The refreshingly controversial Deichkind set out in 1997 to breathe some fresh life into Germany's somewhat conservative rap scene, but the outfit's first concerts more often than not ended with the MCs fleeing the stage, ducking tomatoes and half-empty beer cans. Still, Deichkind scored a deal with Warner's Showdown label in 1999 and released Bitte Ziehen Sie Durch. The single "Bon Voyage" landed the band a spot in every other summer festival in the country. The band's follow-up album, Noch 5 Minuten Mutti, did not break any significantly new ground, and Deichkind consequently took a three year hiatus. The group returned with Aufstand im Schlaraffenland, which alienated Deichkind's loyal fans due to its heavily synthesized disco-pop in place of the band's regular hip-hop vibe. Arbeit Nervt followed in 2008. ~ Nico Tobias Wirtz