About
The hip hop artist AMC, real name Timothy Mbugua Philip Kunz, was born on 22 October 1996 in Zurich. He spent his childhood and teenage years in his family home in Zurich-Höngg. His life journey took him through districts 10 and 7 of Zurich, to Wettingen, and eventually to Kenya. On 8 June 2024, he passed away in Zurich at the age of 27.
To Timothy, “AMC” stood for A Master of Ceremony — not “the” MC, but simply “a” MC, reflecting his humility. In later stages of emotional struggle, when he placed all his hope in God, AMC came to mean “Alle Macht Christus” or “All Might belongs Jesus Christ.”
Hip Hop
Around the age of 13, Timothy aka AMC (also known as Mboogy, from his middle name Mbugua), began writing songs continuously, often alongside his brother Jeffrey (aka Jprince), and over beats by Jope (aka Da Loungist). At the same time, he started producing his own tracks and burning his first CDs, including the album Anthrazit.
Over time, AMC increasingly recognised rap and MCing as his calling. In the streets of Zurich, he sought out kindred spirits and worthy opponents. With Jonny and Baqabond, he found not just collaborators but a special bond that brought him into new corners of the hip hop scene and further fuelled his drive to prove himself.
AMC began working with a variety of producers and beatmakers, including Sandro Purple Green, Jazz Quartez, Simon Sez, and Chang Kee Jazz. He performed on tracks and on stage with artists such as Nemesyzz, Ayosha Light, Ra Pius, Jamal, Nongoma – and especially Jonny. His creative energy grew unstoppable. He made his mark in freestyle cyphers, studio sessions, and live shows alike – quickly winning over the artists in his new circle, who were eager to collaborate with him.
From Jonny’s initiative and this creative environment, the HIP HOP ZOO was born – a space in which AMC found himself, and one that he helped shape from the beginning. He proudly carried the name forward, built its reputation, and played a key role in developing the brand. He became the backbone of the newly formed collective Zoo Zens and seized every chance to represent his crew.
The own music gains importance: AMC with brother Jeffrey aka Jprince.
Costa Paradiso, Sardinia, October 2012.
From 2018, AMC begins leaving a lasting impression at open mics.
Kon-Tiki Bar, Zurich, Open Mic with Style Bakery and Quiddity, March 2018.
AMC during a recording session at SEGJANUME Studio.
Zurich, SEGJANUME Studio, June 2021.
Performances
AMC stood out with his lyrical talent and magnetic presence. He took every opportunity to prove himself and leave those around him in awe. What began as spontaneous freestyle sessions among friends soon turned into public performances that made him a crowd favourite. He performed at events such as Style Bakery on stages at Kon-Tiki and Helsinki, on GDS.Fm, at Moods, and in the Rössli Bar in Bern.
His performances at HIP HOP ZOO events were particularly powerful – shaped by his energy and passion. These included shows at the Gotthard Bar (Sunntig ZHypher), at Dosendealer (Zoo Zyphers), and at Amboss Rampe (during Eric Bobo’s concert from Cypress Hill), among many others. With Zoo Zens, the first concerts followed at Kon-Tiki, Planet 5, Werk 21 (Dynamo), the Panda Bar in Basel, Baqabond’s house parties, and with Da Loungist supporting as DJ.
In performances – especially in freestyle and battle rap – AMC was unstoppable. He impressed at the Royal Arena Rap Battle and Ultimate MC Battle, at the Paraiba Bar, at open-mic events such as Rapanoia Open Mic in Lucerne or The Talk in Bern, as well as at his own Crushed Ice album release party at ZWZ.
With every performance, AMC pushed both himself and the culture of hip hop further. His work set new standards for Swiss German rap.
On stage, AMC electrifies with his freestyle and battle skills.
Moods Zurich, Style Bakery Hip Hop Freestyle Show, May 2022.
Values
AMC’s work is marked by a powerful sense of authenticity. His songs speak of willpower and strength, but also of vulnerability, inner battles, and pain. From the age of 18 onward, creative and joyful phases alternated with times of fear and despair. More than once, AMC managed to lift himself out of deep emotional lows — giving rise to some of the most honest and moving songs he left behind.
Through every high and despite all the lows, AMC remained true to his ideals: to stand for social justice, even with his last penny; to help those going through tough times, even when he was struggling himself; and to give his boundless love generously — to his family, to the people around him, and to the world.
The Style Bakery crew at Moods (front from left: PYRO, GIGI, Kenny Niggli, AMC, DANA und Kat; back from left: Cachita, Jonny Ive, Flo Reichle, Toni Schiavano und SUDEWA).
Moods Zurich, March 2024.
Farewell celebration in memory of AMC.
Zurich, SEGJANUME Studio, 22 June 2024.
Legacy
This website honours AMC’s life and work. It will continue to grow with new content and songs from his rich archive, much of which has not yet been released. It is also meant to inspire young people whose talents lie outside the usual paths — in hip hop, in rap, or in any other form of expression. Our goal is to support and empower such talents.
Jeffrey, Anne & Bernhard Kunz
