1. Can you tell us a little about yourself?

It might sound strange at first, but I actually have two birth years, one physical and one spiritual. My physical birth was in Istanbul in 1978. My spiritual birth, my introduction to hip-hop, happened in 1985 thanks to RUN DMC. The first rap song I heard was "King of Rock," and it fueled my curiosity to the point of madness. I started my original works in English in 1988, and reaped the rewards in 1994 with my song "Second Resort" on King Size Terror's "ULTIMATOM" album. Although I wrote a few Turkish songs after the "Defol Dazlak" wave, I must confess that my complete dedication to Turkish rap dates back to 1995. I have a different kind of harmony with my native language. "Hepsi Benim" is proof of this.

2- First, I'll ask you what everyone's wondering (because I'm wondering too): When is the album coming out???

Although I hope it will be released by Spring 2002, I don't want to give a specific timeframe I can't stand behind. The issue that casts doubt on the release date isn't a lack of repertoire, because thankfully I have plenty of tracks. Nevertheless, I haven't yet secured a definitive contract with the major companies I'm in close contact with. Despite receiving many offers, my future is still uncertain. But I think we'll reach an agreement by this summer, and the album's release date will be finalized. The company I'm affiliated with must respect my art and absolutely not interfere with my work. Because if I allow this, it will have very serious consequences for me, and I will lose control over my work. Therefore, I would be allowing my creativity to be stifled. Rappers, for their part, are willing to accept any means to an end, and they should strongly oppose this. They should put it that way. Look at America. There, once upon a time, real life dictated thoughts, and the songs produced reflected life. Now that's changed. Rappers like Jay Z and Mystical are creating a fake world for commercial gain, and that's negatively changing life.

3- You made a name for yourself with Karakan once, then you disappeared from public view. Why?
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Actually, I did show signs of life, though not many. For example, I performed on stage many times as the opening act for Karakan during that time. But ultimately, you're right, of course. I think the biggest reason is my nature. A character who loves nightlife and partying.
I wouldn't call myself a man. My close circle says this attitude stems from being a Leo. Indeed, since productivity is everything to me, I prefer staying home, writing lyrics and making beats. Naturally, I've set certain limits for myself, fearing that frequent concerts might negatively impact my productivity. Not everyone may think like me. I respect that, but I also expect the same understanding for my own point of view.

4. Can we learn about their plans for the future?

It's too early to talk about this before the album is released because sales figures will play a significant role in the realization of my plans, whether I like it or not. However, I do have some plans independent of sales figures. For example, discovering new talents and helping them develop, however small. I believe this is a necessary task in transforming this type of rap from its current subculture status into a respected market. Although we have many talented friends among us, they lack both the necessary equipment and financial resources to pursue music.

5. Can you tell us a little bit about the market there?

Compared to Berlin, Hamburg, and Frankfurt, the market is quite dry. However, besides Karakan and Assassination, there are quite capable people like Blood and Sweat. The last major event was in October 1999. It was a jam organized by Blood and Sweat to collect aid for earthquake victims. I, Kabus Kerim, Islamic Force, and many other groups showed up.

6. Do you follow developments in Türkiye? If so, could you provide an assessment of the situation?

Yes, I'm watching closely. Although the market is evolving day by day, we still need to be realistic. The scene is still new. Therefore, expecting someone to suddenly conquer the music market from the underground would be absurd for now. Let me explain it this way: Just as someone who knows the equipment of war has spent their life among weapons, someone who knows hip-hop has spent their time with its elements. In short, long roads are covered by walking. If you want to see a sapling grow into a tree, you have to plant it with love and patiently wait for it to sprout. The sapling must take root underground so that it can eventually bear fruit as a tree.

7- Can you tell us the ENs?

Since I enjoy listening to certain MCs, I naturally have my own favorites. However, I want to state upfront that when listing names, I am only exercising my right to vote according to democratic rules. These names do not carry any general or official status. Today's top performers might change tomorrow. I especially enjoy listening to Sultana. I think her song "Humanism" is the most meaningful song of 2000 in Türkiye. I wish she would make a music video for it. I expect great strides from her for Turkish rap. I'm sure she will succeed with unwavering determination. Considering the fact that there are very few female rappers among so many male rappers, my pride in this gem increases even more. So it's not a matter of gender. It's a matter of talent, confidence, and encouragement. We must accept the necessity of hip-hop including girls. America and Europe have gone through this stage.

8- Your name is being associated with Adin Karakan. Are you bothered by that? (Of course I'm bothered by something like that)
That's impossible, but 🙂 So, do you think I'm okay on my own?...

How could I possibly be bothered by being associated with a legendary name in Turkish rap? On the contrary, I'm proud. I will always feel a sense of gratitude towards Karakan because I grew up surrounded by hip-hop under the tutelage of guys like Alper Aga and Chill Fresh (King Size Terror). Without them, perhaps I wouldn't be doing this interview with you today. That's why the song "HEPSI BENIM" (It's All Mine) holds a special place in my heart. I have respect for the past, but I also look to the future with hope. So, I'm not pursuing personal gain just because I have a song with Karakan. However, it's also worth knowing that the beat and the lyrics I sang are mine. As our ancestors said, "Kill the brave man, but don't deny him his due!" I've even received offers from some producers for art music projects after hearing my voice (he-he-he!!!).

9-Nobody knows better than you, Karakan, what's up right now, the album thing and all that.
So they are doing it?

Karakan's formation, like Cartel, unfortunately disbanded in 1999. But Alper Aga will contribute to my album under the name Karakan. In his own words, a new "A-team" piece will be created. It wouldn't be right for me to comment on the future. However, I can say that there will be new projects. In fact, I am preparing new beats for Karakan. Most recently, they recorded a track called "Hadi Gel" with the group "ÜNLÜ".

10. Who have you worked with from Türkiye so far? Or who are you planning to work with?

It hasn't happened yet, but I've decided to create a piece with static in the near future. I met him in person last year. Despite it being our first meeting, we struck up a conversation as if we'd been friends for 40 years.

11- Did you provide any assistance in the production of Cartel's album?

I didn't provide any assistance. Yet, I would have loved to contribute to an album that's considered one of the top 10 albums worldwide. But Cartel's Nuremberg branch, Karakan, had a beatmaster named Big Porno Ahmet at the time. By the way, I want to send him my regards. Despite being the beatmaster for all of Karakan's tracks, including "Cartel," he didn't receive much attention.

12-When will you give us a chance to listen to a demon, Alkim?

Due to some negative experiences I've had, I'd like to stop distributing my demos as a matter of principle from now on, if no one minds. I came to this decision with my manager, but I appreciate his good intentions. Let me tell you a story to make you laugh. Three years ago, I gave a concert in Nuremberg. Two days later, I witnessed my song being played from a car in the market. It turned out those clever people had come prepared and recorded the songs on cassette.

13- Will the album be entirely in Turkish and will it be released in Turkey?

The album will be entirely in Turkish. It will definitely have a wide distribution in Europe and Türkiye. Everyone in Europe and Türkiye deserves to listen to this album because oriental hip-hop lovers can expect some very pleasant surprises.

14-As always, we'll leave the final word to you. What do you want to say?
Can I have it?

In conclusion, I want to advise the young people who have just joined the hip-hop community not to forget one truth: belief is the source of action.
The more you believe in what you're given, the more you'll work hard, and consequently, the more successful you'll be. Imagine the hip-hop community as a football team. No coach would give a raw, inexperienced player a place in the starting eleven. Initially, being relegated to the bench is inevitable. But with consistent training, it's possible to eventually get a chance to play. As long as we approach our cause with aesthetics and without self-interest, we're sure to reap the rewards. Because that's the law of nature. You reap what you sow.

Thank you for accepting.

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