For over 30 years, the HipHop Mobil has been a vital institution in Berlin, dedicated to youth empowerment through the power of HipHop. Originally launched as a mobile recording studio, the project later shifted focus toward school and community-based workshops. These workshops introduce young people to the elements of HipHop: Breakdance, Beatboxing, Graffiti, DJing, Rap, and more recently, Beat Production.
Like many initiatives, the HipHop Mobil was affected by recent funding cuts. But project leaders Issa Franke and Kays Elbeyli are excited that the work continues—now under a new name: Berlin Beat Lab. “Budget cuts have always been part of the game. It’s a constant up and down—we just have to stay creative,” says Kays.
Now operating under WeTeK Berlin gGmbH and supported by the Berlin Senate Department for Education, Youth, and Family, Berlin Beat Lab is injecting new energy into the mission: running innovative music workshops for kids and teens. In addition to school-based programs, they now offer more free workshops in Beatboxing, Music Production, and Recording at the Weinmeisterhaus Youth Cultural Center, along with special events at youth centers across the city.
HipHop as a Tool for Education and Integration
At the heart of the Berlin Beat Lab is the HipHop Carousel – a rotating workshop format where students explore each element of HipHop in hands-on sessions. The goal: to offer young people a deep dive into the diverse creative universe of HipHop.
From storytelling through rap and experimenting with breakdance basics to scratching, mixing, and beatboxing – participants are encouraged to express themselves using just their voices, their bodies, and their ideas. HipHop transcends language barriers and creates space for non-verbal expression, particularly for youth with refugee backgrounds, offering them both creative freedom and a sense of community.
Project Highlights
1st Place at the Festival of Democracy as part of the U16 EU election youth competition:
In collaboration with the District Office of Treptow-Köpenick, two school classes wrote and recorded original songs and produced music videos.
Climate Action Day at a Berlin elementary school:
In just 4 hours, students at the Grundschule am Stadtpark Steglitz learned to perform a full rap, choreographed dance routine, and a beatbox sequence—presented that same day in front of an audience of 100+ classmates and teachers.
Our Vision – HipHop as Motivation and a Pathway Forward
HipHop is more than music. It’s a culture that empowers youth, sparks creativity, and strengthens social bonds. “For young people who don’t know where they’re headed in life, HipHop can be a guide,” says project lead Kays.
HipHop gives young people an outlet.
Through rap, they voice their emotions. Through breaking and beatboxing, they find new ways to express themselves. Small wins build confidence—and keep them going.
“It never matters where you come from—it’s about the community. HipHop has always been about just doing it.”
Berlin Beat Lab’s Mission is Clear
To create a new generation of engaged, creative youth in community centers.
To spark interest in HipHop and music.
To give young people a voice, a platform, and a perspective.
And to support them on their journey with workshops and live experiences that matter.
When I first heard about the ‘HipHop Ball’ I was genuinely surprised that something like this actually exists. And as so often with brilliant ideas, you almost feel frustrated that you didn’t come up with it yourself. The Viennese waltz culture of the 18th century is considered, in musicological literature, the first true form of popular music. A crossover with today’s globally dominant hiphop culture and its multi-billion-dollar industry is an exciting and highly promising fusion of two cultural worlds that have more in common than one might expect at first glance.
Issa Franke (Projektlead, Berlin Beat Lab)
Recommended literature:
Issa Franke Hip-Hop – Die vergessene Generation Westberlins
Looking ahead to November 15, 2025
In collaboration with the HipHop Ball, Berlin Beat Lab will play a role in an unforgettable evening at Berlin’s historic Rotes Rathaus – a night filled with culture, creativity, and connection. We’re excited for what’s to come.
Relevant links:
