Istanbul's Hip-Hop Scene... And Why They Freestyle In English
German director Fatih Akin (Head-On) recently released the excellent Crossing the Bridge. A documentary about Istanbul's music scene, narrated by Einsturzende Neubauten's Alexander Hacke, CtB dedicated plenty of screentime to Istanbul's burgeoning hip-hop scene. We were glad to see Time Out Istanbul's A-Z of Hip-Hop in Istanbul, which features interviews with a few of Istanbul's finest, news of the existence of the Turkish breakdancing scene, short pieces on the influence of German-Turkish rappers and more. Time Out recommends the hip-hop club Riddims in the Siraserviler neighborhood for live performances in Istanbul. Rendering Turkish rap more accessible to Anglophone ears is the fact that many Turkish underground rappers choose to perform in English in order to evade censorship laws. Also recommended is the extensive collection of Istanbul street art and graffiti at Turkstyle.
A-Z of Hip-Hop in Istanbul [Time Out Istanbul]
Turkstyle [Official Site]
B-Boy Turk [Official Site]
Crossing the Bridge [Official Site]
[Photo: Turkstyle]
Previously: Istanbul Modern Art Museum, Haydarpasha Station, Big Fire at Istanbul Airport, Roundup Roundup #25, How to Buy an Oriental Rug the Observer Way
