...the track "So muss es sein" is unable to give us this answer for the moment. Otherwise, Textor leaves no questions unanswered and nothing to be desired on a phenomenal new album that is being released by Grönland Records in the next few days. It, or rather he, "deals with various things" (quote from the track "Bibimbap"). This highly welcome contribution to the state of affairs in German-language rap is invaluable, his status is now unassailable, and his skills are legendary anyway.

The master is as delicate and slender as the work is heavy. “So tun als ob” has, perhaps surprisingly for some, become a pure rap album. And that's a good thing! No more extensive excursions into the sung song and orchestral segment, only a few references to jazz or folk, quite different from, for example, the last Textor solo album, “Schwarz, Gold, Blau” from 2012. At most a few traces of the dense, eclectic sampling structures that have characterized the work of his duo Kinderzimmer Productions since the mid-90s. “So tun als ob” is simultaneously bone dry and full of juice, stripped down and fat, fresh as a daisy and well-aged. Being able to unite these opposites is proof of his mastery - in writing lyrics, in building tracks, and not least in delivering.

In his Kreuzberg studio, Textor took his time – depending on your point of view, it took him ten years or just a year – to create a collection of minimalist beats for maximum impact, with just a few carefully-dosed ornaments. He did most of it on his own, with support from Quendolin Fender on three tracks. The beats form a stable foundation at the bottom, but leave plenty of room and air at the top for eleven brand new, sometimes twisted, sometimes straight, sometimes fast, sometimes artfully drawn-out trains of thought that are unparalleled in the recently rather dull German rap landscape. The skills of an old hand meet the heart of a young whippersnapper that still beats undauntedly within him.

The few guests on this album don't add any additional rap verses, but instead provide vocal highlights: Steffi Frech on "Kein Gefühl", Fama M'Boup on "Es dreht sich" and Kenchi & The Sun on "Klickediklick". Textor effortlessly handles the rest on his own, his versatility in tempo and style make this possible without any problems. The rich mastering by Rashad Becker from Dubplates and Mastering not only gives the work the finishing touch, but also an authority that makes "So tun als ob" THE rap album of the year - something for hip hop kids of all ages and all backgrounds.

Indeed: “That’s how it has to be.”

Hans Nieswandt