Hakan MC: I was born in Izmit in 1977. I spent my childhood there. Due to my father's job, I moved around a lot later on. I can say that I was in a different city in almost every grade level. Therefore, it was quite difficult for me to leave a place just when I had settled in. I was a very different person in my childhood years. Thanks to this, I had many friends from many different places. I can't say that I had a very easy childhood. During the years I studied away from my family, I had the opportunity to understand life better. One of the things I learned from those years to the present is determination. If a person wants something, they can overcome anything. I have always set big goals for myself. I am still continuing on my path to achieve them. Maybe circumstances... It separated me from my homeland, it threw me into these corners of Germany, but I hope that one day we will all see our goals fulfilled, and we will return to our homeland to enjoy happy years once again…

Assassination.de – How did you get into rap music?

I first encountered rap music in my childhood years. I can't say I listened to much music back then; in fact, I hardly cared at all. That was until a friend came from Germany, bringing with him a rap album. It included artists from Run DMC, Boogie Down Production, Afrika Bambaataa, Ice-T, EPMD, Big Daddy Kane, and many others I can't remember now. The first time I heard it, I was stunned. The music resonated deeply. I, who never listened to songs or folk music, was shaken by those melodies. I never imagined such music could be made. I loved it. Later, thanks to that friend, I started ordering rap albums and took my first steps into the world of rap. There are some quite interesting and original albums from those years... I still keep and listen to them.
But if you ask how I started in this music, let me tell you... I first started listening to Turkish rap music thanks to MCE... a very talented MC from Izmir... his songs really impressed me... at that time he was part of Kuva-i-Izmir... then he introduced me to Yener... I learned a lot from these two names... I also joined Kuva-i-Izmir... later we formed the Denge group... DJ Cagdas, Volkan and Hakan are MCs... I feel very lucky to be in such a group right now... we are progressing exactly on the path we wanted...

Assassination.de – Which projects have you been involved in?

I can't say I've been involved in many projects... I first submitted a track to the Hip Hop Menu album... and it was released. Then I was on the Underground Operation 2 album... I had a collaboration with Yener... Of course, those were all amateur works for me. Now things are a bit different... we work more professionally now. Later, I submitted a track to the Assassination Compilation... I think a few tracks will be released there.

Assassination.de – Do you have any album ideas? If so, when will it be released? Will there be any collaborations on the album? If so, who are they? How many tracks are there? Can you tell us a little about the album? Can we learn about your future plans?

The idea of an album has been around for many years, of course...but we aim for the best possible debut. That's why we've been focusing on an album for a long time. The tracks have been re-recorded and revised repeatedly. It's still not finalized. Around January, our album, titled "Hileli Zarlar" (Tricky Dice), will be released. This album is actually a collaboration between DJ Cagdas and Volkan, but we worked together on almost all the tracks. You can find my newest tracks on this album for now. Our other project, "Denge" (Balance), will be released as soon as the final changes are complete. I'm quite impatient to release this album. We'll showcase what the MC trio of DJ Cagdas, Volkan, and Hakan can do on this album.
Regarding the collaborations on the Denge project... well, they're being kept a secret by both me and my friends for now. Being in Germany has given me the opportunity to contact many people, including German MCs. Therefore, it will be quite a surprising and entertaining album for Turkish rap fans. Let's wait and see what time brings.
Of course, we also have plans and goals for the future... I dream that one day, serious institutions will give awards in the field of Turkish rap, and Turkish rap will find its place in the world music industry. These dreams shape our plans and goals.

Assassination.de – Who would you like to collaborate with?

Honestly, I'd like to collaborate with all the talented MCs, both well-known and underground, whose style suits ours... We're not taking sides against anyone... We don't have any fights with anyone... The Denge project will include many tracks featuring many MCs working together, in that sense.

Suikast.de – What do you think of the rap scene in Izmir?

Honestly, my heart races when I hear about the Izmir rap scene... The Izmir rap scene has always fascinated me. Many people, young and old, from all walks of life are making their way with this music in Izmir... including the Breakers. I admire all those friends who are working on it, especially the very talented ones who will create great things in the coming years. Getting to know such people has always inspired me to dream big. All you need to do is be patient.

Assassination.de – What are your thoughts on Turkish rap?

When people talk to me about Turkish rap, they usually get positive feedback. I don't think like those who write things like "this music is hopeless, it won't work, it won't improve." I'm sure I'll always listen to this music and try to make others love it as long as I live. I expect the same from my friends. I believe that this music, like everything else, deserves respect. But I want to state that I will never be involved in any organization that encourages drug use or evil in society. We are in this music to send a message.

Assassination.de – Who do you listen to?

I have a pretty large album archive... I've bought many albums over the years, both from Europe and Turkey... I found the ones I couldn't get online through other means... That's why I know all the genres and the rappers of those genres very well... The genre that suited me best was West Coast... But now, for about a few years, I've been listening to South West music... There are some people in the South of America that I find particularly great... Eightball, MJG, Tela, Crime Boss, South Circle are among my favorites.

Assassination.de – Can you tell us the "BESTS"?

Actually, it varies from person to person... In my opinion, the best in this music are the people who started it... I would say that no one should forget who helped them start this music and how... This is true in every field.

Assassination.de - The final word is yours. To whom would you like to send greetings?

I send my greetings to everyone who has truly dedicated themselves to this music... I also want to say that I miss Turkey very much... Please, everyone try to understand the people living abroad... Don't overlook the conditions and difficulties they endure... Our only goal, whether through music or science, both inside and outside the country, is to represent our country in the best possible way.

Kind regards…