Raubtier Kollektiv Album "Zoo Deutschland": A Brutal Portrait of Germany's Urban Jungle

Straight from the heart of Hamburg, Raubtier Kollektiv brings an uncompromising vision with their new 9-track album "Zoo Deutschland." This is more than just a German rap project; it is a metaphorically rich concept album that creates an urban zoo peopled with animals that represent each predator, prey, and zookeeper, who define the struggles and hierarchies we encounter in our cities.

The thick, heavy opening track, "Der Elefant," is a statement of strength, intelligence, and dominance, earning one's stripes: to survive by wisdom, not might. The album continues in its ability to pack raw encounters with deception ("Krokodil Tränen"), the chilly viewpoint of success ("Adler Perspektive"), and the manners of survival ("Gorilla Geschäfte"). By the sludgy, provocative closer "Zoo Wärter," Raubtier Kollektiv is seeking, if you will, who keeps the keys to the cage. 

The production is musically vivid as well; the trap drums hit like the pounding fists of a gorilla, the basslines coil like snakes in the dark, and the ambient textures animate each metaphor-songwriter, performer, and musician Raylin Black, breaks new ground while lyrically painting and brimming a masterclass in storytelling; dexterously threading sharp critique with lived experience. 

In many ways, "Zoo Deutschland" is an audacious movie-like rap, uncompromising in its truth, unapologetic in its delivery, not afraid to be shown in the light. It will certainly spawn many conversations and responses across Germany's hip-hop landscape.