Casper

Casper, born Benjamin Griffey on September 25, 1982, in Bösingfeld, Germany, is a German rapper and singer whose sound blends hip-hop with rock and pop-punk energy. He spent part of his childhood in Georgia, USA, where his father was stationed as a soldier, before returning to Germany. His raspy, distinctive voice was shaped in part by his time fronting the hardcore band Not Now Not Ever, and he first gained attention through freestyle battles and the crew Kinder des Zorns.

After early mixtapes and the track «Rasierklingenliebe», Casper released his debut album, Hin zur Sonne, in 2008 with contributions from Prinz Pi and Kollegah. He went on to become one of the most recognizable voices in German hip-hop, known for emotionally raw, introspective lyrics paired with anthemic, guitar-driven production — a departure from mainstream rap conventions of the time.

Songs like «Im Ascheregen», «Hinterland», «Michael X» and «Auf und davon» showcase his range, from melancholic storytelling to defiant, rock-inflected anthems. Casper remains a key figure bridging German rap and alternative rock sensibilities.