Appa (rapper)
Rachid El Ghazoui (born 27 January 1983), also known by his stage name Appa, is a Dutch rapper, whose roots lie in the mountainous regions of North-Morocco.[1][2]
Appa | |
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![]() Appa (2015) | |
Background information | |
Birth name | Rachid El Ghazoui |
Born | Amsterdam, Netherlands | 27 January 1983
Genres | Hip hop |
Occupation(s) | Rapper |
Years active | 2002–present |
Labels | Appa Productions |
Associated acts | Tuindorp Hustler Click |
In 2002, he joined rap formation Tuindorp Hustler Click (THC), but decided to go solo. He is known for the political content of his lyrics and criticism of nationalist MP Geert Wilders.[3] He also strongly identifies with the social problems of Moroccan youths.[2] In November 2007, his first album called Straatfilosoof (Street Philosopher) appeared. In an interview he calls the album "autobiographical" and a "user guide for the people who don't understand us (Moroccan youths)".[1]
Controversy
In 2015 El Ghazaoui attracted attention by denying the holocaust,[4] by citing alleged quotes of the Talmud in order to raise hatred against Jews and by claiming that two mafia killers who, after murdering two fellow mafiosi, fired their kalashnikovs at the Dutch police, only received a life sentence because they are of Moroccan origin.
References
- Karatay, Burç (2007-11-13). "Appa" (in Dutch). Funx. Retrieved 2009-05-14.
- Goodenough, Patrick (16 Nov 2007). "Dutch Reject Call to Ban Koran But Worry About Islam". Cybercast News Service. Archived from the original on 2007-12-08. Retrieved 24 March 2008.
- Opdrachtgevers lopen weg bij Appa door Holocaustontkenning - AT5 (in Dutch)
- "Appa Discografie" (in Dutch). MusicMeter. Retrieved 2009-05-14.