Ceza was born in Istanbul, Turkey in 1977. His interest in music started in his primary school days with the tapes he borrowed from his friend. His professional career started when he met Dr Fuchs and formed NEFRET.
In 1998, they recorded several songs; four of these were released in a compilation album called "Yeralti Operasyonu" together with 3 other rap acts. Right after this compilation, they caught Hammer Muzik's attention and signed a multi-album contract.
In 2000, their debut album "Meclisi Ala Istanbul" was released. A videoclip was made for the song "Istanbul" which had airplay in national TV channels. In 2001 came the second album "Anahtar". Shortly after "Anahtar" was released, Dr Fuchs's military service contract (which was Turkish policy) came into effect and he had to leave for 18 months.
In Dr Fuchs's absence, Ceza started working on his debut solo "Med Cezir". The album was released in 2002 and it grasped huge interest among the Turkish audience and the media. Ceza then did a Turkish tour and also performed live outside Turkey in countries such as Germany, Holland, Belgium, and Sweden.
In the summer of 2004, the second solo album "Rapstar" was released. The interest from media was tremendous - TV interviews, concerts, guest vocals with famous popstars like Candan Ercetin, Burcu Gunes and Mercan Dede followed.
And just like his album's namesake, Ceza became a rap star. He performed in major events like Rock Istanbul, RockN Coke and also solo concerts in numerous cities and venues. Also in Summer 2004, he took part in the documentary movie "Crossing the Bridge" by award winning director Fatih Akin.
With the movie's help, he also increased his reputation outside Turkey as well. Ceza was asked to do a featured vocal for the new Massive Töne album "Zürück In Die Zukunft" which he gladly accepted - Worauf Wartest Du was thus recorded.
This song was very well received; in response, Massive Töne did a self-made videoclip during their visit to Istanbul for the Istanbul Hiphop Festival 2. On April 29, Feyz Al, the first single of Ceza's upcoming 3rd solo album was released.
Around the same time he also appeared as a guest in the Gheddo CD Single by Eko Fresh. In the beginning of August, Ceza performed at Europe's biggest hiphop festival, "SPLASH" as the very first MC coming from Turkey to appear at the festival.
In August 22, 2006, came "Yerli Plaka", the third solo album by CEZA with special guest appearances from superstar Sezen Aksu (Turkey), Tech N9ne (USA), Samy Deluxe (Germany), Afrob (Germany) and more.
Massive touring inside and outside Turkey followed the album.Since then he's celebrated a fandom that's even crossed overseas into the United States, in an era where domestic hip-hop was fading into the gangster-rap genre and alternatives were sought wherever they could be found.
www.ceza.com.trUskudar, Istanbul, Turkey
