01099, CRO, Paul, Gustav: The New Wave of German Pop & Rap

The collective 01099, featuring CRO, Paul, and Gustav, represents a fresh and successful force in the German music scene. Hailing from Berlin and Leipzig, the group achieved a major commercial breakthrough with their collaborative album "01099" in 2023, which debuted at number one on the German album charts.

Early career

The story begins with the established solo careers of its members. CRO, born Carlo Waibel in 1990, pioneered German "Raop" (rap-pop) under his panda mask, achieving platinum success with albums like "Raop" (2012) and "Melodie" (2015) on his label Chimperator Productions. Meanwhile, the Leipzig-based duo 01099, consisting of Paul (Paul Zimmermann) and Gustav (Gustav Kluge), built a dedicated following with their melancholic, melodic brand of German-language pop and rap, releasing early EPs like "Fieber" (2020) and "Rote Flaggen" (2021).

Breakthrough

The pivotal moment arrived in 2023 when the three artists joined forces. Their collaborative self-titled album "01099" was released in October 2023 via Chimperator and Vertigo Berlin, a Capitol Records imprint. The album immediately captured the nation's attention, entering the German charts at the top position, a testament to their combined appeal and the project's resonant sound.

Key tracks

Sie weiß — This lead single from the collaborative album became a massive hit, achieving gold certification in Germany and perfectly showcasing the seamless blend of CRO's catchy hooks with 01099's atmospheric production.

Weiße Flaggen — Another standout track from the joint album, it exemplifies the collective's signature style of introspective lyrics set against accessible, radio-friendly pop-rap instrumentals.

So weit wie noch nie — A key single from 01099's earlier work, this 2021 track established the duo's potential for crafting emotionally potent anthems that connected with a young audience.

Easy — This track from CRO's 2015 album "Melodie" is a quintessential example of his signature "Raop" sound, blending laid-back rapping with smooth pop melodies that paved the way for later collaborations.

Unendlichkeit — Featured on the collaborative album, this song highlights the project's depth, with its reflective themes and polished production underscoring the maturity of the partnership.

The success of the joint album was followed by extensive touring, including sold-out arena shows, solidifying their status as a major live act. Each member continues to work on solo material, but the 01099 collective project remains a defining and chart-topping chapter in their careers, demonstrating the power of collaboration within the modern German music industry.

Fans of 01099, CRO, Paul, and Gustav's blend of melodic rap and pop might also enjoy the work of similar German artists. Apache 207 shares a knack for crafting slick, emotionally-driven rap-pop hits. badmómzjay offers a similarly melodic and confessional approach to German-language rap. Bausa is another influential figure known for his catchy hooks and genre-blending style. Luciano represents the melodic and atmospheric side of German trap music, which often intersects with this collective's sound.

The music of 01099, CRO, Paul, and Gustav has become a staple on contemporary German radio formats, from major pop FM stations to online streams focusing on the latest domestic hits. Their chart-topping collaboration ensures regular rotation, bringing their distinctive Berlin-Leipzig sound to a massive national audience.

You can hear the hits from 01099, CRO, Paul, and Gustav on various radio stations featured here on onairium.com. Tune in to discover their music and explore the stations that play the leading edge of German pop and rap.