts with his 2003 Vom Bordstein bis zur Skyline, a staple of German gangsta rap. • His 2004 album Electro Ghetto hit No. 6 on the German Charts and stayed in the top 100 for 16 weeks. • The rapper’s 2007 album 7 became his first German chart-topper. As of 2021, he’d scored nine more No. 1 albums in Germany, including 2013’s Sonny Black, named for the pseudonym he often uses. • Bushido released his self-titled autobiography in 2008. Two years later, he starred as himself in the bestselling book’s movie adaptation, Zeiten ändern dich. • Performing as Berlins Most Wanted, Bushido, King Orgasmus One, Bass Sultan Hengzt, Kay One, and Fler released their eponymous debut album in 2008. • In 2013, Berlin’s openly gay mayor Klaus Wowereit filed a legal complaint against Bushido over the song and music video for “Stress Without Cause.” Wowereit charged Bushido with promoting violence and homophobia.