Regina Marlies Chukwuedo aka Lisi was born 23 years ago in Berlin as the daughter of a Nigerian father and a German mother.
She’s the oldest of four siblings. Her rap career started at the tender age of seventeen when she recorded her debut EP “Purple Haze” for the indie label Raw Zone. The release of her debut album “Wild” followed on the same label. Her fairly blunt track “Vicky Vo (Fotzen)” left a lasting impression in the collective memory of the German hip hop community.
Though Lisi did not stay with Raw Zone, the excitement and the experience that go with a debut record release helped her to find her way in the business. As a female MC, she soon learned that you’ll not only have to match your male competitors, you’ll have to outperform them. One of the early believers in Lisi’s talent was Afrob who experienced her for the first time at “Highnachten Jam 2000”. Their mutual respect quickly turned into a continuous collaboration and 2005 saw the emergence of the songs “Es geht hoch” and “Du bist es nicht” for Afrob’s “Hammer” album.
The features were only the beginning because soon, the two started to work on demo material with Carsten Schedler at Studio 4. When Michi Beck and Four Music managing director Fitz Braum eventually experienced Lisi live on stage with Afrob on the Fanta 4 Tour 2005 it was apparent that Lisi must be part of the Four Music family.
Lisi’s alias Purple Haze describes her style best: it’s addictive, hypnotizing, very special – and top class. Her topics are deep. “Das Problem” deals with capitalism and moral decline, “Bitches und Fotzen Pt 2” is her attack on phonies, liars and hypocrites. Her raps are forthright and metaphorical at the same time. The artwork Lisi chose for her record was inspired by late 60ies Blaxploitation movies. The image of women as it is transported in these movies appeals to Lisi, women who were sexy, ambitious and determined, a sweet but decided provocation. Here love of melody and her appreciation for Junior Mafia (Biggie, Lil Kim) and DeathRow (Tupac, Doggpound) have clearly influenced her hooks.
Asked about her style’s unique selling proposition, Lisi says: “You can’t pigeonhole me. I spit battle stuff and I can do smooth stuff.” Sure, Lisi would take the mansion and the carefree life if she were offered it, but for now, she’s perfectly happy to have something that is so much more precious: her talent. Her home town Berlin is her inspiration: “I grew up here, I’m the authentic product of this town. I’m absolutely certain that everyone who lives in Berlin will understand what I’m talking about. This city is vibrating.” Listen to the straight, pumping beat of her track “Berlin” and you’ll understand.
Involved in the production of Lisi’s new album “Eine wie keine“ were a good many hip hop heavyweights. “L.I.S.I.” was done by Pop from New York and provides the perfect backdrop for Lisi’s and Afrob’s verbal exchange. On Roe Beardie’s (Sido, Olli Banjo) “Payback” Lisi and her friend and companion Bintia Bangura-Harris settle a score with their adversaries. Guys and ladies, watch out! Producer Team “Bock auf’n Beat (Nico Suave) provides a smooth and laid-back beat and Lisi in turn says thank you with the contemplative and deep lyrics on “It’s over, girl”. Bazee (Max Herre) produced five tracks which help to give the album direction and DJ Rocky (Afrob, Eko Fresh) produced the ballad“Sterb für dich”, the core of the album.
With her fantastic talent, her sassy sex appeal, the support of her label Four Music and Afrob as an executive producer, it seems that Lisi has all she needs to become the next big thing in German hip hop.
LISI - DATES
LISI
Currently not on tour
LISI - PHOTOS
Great song, great guy:
Four Music proudly presents
Rafael Weber - Es tut mir leid
