Israeli Hip-Hop Radio Show 'Black Business' Sparks Controversy and Legal Threats on Army Radio

The Israeli hip-hop radio program "Black Business," which aired on the military station Galgalatz, became a pivotal platform for Israeli hip-hop but also stirred significant controversy due to its provocative content. The show, launched in 1996 and hosted initially by Liron Tani and Eyal "Kwami" Friedman, combined local and international hip-hop music with sharp humor, listener interactions, and rapper interviews, some of whom gained early exposure through the program.

Kobi Oz, lead singer of Teapacks, described "Black Business" as a unique and creative radio show that broke conventional music program formats. Eldad Koblentz, who managed Galgalatz from 1995 to 2005, recalled how the show’s listener engagement grew from a few calls to hundreds, eventually overwhelming the station’s answering system. However, the program’s freewheeling style also led to public complaints about offensive language and content, including calls to take the show off the air and even demands to prosecute its hosts.

Archival clips reveal the show’s irreverent tone, with hosts making controversial statements and lyrics that sparked outrage among some listeners. Complaints described the broadcasts as "disgraceful," "defaming Galgalatz," and "unbelievably audacious." Despite these challenges, Koblentz supported the show’s slot on the station, recognizing its cultural impact and its role in shaping the Israeli hip-hop scene.

"Black Business" aired on Thursday nights at midnight until it ended in 2007, with Kwami later replaced by Guri Alfi. Over time, it became a cult favorite not only among hip-hop fans but also a broader audience. The second episode of the documentary series "Black Gold: The Story of Israeli Hip-Hop," which airs on Kan 11 and Kan Box, explores the rise of "Black Business" and the controversies it ignited within the military radio station and Israeli society.