Worlds away from hip-hop epicenters such as Atlanta, Los Angeles, and New York, CuBeatz quietly shape the genre’s future from the tiny village of Sindelfingen in southern Germany. The duo of twin brothers Kevin and Tim Gomringer translate isolaton into inimitable soundscapes on instantly recognizable anthems by everyone from Drake and Travis Scott to Migos, Kodak Black, Nicki Minaj, and the late Mac Miller.

The group’s dark, diverse, and dynamic approach resounds far beyond their forested home.

“It’s a forest village,” says Kevin. “We reflect what we see and what we love, and it’s not bright and sunny California life. It’s rainy German days. That’s where we get the lonely vibes. We see things differently. There’s a lot of fantasy in our minds. We’re realizing what’s going around us and in our heads. Maybe, that’s the magic.”

Music always offered a window into the outside world. Mom and dad had a classic radio and CD player with a huge collection, including classics by U2, Michael Jackson, Smokey Robinson, Mike Oldfield, and Björk. When YouTube launched, it opened up the brothers’ palette further. They started crafting music of their own on programs such as Cubase (hence their name). In 2008, they landed a placement for German rapper Vega and spent the next six years tirelessly cooking up beats.

Pushing each other to progress, the pair relied on a mutual trust and commitment to honesty.

“We always have a 100% true opinion,” Kevin goes on. “Whereas an A&R or artist might tell us, ‘Yo that’s fire’. If we show ideas to each other, there’s no filter. We give each other the truth.”

In 2015, they earned an international smash with Meek Mill’s double-platinum “R.I.C.O.” [feat. Drake]. A friend sent the initial melody to Vinylz, and it became the backbone for their breakthrough as Vinylz delivered the beat. In its wake, a series of smashes followed. CuBeatz built a formidable discography, including ScHoolboy Q’s double-platinum GRAMMY® Award nominated “That Part” [feat. Kanye West], French Montana’s double-platinum “No Shopping” [feat. Drake], Travis Scott’s quintuple-platinum “Goosebumps” [feat. Kendrick Lamar], Kodak Black’s platinum “Tunnel Vision,” Drake’s double-platinum “Portland” [feat. Travis Scott], Migos’ triple-platinum “MotorSport” [feat. Nicki Minaj & Cardi B], and Travis Scott’s recordbreaking quintuple-platinum GRAMMY® Award-nominated Billboard Hot 100 #1 “SICKO MODE.”

Ultimately, CuBeatz make a very big impact from a small town.