BIOGRAPHY
Die Fantastischen Vier, also known as F4, is a popular German music group from Stuttgart. They are considered one of the first German rap groups to achieve commercial success and are credited with popularizing the genre in the country in the 1990s.
Die Fantastischen Vier was formed in 1989 by members Michael Bernd Schmidt (aka Smudo), Thomas Dürr (aka Thomas D), Andreas Rieke (aka And.Ypsilon) and Michael 'Michi' Beck (aka Dee Jot Hausmarke). Unlike American hip-hop music, the group’s lyrics are generally more playful and humorous.
Their albums "Die 4. Dimension" in 1993 and "Lauschgift" in 1995 became massive hits in Germany, establishing them as a dominant force in the German rap scene. Die Fantastischen Vier are also known for their impressive and dynamic live performances.
Throughout their career, they have received numerous prestigious music awards in Germany, including multiple Echo Awards for Best Hip-Hop Music.
In summary, Die Fantastischen Vier is a highly influential German music group, whose contributions to the popularization of hip-hop in Germany are widely recognized. Their unique style of playful and humorous rap has helped the genre gain popularity and acceptance in German music culture.