Murder of C Gambino creates fear among Swedish rappers. Artists have both become trophies for criminals and ended up further out in society's margins.
Rozh, Einár, and now C Gambino – the deadly violence against Swedish gangsta rappers is making the genre's artists increasingly nervous. Several have strong ties to various gangs that are involved in bloody conflicts, emphasizes Diamant Salihu, who has written the book "Until All Die".
The murder of Gambino sends a clear signal that it has become harder to work as a rapper in that environment. Several of them have already gone into exile, but have difficulty breaking free.
Since the murder of Einár in 2021, artists have been pushed from the middle of society out to the margins. This is what Emil Arvidson, who has written the book "Swedish Gangsta Rap", believes, and is supported by Salihu. Some texts have become rougher, from an already rough level.
Sources to Arvidson say that some artists are pressured by criminal environments and forced to have protection. Even Diamant Salihu believes that rappers' loyalties have become clearer – since they must "scratch arms" with someone to avoid being defenseless. And the more successful the artists are, the clearer targets they become.
When Emil Arvidson began interviewing rappers from troubled neighborhoods 20 years ago, many used music as a bridge into society. That is no longer the case, he notes. The artists are often kept in environments that have radicalized, where even innocent bystanders are murdered.
C Gambino
26-year-old C Gambino was shot dead on Tuesday, June 4, 2024, in a parking garage near his home in Hisingen, Gothenburg. According to the police, he had ties to a criminal network.
The Gothenburg rapper released his debut album in 2022. He performed anonymously, with a face mask. In May, he received the award for Hip-Hop of the Year at the Grammis Gala and his latest single "Last Time" was released on May 31 of this year.
Nils Grönberg, "Einár"
Einár was shot dead outside an apartment building in Hammarby Sjöstad, Stockholm, on the evening of October 21, 2021. The following year, the police conducted nearly 350 interviews. Despite extensive investigation, the murder weapon has not been identified.
Einár broke through in 2019 with the song "The Cat in the Neighborhood" and in June 2019 released his debut album "First Class". About three months later, he released his second album "Number 1".
Rozh
Rozh Shamal released his first single "Dras till problem" in 2019 and had several songs on YouTube and Spotify. He planned to release new music but was murdered in June 2019 during a dog walk in Blackeberg, Stockholm.
Rozh Shamal's older brother was murdered with multiple gunshot wounds in Rissne the year before.
