As an artist I am very meticulous about the artists I study and support. I say study because I think we learn from each other and grow from one another. September 2016 Solange Knowles released her hit album ‘A Seat At The Table,’ which opened the door for conversation and transparency not only about race, but artistry and life. It inspired millions and reminded me of a quote by funk soul legend James Brown in regards to his life in the industry and as a black man in America during segregation. James Brown said, “I Don’t Want Nobody to Give Me Nothing (Open Up the Door, I'll Get It Myself).”
He was stating to anyone that he isn’t asking for a handout, he will get his own success in life as long as he was on an equal playing field with other people. It’s a safe bet to say my friends just opened that door for German artists! When I think of my two friends whom I met a few years ago at a hostel on Hollywood Blvd. in Los Angeles I Think of Solange and James’s messages. They are bi-racial African-German rappers from Germany trying to enter into the mainstream USA market like most artists. The difference is other artists have come from countries with a less negative stigma associated with their country such as the UK, France and Latin America.
I was intrigued and elated to see not only how rap music has resonated with people all around the globe, but have inspired them to tell their own stories. I call MVD MICKI the German Drake- but of course not to be compared as they are not synonymous, but his rhymes are melodic and transparent as only someone who's experienced the duality of race and foreignness can express. The juxtaposition of being a descendent of the diaspora, coming from a foreign country that exhibited hatred towards people similar to that of the United States and relating to similar struggles to other descendants in the USA to create this artistic story. Let me introduce these two brothers, not because they’re friends of mine, but because they are artists who helm from an incredible history on both sides as well as creatives who endured the brutality of this industry- went back into the lab and have created The Wavy Way to put German rap artists on the map! It had been at least least two years since I last saw MVD MICKI and 1001ROMEO, we literally met a week before the pandemic in the city that creates stars and crushes dreams of artists every day.
So, when the pair invited me to their home in Köln (Cologne) Germany to hear their new music I knew it had to be big. The two had of late started purging their social media accounts and what I presume a bit of their personal lives to go into the lab and put it all to music. We arrived at this dope Hookah Lounge in Köln where the inside gave the feel of Dubai and the drinks were made to perfection. A few drinks in and a sampling of some of the best hookah around probably due to Köln’s huge Turkish population and the music started. My friend's new music had songs talking about his trips to the states and the lack of supporters for his music when he first started, but he remained hopeful and diligent and produced a great body of work that only he knew he could deliver.
When talking about the project MVD MICKI mentioned all the people who advised him on what he should be doing and not really seeing his vision. I think I may have been one of those people- I mean I’m a Virgo, I can’t help but to give a bit of advice. In the end I’m glad he followed his own mind to create the art that he wanted. In the end that’s all that really matters. Sometimes others can not see our vision- but they saw it for themselves and excelled.
A few of my favorite tracks which I will link with this article are: ‘I Knew It’ featuring artist Climbing Lvls, ‘Lesbian’, ‘Avoiding Her’ and ‘Better’. The 10-Track album was co-produced by younger brother 1001ROMEO who features on five tracks and hosts some amazing collaborations featuring songs in English, German and French. This project in my opinion will change the game with the influx of culture and vibes. After the listening party, we found ourselves at the table. Playing games, eating food, drinking homemade vin chaud I made with their sister and learning from each other.
The table opened the door for many conversations. I learned that my friends grandfather was a doctor who was invited to be a Nazi. A year into the organization their grandfather learned enough to not only quit but to publicly demand German people to make reparations throughout Europe and even volunteered to swap places with veterans who were prisoners of war. This of course led to coverage in German newspapers. My friends of African and German descent were very open about their family history and the lack of acceptance some German’s of our generation have about their ancestors' history.
“I Don’t Want Nobody to Give Me Nothing (Open Up the Door, I’ll Get It Myself).” - James Brown”
The table talks with the two brothers as well as their sister on the German film industry followed us up late nights until early mornings filming scenes and rehearsing sides. Finally, after several talks on the industry we conceptualized and started writing our own German tv series. Basically me bringing a Stateside perspective to mix with Germany’s diverse population to hopefully broaden the reach of artists there. Look out Netflix, we’re aiming for you! Hopefully, there will be more collaborations in the near future.