Fri May 09 12:40:00 UTC 2025: ## Shockwaves in German Hip-Hop: Rapper Xatar Dead at 43
**Cologne, Germany** – The German hip-hop scene is in mourning following the sudden and unexpected death of rapper Xatar (Giwar Hajabi) at the age of 43. Authorities confirmed that the rapper was found deceased in a Cologne apartment. While the cause of death has not yet been officially released, the news has sent shockwaves through the German music community.
Xatar, known for his unique blend of gangster rap and entrepreneurial ventures, achieved nationwide fame following a spectacular gold robbery in 2009. He served eight years in prison before his early release in 2014. Following his release, he built a successful music career, establishing the record label Alles oder Nix Records, which launched the careers of prominent artists such as Schwesta Ewa, SSIO, Eno, and Mero, significantly shaping the sound of German rap.
Beyond music, Xatar was a successful entrepreneur, notably with a popular Köfte (meatball) restaurant chain based on a legendary internet meme. His life story was even adapted into a film, “Rheingold,” directed by Fatih Akin and released in 2022.
Tributes have poured in on social media from fellow artists including Fler, Farid Bang, and actor Moritz Bleibtreu. Xatar’s management has not yet commented publicly. The circumstances surrounding his death remain under investigation.
First Piper 