Kartellen

Kartellen were a Swedish hip hop group founded in 2008 by Leo «Kinesen» Carmona, who wrote the group's lyrics; rapper Sebbe Staxx was the group's other core member in its later lineup. Formed in Sweden, the group became known for confrontational, socially charged music that addressed segregation, class divides and life in marginalized suburban communities, delivered in a raw, direct rap style typical of Swedish street hip hop of that era.

Tracks such as «Svarta Duvor & Vissna Liljor», «Underklassmusik» and «Mina områden» became emblematic of the group's approach, pairing hard-edged beats with lyrics that framed inequality and criminalized neighborhoods from an insider's perspective. Songs like «En fjärils vingslag», «Lilla flicka», «Ställ Dig Upp» and «Dra Inte Oss Tillbaka» extended this narrative into more personal and reflective territory, while «AM43 (Stress Remix)» shows the group's connections within the wider Swedish rap scene through remix collaboration.

Kartellen's music sparked ongoing debate in Sweden, as critics accused the group of glamorizing criminal lifestyles even as supporters saw their lyrics as an unflinching depiction of social reality. The group's real-world associations with serious criminal activity among some members added further controversy to their public image, making Kartellen one of the more polarizing acts in Swedish hip hop's exploration of class and crime.