Gzuz

Rooted in Hamburg’s rap scene, Gzuz has established himself within the collective 187 Strassenbande, a leading force in German-language gangsta rap. Born in 1988 in the Hanseatic city as Kristoffer Jonas Klauß, he came to prominence in the late 2000s alongside Bonez MC and other 187 members, delivering freestyles, street videos and tours across German venues. The joint project “High & Hungrig” with Bonez MC (2014), followed by “High & Hungrig 2” (2015), was a key milestone before Gzuz asserted himself as a solo artist with “Ebbe & Flut” (2015), then “Wolke 7” (2018) and “Gzuz” (2020). His style relies on a direct, often chanted rap delivery, supported by dark productions influenced by trap and street rap, with lyrics focused on neighborhood life, conflicts, illegality and nights out. Periods in prison have punctuated his trajectory at times, but have not halted the collective momentum of 187 Strassenbande, which continues to feature him on compilations and tours. Balancing group activity and a solo career, Gzuz remains closely tied to 187’s visual and sonic aesthetic: street-shot videos, gritty imagery and a direct rapport with audiences in Germany’s major cities.