ZWARTEWATER is a hip-hop trio from Zwolle, consisting of producer Milan and MCs Goudi and Frodeau. Raised on a diet of 90s NYC underground rap and local Zwolle legends Opgezwolle - whose MC Rico personally mentored them through youth initiative De Fakkelteit - their sound is hard, grey and ominous, with lyrics that are raw and unfiltered. Since 2023 they have released four EPs and caught the attention of VPRO 3voor12, who welcomed them as a fresh voice in the Dutch hip-hop scene.
ZWARTEWATER released their fourth EP LANCASTER on March 3, 2025, named after a bomber from World War II, with themes such as global wars and mental struggles.
ZWARTEWATER performed on May 9, 2025 at Hiphop Symphony in Hedon (Zwolle), where they rearranged their tracks in a new style together with the 100-member Vuurvogel Youth Orchestra.
VPRO 3voor12 published an extensive profile of ZWARTEWATER in July 2024 and described them as an alternative trio entering the Dutch hip-hop scene.
ZWARTEWATER performed at hip-hop festival Het Moment in the summer of 2024 and participated in the national Popronde that autumn.
In December 2023, ZWARTEWATER released their second EP of that year, titled Z2 - a reference to both their second release and the abbreviation ZW for Zwolle.
Zwolle's ZWARTEWATER brings raw, hard-hitting hip-hop to Simplon, with sharp lyrics tackling global politics and personal struggles.
The Zwolle hip-hop trio ZWARTEWATER delivers raw, dark rap with sharp lyrics and cryptic bars. An intense evening with producer Milan and MCs Goudi and Frodeau.