Shindy

Born Michael Schindler on September 7, 1988, in Bietigheim-Bissingen, Germany, the rapper known as Shindy developed a reputation for cocky, street-smart lyrics that often highlighted his romantic conquests. His background combined a German father and Greek mother, and his fascination with hip-hop began at age 14. Two years afterward, German-Greek rapper Jaysus recognized his potential, offered mentorship, and steered him through his earliest studio sessions.

By 2012 Shindy had started collaborating with Kay One, appearing on guest verses for the album Prince of Belvedair and joining the single “Finale Wir Kommen.” Their partnership soon collapsed after a heated public dispute, prompting Shindy to release a sharp diss track and realign himself with Bushido’s Ersguterjunge imprint. Ersguterjunge issued his debut album, NWA—short for “Nie wieder arbeiten,” or “Never work again”—in 2013, and it ascended to the summit of the German charts. An expanded version, NWA 2.0, followed later that year.

The 2014 release FVCKB!TCHE$GETMONE¥ marked his first project to claim the top spot simultaneously in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland. In 2015 he teamed again with Bushido for the collaborative album Cla$$ic, which also reached number one shortly after arriving. His third solo effort, Dreams, surfaced near the end of 2016; packed with numerous featured artists and producers, the set likewise debuted at the pinnacle of the charts.