Gangster-Rapper Xatar Dead at 38, Leaves Behind Family

Köln, Germany – Gangster-Rapper Xatar has died at the age of 38. He reportedly passed away in the early hours of Friday, May 9, 2025, in Berlin. The cause of death has not yet been determined.

Several individuals close to the rapper confirmed his death, causing shockwaves through the German hip-hop scene. Fans and fellow artists have begun posting condolences on his last Instagram post from 2024.

Xatar’s former promoter, Marina Buzunashvilli, shared a heartfelt photo on her Instagram story, captioned, “Until we meet again.” Fellow rapper Farid Bang also confirmed the news via Instagram.

Born in Iran, Xatar immigrated to Germany with his family as a child and lived in Köln. He is survived by his wife, Farvah, and five children. The couple had been together for over 15 years.

Xatar had a troubled past, turning to crime at a young age. He began selling drugs at 14 and later became involved with the mafia. In 2009, he and his accomplices executed one of the most infamous robberies in Baden-Württemberg‘s history, stealing 120 kilograms of dental gold and jewelry valued at 1.8 million euros while disguised as customs officers.

Xatar was sentenced to eight years in prison but was released three years later. He then leveraged his notoriety to kickstart a successful rap career, launching his own music label and restaurant ventures. In 2022, filmmaker Fatih Akin adapted his life story into a movie titled “Rheingold,” based on Xatar’s autobiography “Alles oder Nix.” Actor Emilio Sakraya portrayed the rapper in the film.

At the premiere in Köln, Xatar told BILD, “There is no gangster left in me. I was that way because I had to be.”