The Turkish music landscape is undergoing a fascinating period of cross-generational convergence. On one hand, there is a deep, appreciative backward glance toward the golden eras of the past—specifically the melody-rich 1990s and the groove-laden 1970s. On the other hand, contemporary artists are rapidly absorbing global internet culture, blending traditional Turkish sensibilities with cutting-edge international genres like Brazilian funk and modern R&B. This dynamic interplay between heritage and innovation is perfectly captured in three major musical developments: the long-awaited vinyl release of Çelik’s legendary 1995 album Benimle Kal, the release of a highly contemporary, slang-infused collaboration titled "Rizzledim" by Öykü and Tyrek, and a retro-inspired pop-funk single from Yakup Güner titled "Allah Aşkına." Together, these releases highlight the diverse, evolving, and deeply nostalgic nature of Turkey’s modern music industry.
Years Later, Çelik’s ‘Benimle Kal’ Comes to Life on Vinyl
For many music lovers, the 1990s represent the absolute pinnacle of Turkish pop music. It was a decade characterized by explosive creativity, soaring vocal performances, and songwriting that left an indelible mark on the country’s cultural consciousness. Standing at the forefront of this musical revolution was Çelik, an artist whose solo career defined the era. Originally released in 1995, Çelik’s sophomore solo album, Benimle Kal (Stay with Me), cemented his status as a powerhouse of Turkish pop. Now, decades after its initial release, this unforgettable masterpiece is being revived for a new era, finding a second life on the warm, analog medium of vinyl.
The reissue of Benimle Kal on vinyl, which officially launched on October 7, represents more than just a nostalgic trip down memory lane; it is a celebration of physical music culture. In an age dominated by digital streaming, algorithmic playlists, and compressed audio files, the resurgence of vinyl has allowed listeners to reclaim a tactile, intentional relationship with music. For both dedicated Çelik fans who lived through the 1990s and younger vinyl collectors eager to explore the roots of Turkish pop, this special LP edition offers an authentic, high-fidelity listening experience that highlights the warmth and depth of the original studio recordings.
Benimle Kal is widely regarded as a flawless representation of 90s pop, balancing high-energy dance tracks with deeply emotional, acoustic-driven ballads. The album features a total of ten tracks, each of which has achieved a permanent place in the collective memory of Turkish music lovers. The tracklist includes:
- "Nazına Ölüyorum"
- "Benimle Kal"
- "Sevemem"
- "Hercai"
- "Sevdalı Çiçek"
- "Kanım Kaynadı"
- "Afedersin"
- "Yapmazsın"
- "Dilberim"
- "Atam"
Among these tracks, songs like "Hercai" and the title track "Benimle Kal" remain timeless anthems that continue to be covered, broadcast, and streamed across the country. The album also features "Atam," a poignant tribute that showcases Çelik’s versatility and depth as a songwriter.
Some albums do not merely document the period in which they were created; instead, they transcend their temporal boundaries, continuing to be heard, remembered, and rediscovered by successive generations. Benimle Kal is undoubtedly one of those rare albums. By presenting these ten classic tracks on vinyl, the reissue provides a physical bridge between the past and the present, ensuring that Çelik’s landmark contribution to Turkish music culture will continue to spin on turntables for years to come.
Öykü, Tyrek — Rizzledim
While Çelik’s vinyl reissue honors the foundations of Turkish pop, rising artist Öykü and producer-songwriter Tyrek are pushing the boundaries of the contemporary music scene by looking outward to global youth culture. Their collaborative new single, "Rizzledim," represents an ambitious effort to merge international internet slang with localized musical styles, creating a confident, character-driven track that is poised to make a major impact.
The title of the single, "Rizzledim," derives from the word "rizz," a prominent slang term born within global internet culture and heavily popularized by Gen Z on social media platforms. "Rizz"—which was famously named the Word of the Year by lexicographers—describes an individual’s ability to charm, attract, or seduce someone through sheer style, confidence, and personality. While the term has become a staple of global online vocabulary, it had not yet been widely integrated into mainstream Turkish music or daily language. With "Rizzledim," Öykü effectively "Turkishifies" the concept, transforming the English slang into a playful, self-assured, and slightly mischievous Turkish verb and musical slogan.
Sonically, "Rizzledim" is built upon a highly energetic and internationally minded production. The musical backbone of the track is heavily influenced by Brazilian funk (also known as funk carioca), a genre famous for its aggressive, syncopated drum patterns, heavy basslines, and dense percussion. By incorporating these heavy, metallic percussive elements and a driving bass structure, the track establishes an infectious, danceable groove from the very first beat.
To complement this intense rhythmic foundation, the vocal arrangements on "Rizzledim" draw inspiration from modern pop and R&B. Öykü’s vocal delivery is confident and playful, infusing the track with an international flavor while keeping the lyrical hook incredibly catchy and accessible.
The single is released under a shared artist credit between Öykü and Tyrek, highlighting the deeply collaborative nature of the project. The words and music for "Rizzledim" were penned by Çağatay Karadirek, who performs under the moniker Tyrek, and he also took charge of the track’s modern, hard-hitting production. Adding further depth and texture to the track are backing vocalists İpek Önder and Arda Görgün, whose contributions help elevate the song’s memorable chorus and dynamic energy.
Yakup Güner Brings the 1970s Funk Spirit to the Present with "Allah Aşkına"
In another exciting development for fans of retro sounds, musician Yakup Güner has released a vibrant new single titled "Allah Aşkına" (For Goodness’ Sake). While Öykü and Tyrek look to modern Brazil and internet culture for inspiration, Güner looks back to the golden era of the 1970s, transporting his listeners to a time defined by infectious grooves, horn sections, and dance-floor energy.
"Allah Aşkına" is a pop-funk track that pays direct homage to the music culture of the 1970s, an era when funk, soul, and disco were revolutionizing the global music landscape and deeply influencing Turkish musicians. Rather than simply copying the sounds of the past, however, Güner successfully blends these vintage characteristics with a sophisticated, modern production sensibility. The result is a track that feels both nostalgic and fresh, offering a timeless appeal that can resonate with multiple generations of listeners.
At the heart of "Allah Aşkına" is a groove-oriented, dynamic instrumental foundation. The song stands out for its strong rhythmic structure, driven by deep, expressive basslines and rhythmic electric guitars that capture the free-spirited, dance-focused essence of 70s funk. The lyrics of the song were written entirely by Yakup Güner, while the musical composition was a collaborative effort between Güner and Murat Emre. Güner also took on the role of arranger for the project, ensuring that his specific vision for this retro-modern fusion was perfectly executed in the studio.
The live instrumentation on the track plays a crucial role in establishing its authentic vintage feel. The prominent, grooving bass guitar lines were performed by Kubilay Sanat, while the sharp, rhythmic elektro guitar work was contributed by Ediz Erinç. To bring the entire project together, the essential mixing and mastering stages were handled by Özer Yener, who managed to balance the warmth of 1970s analog aesthetics with the clarity and punch required for modern digital playback systems.
With "Allah Aşkına," Yakup Güner does not merely reference the musical styles of the 1970s; he successfully revives the era’s sense of freedom, movement, and joy. By integrating these classic funk elements into his own unique musical identity, Güner offers contemporary audiences a refreshing alternative to standard modern pop, proving once again that great groove is truly timeless.
