Affen (Knowsum Remix)

Song Meaning

The narrator casts a critical eye on the modern music scene, particularly German rap, contrasting its perceived superficiality with a desire for authenticity. The lyrics open by questioning the promise of the future, noting that foundational elements like the 808 have been around for decades, while the industry pushes new records. There's a clear disdain for trends like Autotune on subpar tracks and the manufactured nature of online music communities, which are dismissed as shallow. The central tension arises from the narrator's perception of a disconnect between artistic integrity and commercial success. They observe a scene driven by ego and a lack of critical thinking, where "hippes Blabla" (hip nonsense) gains traction through fleeting trends rather than substance. This is framed as music made for a superficial audience, prioritizing hype over lasting quality, a stark contrast to the narrator's own approach of creating "Shit for the cool'n Leute" (shit for the cool people). A striking element is the repeated phrase "Was kann man da nur machen?" (What can one do about it?), highlighting a sense of resignation or exasperation. This leads into the provocative assertion that "wir stamm'n ab von Affen" (we descend from apes), suggesting that the current state of music and culture is a regression, a return to primal, unthinking behavior. The narrator laments that "der Klügere gibt nach" (the wiser one gives in), implying that intelligence and discernment are being overwhelmed by foolishness, which ultimately dominates the charts. This lyrical approach is effective because it uses sharp, almost aggressive language to articulate a feeling of disillusionment. The contrast between the "promoted Zukunft" (promoted future) and the enduring 808, or between "Scheine und Plastik" (bills and plastic) and the "Nepumuk's" disregard for them, creates a vivid picture of the narrator's critique. The final, blunt comparison to apes serves as a powerful, albeit cynical, commentary on the perceived decline of cultural standards.