Eko Fresh – from ‘King of Germany’ to Friedrich

Our Artist of the Month Eko Fresh doesn’t really need an introduction. He didn’t just influence German rap – he sent it into the stratosphere when he started at age 17. While other teens were getting their first moped licence, he was signing a major deal and rapping himself into pop culture history with “König von Deutschland” – i.e. “King of Germany”. Since then, he has delivered hits, attitude and humour – and remains strikingly approachable.

Eko Fresh – King of Germany

Ekrem Bora was born in Cologne in 1983 – yes, right in the epicentre of carnival. He grew up with his single mother in Mönchengladbach, who taught him early:

If you want something to happen, you have to do it yourself.

He started rapping at the age of 15, only to meet Kool Savas two years later, who, according to legend, put a studio microphone into his hand that he hasn’t been able to let go of since.
His debut album “Ich bin jung und brauche das Geld” [“I am young and need money”] was released in 2003. The title, which for others could have simply been something to put on their tax return, was 15th place on the charts for Eko Fresh. Check.

He may not be young anymore, but he’s still got it

With the evergreen “Ich bin jung und brauche das Geld” Eko wrote a line for eternity – and pretty much the caption of a music decade. For anyone who thought, ‘is that all he’s got?’, he then released “Gheddo”, “L.O.V.E” and half a hit parade afterwards. Eko Fresh is one of those who constantly reinvents himself without losing what makes him who he is. Between beats, disses and founding his own label, German Dream, Eko Fresh has showed more than just rap skills. He has brought wit, self-irony and the view that hip-hop can be a business in this country too.
He said goodbye to the school bench (did he finish school? Nah), but he is still sitting firmly in the saddle: as a singer, actor and label manager. Today, Eko Fresh is considered one of the youngest rap veterans in Germany and he remains outrageously agile. His viral hit “Aber” was awarded the Web Video Award for Social Responsibility in 2018. Some call it political consciousness. Eko calls it: “Just Tuesday”. For him, attitude is part of the job.

Outside rap – entrepreneurial & creative: Gazoz, label & new music

Our AotM is not only a rapper, but also a songwriter behind the scenes. Some of the people he has collaborated with include: Yvonne Catterfeld (e.g. “Du has mein Herz gebrochen”), Pietro Lombardi, Joko & Klaas and Bushido. More stars than in some primetime programmes. The varied range shows how easily Eko switches between genres, target groups and narratives.

Eko never stands still. He has even brought out his own soft drink, “Bey Gazoz”. He has his new label, after more than 20 years called German Dream, “Paperboy” and his current mixtape “Freezy Bumaye 3.0 – Der Letzte macht das Licht aus” also in the pipeline. More on the clock than some startup crews, that’s for sure.

Rap, TV and film – Eko is building his own multiverse

Eko has also appeared in front of the camera several times: his CV includes roles in TV and film (e.g. in “3 Türken & ein Baby”, “Blockbustaz”, “Die Kinderschwindlerin” (a TV ratings success)) and countless other TV appearances. Rapper, entertainer and actor – Eko Fresh thinks about projects across platforms and stays authentic.

But what is probably the best part of his work is that he raps with a smile on his face, but tackles serious issues: origin, multiculturalism and inequality of opportunity are topics that appear in his lyrics. At the same time, he is still a “young hustler” who doesn’t take himself too seriously. His voice is a part of German-speaking hip-hop that can serve both the subculture and the mainstream.

2025: “Friedrich” – a song that causes debate

“Friedrich” is Eko Fresh’s musical return for 2025: direct, courageous, contemporary. He comments on social issues without buzzwords and reaches people who identify with everyday life, doubt and hope. The voice of the street, the mouthpiece of the normal people – that’s how many people know Eko. And that’s how he is.

Commitment, volunteer sponsor, open ears

In addition to stage and screen, Eko Fresh is involved in social issues, including through his commitment to Aktion Mensch. He has also been a volunteer sponsor of the city of Cologne since 2023. He is also the proud owner of the Order of the Ears of the Civil Society of Cologne because of his ability to listen and his social work. And we believe that if there were a prize for the nicest German superstar – he would have a very good chance.

Eko is a legend who is always reinventing himself. He demonstrates humour. He has attitude and heart. And he has shaped an entire generation.

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See more of Eko Fresh on Instagram, YouTube, TikTok and Spotify.
Once a month, recordJet has an Artist of the Month. The recordJet crew chooses an artist that has especially impressed us. Take a look at our AotM playlist – it is a playlist of all of our AotMs from past years up to today.