Summer Cem

Summer Cem, born Cem Toraman on April 11, 1983, in Mönchengladbach, Germany, ranks among the leading figures in the German rap circuit. Of mixed German and Turkish descent, the MC specializes in gritty narratives centered on wealth, romantic encounters, and high-risk escapades. His entry into rap came through an early alliance with fellow German-Turkish artist Eko Fresh, leading to featured spots on Eko Fresh’s 2003 releases and a subsequent deal with the German Dream imprint. A joint success, the track “Asphalt,” paved the way for Summer Cem’s debut solo mixtape, Summer Cem Wird Ein Star, along with additional guest verses alongside established German rappers. Commercial results for the mixtape proved modest, and even collaborations with Tekken Bugatti, Ceza, and Bushido failed to accelerate his momentum. The situation shifted in 2010 when he issued his first studio album, Feierabend, which drew strong critical notice yet achieved only limited sales. Breakthrough arrived two years later with Sucuk & Champagner, a Top Ten entry on the German album chart that also registered strongly in Austria and Switzerland. His third full-length effort, Babas, Barbies & Bargeld, climbed to number five in Germany in 2013 before its title was altered to Babas, Doowayst & Bargeld to sidestep potential litigation from Barbie doll producers. Hak followed at the close of 2014 and likewise opened at number five on the domestic charts. Confirmation of his stature arrived with Cemesis in 2016, marking his first number-one debut at home. Outside his own catalog, Summer Cem regularly supplies material for others and has joined forces on record with Farid Bang, KC Rebell, and Majoe.