Ceza: The Turkish Rap Star


Ceza: The Turkish Rap Star

Ceza is the stage name of Bilgin Özçalkan, a Turkish rapper and songwriter who started his career in 1995. He is one of the most popular and influential rap artists in Turkey, known for his fast and complex rhymes, social and political themes, and collaborations with international musicians.

Ceza released his first solo album, Med Cezir, in 2002, followed by Rapstar, Feyz Al, Yerli Plaka, Evin Delisi, Bomba Plak (with Killa Hakan), Onuncu Köy, Suspus, and Türk Marşı. He also formed a group called Nefret with Dr. Fuchs and released two albums, Meclis-i Ala İstanbul and Anahtar. He won an MTV Europe Music Award for Best Turkish Act in 2007 and was featured on Tech N9ne’s song Worldwide Choppers along with Busta Rhymes, Twista, Yelawolf, and others in 2011.

Ceza is not only a rapper but also a singer, producer, entrepreneur, and activist. He created his own clothing brand called Evin Delisi in 2007 and supported various social causes such as animal rights, environmentalism, education, and peace. He is also the brother of Ayben Özçalkan Ülkü, another Turkish rapper.

Ceza has faced many challenges and controversies in his rap music career. He has been criticized by some for his use of profanity, violence, and political views in his lyrics. He has also been involved in rap battles and feuds with other Turkish rappers, such as Sagopa Kajmer, Killa Hakan, and Ezhel. He has been accused of plagiarism, racism, and disrespecting the Turkish flag and national anthem.

Despite these challenges, Ceza has also received many accolades and recognition for his rap music. He has won several awards, such as the MTV Europe Music Award for Best Turkish Act in 2007, the Golden Butterfly Award for Best Rap/Hip Hop Artist in 2010 and 2015, and the Kral TV Video Music Award for Best Rap/Hip Hop Song in 2012. He has also collaborated with many international rap artists, such as Tech N9ne, Busta Rhymes, Twista, Yelawolf, and Kaan. He has performed at various festivals and concerts around the world, such as RockIstanbul, Rock ‘n Coke, Hip Hop Kemp, and Sziget Festival.

Ceza is considered one of the pioneers and legends of Turkish rap music. He has influenced many young and upcoming rappers in Turkey and abroad. He has also contributed to the development and diversity of Turkish rap music by experimenting with different styles, genres, languages, and themes. He has shown his versatility and creativity by producing his own beats, writing his own lyrics, and singing his own hooks. He has also expressed his social awareness and responsibility by supporting various causes and charities, such as animal rights, environmentalism, education, and peace.

Ceza has not released a new album since 2015, but he has been active in the rap music scene by releasing singles, featuring on other artists’ songs, and performing live shows. He has also been working on his upcoming album, which he said will be different from his previous works and will showcase his growth and maturity as an artist. He has not revealed the title or the release date of his new album yet, but he has hinted that it will be out soon.

One of his recent singles, Dark Places, features the American rapper Tech N9ne, who is also known for his fast and complex rap style. The song is a collaboration between two rap legends from different countries and cultures, who share their struggles and experiences in the rap industry and life in general. The song was well received by fans and critics alike, who praised the chemistry and skill of both rappers.

Ceza has also expressed his interest in collaborating with other international rap artists, such as Eminem, Kendrick Lamar, J. Cole, Drake, and Stormzy. He said that he admires their rap skills and their impact on the rap music scene. He also said that he wants to expand his fan base and reach new audiences around the world. He said that he believes that rap music is a universal language that can connect people from different backgrounds and cultures.

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