Kraantje Pappie

Kraantje Pappie is the stage name of Alex van der Zouwen, a Dutch rapper, singer and television presenter, known for his work on the Dutch broadcaster BNN. He is signed to the hip-hop label Noah's Ark. His stage name reportedly comes from the fact that his father worked as a crane operator (kraan) in the port of Rotterdam, earning him the nickname Kraantje Pappie.

He emerged as part of the Dutch urban and pop-rap scene, blending catchy, radio-friendly hooks with a laid-back, playful rap delivery in Dutch. His music often mixes lighthearted party anthems with more melodic, sing-along pop-rap tracks, making him a recognizable voice in Netherlands' contemporary hip-hop landscape.

Songs such as «Lil Craney», «Best Wel Een Ding», «Pompen», «De Manier», «Liefde In De Lucht», «Feesttent», «Nacht» and «Ow» reflect his range from club-ready bangers to more introspective, love-themed tracks. Beyond music, his presence on Dutch television has helped him build a broader public profile, positioning him as both a musician and media personality in the Netherlands.