German rapper Prinz Pi creates a brand of hip-hop that's both playful and profound; introspective lyrics are paired with sticky, bouncing beats and infectious pop hooks. Born Friedrich Kautz, he first emerged in the late '90s under the moniker Prinz Porno, quickly winning over the German youth with his densely lyrical mixtapes. After rebranding in 2006, Pi broke into the mainstream with his album !DonnerwetteR! and hit number one with several subsequent releases, like 2017's Nichts War Umsonst, which embraces a brighter, radio-friendly sound—without forsaking his cutting social commentary.