Kollegah’s 'Deutschland' Song Sparks Intense Cultural and Political Debate in Germany

The rap song 'Deutschland' by Kollegah has ignited significant cultural and political discussions in Germany, notably drawing praise from right-wing politicians and polarized media reactions. The song, which references Heinrich Heine's poem 'Nachtgedanken', features an hour-long video showing German flags, images of societal struggles such as elderly poverty, and surveillance footage of violence, accompanied by provocative lyrics including 'From the proud eagle became a beaten dog'.

Reactions have been mixed: YouTube comments tend to be positive, though the authenticity of moderation is uncertain, whereas Twitter responses vary considerably. AfD politician Maximilian Krah praised the song, indicating that genuine political change will emerge from rap, the internet, and street movements rather than established institutions. This endorsement highlights the song's resonance within the New Right.

German media outlets offer contrasting perspectives. The taz describes 'Deutschland' as a "wet dream of the new right," positioning it as a cultural bridge between the New Right and mainstream pop. Die Welt observes a turn toward populism in the song, while Die Zeit sees Kollegah as a pioneer aligning hip-hop with patriotism and right-wing politics. The Süddeutsche Zeitung expresses hope that Kollegah’s ambitions for political leadership remain unfulfilled, viewing the thematic shift as a natural evolution of his artistry.

Despite the controversy, Kollegah himself has remained largely silent, posting gratitude for his album's chart success and announcing a winter break on Instagram. The broader rap community has yet to produce substantial reactions to the track.