Album Review: Startschuss by ZweiD – A Raw Slice of German Hip Hop from 2000
Alright, let’s talk about Startschuss by ZweiD. This album dropped in 2000 under Check Your Head Records, and it’s one of those hidden gems that doesn’t get enough shine. If you’re into gritty, no-frills hip hop with a distinctly German vibe, this is worth your time. Produced by Heizer Brockhaus and Jan Bleifuß Tenner (who also handle the mic duties), the project feels like a labor of love—raw, unfiltered, and straight to the point.
The mastering credit goes to H.P., and honestly? They did a solid job keeping things tight without over-polishing the sound. You can tell these guys weren’t trying to chase trends; they just wanted to make music that felt real. And yeah, it shows.
Now, onto the tracks. There are only four songs here, but two of them really stuck with me. First up is “Jenseits Aller Vernunft”. Man, this track hits different. The beat has this brooding, almost cinematic feel to it, like you’re walking through some foggy Berlin streets at night. The lyrics? Super introspective. It’s not just surface-level rap; there’s weight behind every word. You can hear the passion in their delivery—it’s not perfect, but that’s what makes it so damn relatable. Like, you know these dudes mean every syllable they’re spitting.
Then there’s “Zum Horizont Und Zurück (Instrumental)”, which might actually be my favorite cut on the album. No vocals, just pure vibes. The instrumental version lets the production breathe, and wow, does it ever. The drums knock hard, and the melody has this melancholic edge that keeps pulling you back for more. Honestly, I’ve looped this track like five times already while writing this review. It’s the kind of beat you’d expect to hear in a low-budget indie film where the protagonist stares off into the distance thinking deep thoughts. Props to Heizer and Jan for crafting something so simple yet unforgettable.
One thing I dig about Startschuss is how stripped-down everything feels. These aren’t flashy bangers designed to blow up clubs—they’re more like conversations. Listening to it feels like eavesdropping on two friends hashing out life over a couple of beers. That authenticity is rare, especially in an era when hip hop was starting to lean toward bigger budgets and glossier sounds.
So yeah, if you’re looking for polished hooks or chart-topping anthems, this ain’t it. But if you appreciate underground hip hop with heart and soul, give Startschuss a spin. Weirdly enough, listening to it made me think about how much music has changed since 2000. Back then, albums like this could still exist without needing TikTok virality or streaming numbers to validate them. Makes you wonder… would we even notice something like Startschuss today? Food for thought.
Anyway, go check it out. Just don’t blame me if you end up zoning out to “Zum Horizont Und Zurück” on repeat for hours. Trust me, it happens.
