Turkish rap scene celebrates Maestro’s legacy, stands with Gaza
Turkish rapper Lvbel C5 performs during Istanbul Festival 2024 at Park Yenikapı, Istanbul, Türkiye, Aug. 12, 2024. (Getty Images Photo)

From Maestro’s unreleased collaborations to Lvbel C5’s show of solidarity, Türkiye’s rap scene brings music, memory and social messages to the spotlight



The songs that gave Turkish rapper Maestro strength during his final days in a hospital room are now set to become part of the musical legacy he leaves behind.

Maestro, whose real name was Berk Karadaş, died while receiving treatment for a heart condition. He left behind years of work, well-known songs and recordings that had yet to be released.

Now, those recordings are being brought together for a special album featuring collaborations with some of the rapper’s friends.

Soy Yapım owners Uğur Kalabaş and Osman Yuvacı have signed an agreement with Maestro’s sister to release the project. The album, which is planned for release in the coming days, will feature duets recorded by Maestro with various artists.

What sets the album apart, however, is the story behind the recordings. The collaborations Maestro worked on with his artist friends during the final period of his life became a source of strength for him while he was receiving treatment in hospital. During those days, music was more than a creative outlet; it was also an important part of his effort to hold on to life.

Now, those same songs carry a very different meaning for his fans. Hearing Maestro’s voice again will be an emotional reunion, particularly for listeners who followed his career closely and connected with his place in Türkiye’s rap scene.

Artists join Maestro

The album brings together artists from across Türkiye’s music scene, including Cem Adrian, Şam and No.1.

The project features "Diazem” with Cem Adrian, "Kurşun Yedim” with Şam, "Ölesiye” with Darpo, "Ölürsem 1 Gün” with No.1, "Yağmur” with Eypio and Xir, "Serseri” with Ahiyan, and "Sümbül” with Kuzgun and Ashoo.

Maestro’s journey

Karadaş discovered rap music in 1999 and began making his first amateur recordings in 2004. He later established himself in Türkiye’s rap scene with his distinctive style and musical approach.

He was part of the Kadıköy Acil collective and later worked with groups including Istanbul Trip and Giz Gang. Over the years, Maestro witnessed different eras of Türkiye’s rap scene and built an audience of his own through his music.

The forthcoming album is more than a collection of unreleased recordings. It also documents the artist’s final years, his friendships and his commitment to music.

Although Maestro is no longer with us, the songs that once gave him strength in a hospital room will continue to live on in the memories of those who loved his music. Sometimes, the songs an artist leaves behind tell the story left unfinished.

Lvbel C5 for Gaza

Rapper Lvbel C5 showed his support for Gaza during a concert at Istanbul Life Park by waving a Palestinian flag and delivering a message of solidarity with the people of Gaza.

One of the popular names in Türkiye’s rap scene, Lvbel C5 met with fans at Istanbul Life Park.

During the concert, the rapper took to the stage with a Palestinian flag, publicly expressing his support for Gaza. As a Turkish flag was displayed on the giant screen behind him, Lvbel C5’s appearance with the Palestinian flag became one of the night’s most notable moments.