Ceza (31 December 1976, Üsküdar, Istanbul) is a Turkish rapper lyricist and stage artist. His real name is Bilgin Özçalkan. He has continued his career since the mid-1990s as one of the pioneering figures who brought Turkish rap music into the mainstream. His technical skill rapid and fluid vocal style and lyrical exploration of social issues have left an impact not only in music but also in the cultural sphere.
Bilgin Özçalkan was born in 1976 in the Üsküdar district of Istanbul. His family originally from Çankırı has lived in Istanbul for three generations. Özçalkan developed an interest in music from an early age and worked as a DJ on local radio stations where he was introduced to hip hop culture at a young age. He adopted the stage name Ceza inspired by audience chants of “cezamız geldi” during freestyle rap battles.
Ceza is a graduate of a technical vocational high school. After graduation he began working as an electrical technician but simultaneously accelerated his music production activities. He soon left his profession to focus entirely on his music career.
Ceza’s professional music career began in 1995 with the group Uslanmaz Çocuklar Senfonisi (U.C.S.) which he founded. After the group disbanded he co-founded the group Nefret with Dr. Fuchs in 1998. The group gained recognition with the albums Meclis-i Âlâ: Istanbul in 2000 and Key in 2001. In 2002 Ceza launched his solo career with the album Med-Cezir and quickly became one of Turkey’s most recognized rappers. He achieved major breakthrough success with the album Rapstar (2004). He has since continued his trajectory with albums such as Yerli Plaka (2006) Onuncu Köy (2010) Suspus (2015) and Yatay Zeka (2024).
Ceza is among the first artists to move hip hop music in Türkiye beyond the realm of an alternative genre and connect it with broad audiences. He has performed at major events such as RockIstanbul Rock’n Coke and Fanta Gençlik Festivali and collaborated with artists including Candan Erçetin Sezen Aksu Burcu Güneş Mercan Dede and Tech N9ne.
Ceza has received numerous awards throughout his career. In 2007 he became the first Turkish rapper to win the Best Turkish Artist award at the MTV Europe Music Awards. He has also won awards at prestigious ceremonies such as the Türkiye Fair Play Awards Altın Kelebek and Radyo Boğaziçi Music Awards.
Ceza is an artist who brings themes such as social inequality justice and individual struggle into his lyrics. His musical productions draw influences from both Eastern and Western music. Ceza has emphasized that “rap” is only one component of hip hop culture and has worked to ensure its proper understanding in Türkiye.
Ceza is also known for his appearances in documentaries and television series. He appeared in Fatih Akın’s 2005 documentary İstanbul Hatırası: Köprüyü Geçmek and as a guest in the 100th episode of the series Leyla ile Mecnun in 2013. He has contributed to Mercan Dede’s albums Su and 800 and has performed songs such as Gelsin Hayat Bildiği Gibi and Şinanay with Sezen Aksu.
Ceza has an interest in all aspects of hip hop culture. Beyond music production he has also engaged in DJing graffiti art and breakdancing.
Ceza lost his mother Servet Özçalkan in 2004 and his father Danyal Özçalkan in 2019. His sister Ayben also pursues a professional rap career. Proud of his family history Ceza stated in a 2009 interview that his family lost seven martyrs in the Battle of Gallipoli.
In the 2020s Ceza has continued his musical output without interruption. He remained in the spotlight in 2022 with the single “Bakabaka” and in 2024 with the album “Yatay Zeka.” He has participated in international projects such as Red Bull 64 Bars.
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Childhood and Education
Childhood and Youth
Educational Background
Career and Achievements
Career Progression
Notable Achievements
Awards
Contributions
Works and Projects
Albums
Singles and Notable Songs
Personal Life
Hobbies and Interests
Private Life
Recent Years