Reyhan Şahin, known as Lady Bitch Ray, has discussed her transition from provocative rap to academia in a podcast. The 45-year-old now teaches as a guest professor at the Berlin University of the Arts. She spoke about depression and hostility following her rise in the mid-2000s.
About twenty years ago Şahin became known for explicit tracks such as Hengzt, Arzt, Orgi. She lost her position at Radio Bremen and withdrew from public life in 2008 after attacks on her parents’ home. Inpatient treatment for depression followed.
On the podcast G Spot with Stefanie Giesinger, Şahin explained how she used her doctorate as a means of stabilization. “I completed my doctorate out of necessity,” she said. Today she researches gender, Islam and pop culture and publishes books.
Looking back, Şahin sees her path as unexpected yet positive. She teaches students and notes that her life did not follow her original dream of becoming a musician.
