About [bih’tnik]

It was the late 90s in a snowed-in rehearsal cellar somewhere in the deep south of Germany when two MCs grabbed the mic at the very same session. Highly motivated by the blossoming hip-hop scene and bands like Freundeskreis or Fettes Brot, the duo heated up the basement and everyone in it—until the neighbors put a sudden end to the rhyming madness.

But a few days later, and in total defiance of any quiet hours, it was clear that this wouldn't remain a one-time session. Hip-hop fanatics CHABEZO and MR.FIZZ decided to keep causing a ruckus in the neighborhood: [bih’tnik] was born! Countless gigs followed, culminating in 2003 with their debut album "Feuer & Flamme", produced alongside beatboxer ENIROC, DJs PRUNE and EMPIRE, and singer ADDIS. Instead of just killing time, they breathed life into their lyrics. MC stands for Master of Ceremonies, and the [bih’tnik]s mastered every single one with charisma and ease.

What changed?

In early 2006, three new faces suddenly graced the [bih’tnik] flyers, and the personnel expansion was instantly felt on stage. Keyboarder KNACK., bassist BAFTI, and drummer DANIEL joined the crew. In this new formation, the band toured the country to finally push every decibel meter deep into the red!

From 2009 onwards, their second record "Kein Zurück" spoiled Germany's speaker towers with a rich, organic hip-hop band sound and affectionate lyrics. Following a nationwide tour as the support act for Irie Révoltés, [bih‘tnik] presented their third studio album, "Stroboskop", in 2010. While "Kein Zurück" had set the musical and stylistic direction, "Stroboskop" showed the band refined and perfected—a peaceful drive-by shooting for the ears with high musical standards.

The End of an Era

In 2011, after 10 wild years on the road, the two rappers went their separate ways and the band dissolved. However, the creative fire didn't die out: CHABEZO moved on to front the pop band OTTO NORMAL, while MR. FIZZ transitioned into the film industry.