Rapper Xatar found dead

Cologne. The well-known rapper Xatar has died. The musician, whose real name was Giwar Hajabi, was found dead in a Cologne apartment on Thursday, a spokesperson for the Cologne public prosecutor's office announced. He was 43 years old.

The public prosecutor's office has announced that it has initiated a so-called death investigation. It is intended to clarify whether there is any evidence of "criminally relevant third-party negligence" in the rapper's death. An autopsy has also been conducted for this purpose. "No external signs of violence were found," the public prosecutor's office stated. However, the investigation is ongoing.

The Iranian-born musician, the child of a famous composer and conductor and a musician, was considered one of the most influential, yet controversial, figures in the German rap scene. His albums occasionally topped the charts, but he also found himself in trouble with the law.

He became known, among other things, for a spectacular gold robbery in 2009. He and his accomplices robbed a gold transport truck and, according to the public prosecutor's office, stole jewelry and gold dental plaque. After the robbery, he was caught and sentenced to prison. From prison, he successfully launched a career in the music business.

Xatar was also a busy businessman. He earned money in the jewelry business and owned a kebab shop and a shisha bar.

RND/dpa