LX (real name: Alexander H.) and Maxwell (real name: Max Kwabena) are German rappers from Hamburg, best known as members of the influential hip-hop collective 187 Strassenbande. As a duo, they gained prominence in the mid-2010s with their gritty street rap, distinct voices, and raw depictions of urban life.
Background and Early Career
Both artists grew up in Hamburg, where they were exposed to the street culture that heavily influences their music. The 187 Strassenbande—founded in the late 2000s—became a dominant force in German rap, known for its hard-hitting beats, unfiltered lyrics, and strong group identity.
LX joined the crew in 2013, while Maxwell was already active in the early stages. They quickly gained attention through solo tracks, collaborative appearances on group projects, and live performances. Their lyrics focus on themes such as crime, loyalty, life on the streets, and pride in their neighborhood, all delivered in a rough, unapologetic style.
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Breakthrough with Obststand (2015)
In 2015, LX and Maxwell released their first joint album titled “Obststand” (“Fruit Stand”), which marked their breakthrough as a duo.
• The album debuted at #5 on the German album charts.
• The title is a coded reference to street-level drug dealing, a recurring theme in their music.
• The project featured trap-heavy production, aggressive flows, and signature 187 crew energy.
Obststand was praised by fans for its authenticity and street credibility, and it played a major role in establishing the duo as household names within the German rap scene.
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Continued Success and 187 Strassenbande Projects
Following the success of Obststand, both artists remained integral parts of 187 Strassenbande’s rise to mainstream success. They contributed to major crew releases such as:
• Sampler 4 (2017) – reached #1 in Germany
• Sampler 5 (2021) – also reached #1
Both LX and Maxwell have appeared on numerous features, solo tracks, and tours, further solidifying their presence in German-speaking rap. They are known for their chemistry as a duo, balancing each other’s styles and maintaining a consistent image rooted in street authenticity.
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Style and Influence
LX & Maxwell are associated with the gangsta rap and street rap genres, known for:
• Hard-hitting trap beats
• Autobiographical lyrics about criminal life, survival, and loyalty
• Strong Hamburg dialect and slang usage
• High-energy performances and music videos
Their work has influenced younger generations of German rappers and helped shape the image of modern urban rap in Germany. Read more on Last.fm. User-contributed text is available under the Creative Commons By-SA License; additional terms may apply.
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