Artists of the Month: Hightauer & Yung Figaro

Artists of the Month: Hightauer & Yung Figaro

🧠 Artists of the Month: Hightauer & Yung Figaro

“NR. 1 HATER” brings together two uncompromising voices from Vienna’s underground. Hightauer (@hightauer) and Yung Figaro (@yung.figaro) deliver raw presence and sharp individuality over a full sonic vision crafted by brainwaveproductions®

Visual concept, video production, and cover artwork by HECKERMANN (@heckermann.visual).

Hightauer and Yung Figaro Studio Shot

Built from the studio outward, “NR. 1 HATER” is not trend-chasing. It has been created to exist.

Hightauer cuts through with a striking voice and eccentric flow patterns. Yung Figaro counters with fearless directness and humor that disarms and hits at the same time.

The chemistry is structured but raw. The beat set the atmosphere. The concept was deliberate. The execution was precise.

From production to final master, the sound identity remains cohesive — unapologetic and unmistakably underground.

Studio Performance Shot

💬 The Interview

For those who don’t know you yet – who are you in three sentences?

Hightauer: A Euro-African — or Afro-European — who has been traveling through Vienna for several years, embodying the sound of the eccentrics who live in the city's underground bomb shelters.

Yung Figaro: I say everything honestly. I’m always direct. And I place a lot of value on humor and good energy.

Hightauer – What separates you from other underground rappers coming out of Vienna?

My striking voice and my weird flow.

Yung Figaro – You were one of the first artists to collaborate with brainwaveproductions®. How did that connection start?

It actually started pretty organically — a homie of his was my brother’s neighbor. One of those small-world connections.

Was there a specific moment when you realized you wanted to take music seriously?

Hightauer: Yes — when I first came out in public and people wanted more from me.

Yung Figaro: It’s my destiny.

Hightauer – Your lyrics feel intentional and calculated. How important are bars and technique?

I want the whole package. All criteria are important to me. I also don’t know why people highlight my lyrics so much — I probably hit a few nerves.

Yung Figaro – What inspires your writing?

Sometimes this, sometimes that.

Hightauer – How was your experience working with brainwaveproductions®?

We got along well from the start. The chemistry was right immediately, and it felt natural to bring ideas into the studio together.

Hightauer – What makes a beat “perfect” in your opinion?

When the beat speaks to my unconscious — it hits in a way that goes beyond conscious thought and just feels right.

Hightauer – What can listeners expect next – EP, album, or international collaborations?

I’ll partly leave the “boom bap world” behind and try something different. Evolution is key, and I want to explore new directions.

Hightauer – Your sound carries strong Boom-Bap influences. Why did you choose this lane instead of following modern mainstream trends?

Well, for example, J. Cole also does boom bap and he’s mainstream. We make modern boom bap. I haven’t been in the game long yet. We’ll see what happens next. I don’t want to be pigeonholed.

Hightauer – There’s a lot of hunger and pressure in your music. What are you really fighting for?

I want to get out what’s inside of me. The energy, the experiences, the feelings — all of it needs to be expressed.

Hightauer – What does your creative process look like? Do you write first or build around the beat?

Most of the time the beat dictates what I feel and think. It’s like a conversation — I respond to the vibe rather than forcing it.

Hightauer – Which artists – national or international – shaped your mindset and sound?

Nationally or in German-speaking countries: OG Keemo, Kwam E, and Morlock Dilemma. Internationally: Mobb Deep, Eminem, and Conway the Machine.

Hightauer – What’s your honest opinion about the current German rap scene?

Many have no voice.

Hightauer – If you had to give one piece of advice to upcoming artists, what would it be?

Away from Spotify. They don’t even pay the minimum wage. Press records, CDs, and tapes — physical formats still matter.

Hightauer – Was there ever a moment when you almost quit music?

Not really.

How did “NR. 1 HATER” come to life?

Hightauer: Brainwave made the beat and Yung Figaro had the idea.

Yung Figaro: Planned.

Yung Figaro – How would you describe your sound and artistic identity?

My sound is always individual but somehow familiar. My identity is about not giving a damn what others say, to create completely unique art.

What makes a beat instantly catch your attention?

Hightauer: When the beat appeals to my unconscious.

Yung Figaro: The Powidl filling.

Yung Figaro – Your energy on tracks feels aggressive but controlled. Is that intentional?

Pferdeleberkäs.

Yung Figaro – How important is authenticity in today’s rap game?

It’s very important to me personally, though I notice that most of the scene doesn’t care. They sell out and just copy everything.

Yung Figaro – What separates you from other artists in the underground scene?

The size of my forehead.

Yung Figaro – What was your first impression working with brainwaveproductions®?

A very talented producer with an extremely good ear. I’m sure the whole scene will hear him soon.

Yung Figaro – How would you describe the creative process inside the studio with brainwaveproductions®?

Efficient.

Yung Figaro – Your verse on “NR. 1 HATER” feels confident and unapologetic. What mindset were you in while writing it?

That you shouldn’t dilute orange juice with water because it tastes terrible.

Yung Figaro – What message do you want listeners to take away from “NR. 1 HATER”?

That we all hate.

Yung Figaro – How do you handle criticism or people who don’t understand your style?

With a 9mm.

Where do you see yourselves in five years?

Hightauer: A tour through Germany, Austria and Switzerland.

Yung Figaro: In the studio with full pockets.

What does success truly mean to you?

Hightauer: If money, respect, legacy, and freedom are all fulfilled.

Yung Figaro: Regular gigs and one day being able to live from it.

Yung Figaro – What can fans expect from you next?

Simply a lot of good music.

Hightauer – What’s something most people don’t know about you?

I was in the breakdance scene for ten years.

NR. 1 HATER Visual Shot

🎧 Stream “NR. 1 HATER”

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