Apple Music is expanding Fire in the Booth, the popular freestyle rap platform created by hip-hop DJ Charlie Sloth, into Germany.
Starting Monday (May 16), the rap show, which has amassed over 1.4 billion views (across Apple Music and YouTube), will launch on Apple Music in Germany presented by DJ Maxxx as part of Apple Music’s HYPED playlist and hip hop brand.
The launch of Fire in the Booth on Apple Music in Germany comes at a pivotal time for hip hop in the market.
Over the past two years, home-grown hip hop (aka Deutschrap) has become a chart-dominating force in Germany.
German rappers Bonez MC and Luciano were the No.1 and No.2 most streamed artists on Spotify in the market in 2021, respectively.
Meanwhile, this week, the Top three positions on the official German singles chart are occupied by homegrown hip hop acts.
Germany’s record business generated $2 billion for second straight year in 2021.
Apple Music says the German offshoot of the freestyle series will feature rap talent, ranging from household names to future stars recording exclusive freestyles inside Apple Music’s newly launched studio in Berlin.
The German series continues Fire in the Booth’s recent global expansion which has seen Charlie Sloth record freestyles in Dubai, Jamaica and the USA.
Charlie Sloth has previously released three German Fire in the Booth performances on Apple Music, with Luciano in May 2020, Aisha Vibes (October 2020) and Kelvyn Colt, in January 2021.
He also collaborated with Kelvyn Colt on his own music release and is one of the first artists to combine a UK, US and German MC on the same track (Get it featuring Kelvyn Colt, Abra Cadabara and Gunna).
DJ Maxxx, who was personally chosen by Charlie Sloth as the new face of ‘HYPED Presents Fire in the Booth Germany’ is described in a media statement as “a proud ambassador and key influencer within the German Rap scene”.
Host to some of Berlin’s biggest Hip-Hop nights (including his party series at 808 Club), Maxxx is also the tour DJ/support rapper for Haftbefehl and Ufo.
Presented by German rap tastemaker Aria Nejati (Wednesdays), Apple Music’s ‘HYPED’ show will also include an accompanying interview with each of the participating Fire in the Booth artists.
‘HYPED Presents Fire in the Booth Germany’ will be available on Apple Music via its own dedicated audio and video playlist.
“There is so much talent in Germany right now and it will give the artist community a platform to showcase their skills to the world.”
Charlie Sloth
Commenting on the launch, Charlie Sloth said: “I’m super excited that the Fire in the Booth brand is launching in Germany.
“There is so much talent in Germany right now and it will give the artist community a platform to showcase their skills to the world. I feel that DJ Maxxx is the right person to bring that authenticity as the host.”
“I’ve been following Fire in the Booth for years and have always been a big fan. Charlie is Charlie and that’s what’s special about him. He’s a true host and hype man.”
DJ Maxxx
DJ Maxxx added: “I’ve been following Fire in the Booth for years and have always been a big fan. Charlie is Charlie and that’s what’s special about him. He’s a true host and hype man.
“The German scene has blown up over the years, it’s known all over the world now and has become big business. That’s great but it often shifts the focus from music on to other things.
“Fire in the Booth is putting the focus back on something really important for the culture. Getting back to the essence of Rap. One Mic.”
MBW revealed back in October 2018 that Fire in the Booth creator Charlie Sloth, a former BBC Radio 1 hip-hop DJ, was heading to Apple Music.
Fire in the Booth has previously featured the likes of Drake, Giggs, Lil Baby, Stormzy, Pop Smoke, Wretch 32 and Megan Thee Stallion in the past.Music Business Worldwide
