Die Fantastischen Vier

Pioneers of German hip-hop, Die Fantastischen Vier hold the honor of releasing the first entirely German-language rap album, Jetzt Geht’s Ab, in 1991.                Members Andreas Rieke (aka And.Y) , Michael B. Schmidt (aka Smudo), Michael Beck (aka Hausmarke ) and Thomas Dürr (aka Thomas D ) came together in 1989 as the Terminal Team before quickly changing their name to Die Fantastischen Vier or Fanta4 as in “Fantastic Four.” After releasing their debut themselves they were signed to Columbia, who released their breakthrough single, “Die Da!?!,” in 1992. Exciting live shows and a steady stream of hooky singles kept the band in the charts for over 30 years, and each member experimented with solo careers to varying success.