Bonez MC

Biography

John Lorenz Moser (born 23 December 1985), professionally known as Bonez MC, is a German rapper, singer, songwriter, and record producer. He is one of the leading figures in German hip hop and a prominent member of the 187 Strassenbande collective.

Early life

Bonez MC was born in Hamburg, West Germany. Not much is publicly known about his early childhood or family background, but his lyrics often reference life in Hamburg and his experiences growing up in the urban environment. He adopted the name Bonez MC as part of his musical identity and began actively performing in the mid-2000s.

2006–2011: Formation and underground success

Bonez MC began his music career in the Hamburg underground rap scene, gaining recognition for his gritty lyricism and collaborations with other up-and-coming German rappers. He co-founded the rap collective 187 Strassenbande in the late 2000s, which quickly garnered attention for its raw sound and street credibility.

2012–2014: Krampfhaft kriminell and early collaborations

In 2012, Bonez MC released his debut solo album, Krampfhaft kriminell×Krampfhaft kriminell16 November 2012 · Studio albumSpotify (search)YouTube Music (search)Tracklist · 19 tracks1Intro1:212Mein Leben2:463Zahlen an der Wand3:414Geile Zeit2:515Willkommen in der Realität2:546Die Geister, die ich rief3:237Zeitdruck2:5181Fach1Genie3:219Supersoakerdriveby3:3910Krasse Menschen3:2811Interlude1:1112Meine Olle2:5813Komm ran3:2414Bonez ist im Haus2:3315Heftiges Teil3:1216Schnauze3:3817Glüxxxtag3:4418Schicht im Schacht2:5419Mir egal (Überfall)3:27, via his independent label Toprott Muzik. The album showcased his distinct voice, street-focused themes, and introduced him to a wider audience.
The following year, he collaborated with rapper Kontra K on a joint EP, and in 2014, he released the collaborative album High und Hungrig with 187 member Gzuz. The album’s underground success further solidified their reputation.

2015–2017: Breakthrough with High & Hungrig 2 and Palmen aus Plastik

In 2015, Bonez MC and Gzuz released High & Hungrig 2, which debuted at number 9 on the German Albums Chart. It marked the first major commercial breakthrough for 187 Strassenbande.
In 2016, Bonez MC collaborated with Austrian rapper and producer RAF Camora to release Palmen aus Plastik. The album was a massive commercial success in German-speaking Europe, topping charts and achieving platinum status. The singles "Palmen aus Plastik", "Ohne mein Team", and "Mörder" became anthems of the genre.

2018–2020: Continued success and Hollywood

Bonez MC continued his collaboration with RAF Camora on Palmen aus Plastik 2 in 2018, which also achieved critical and commercial acclaim. In 2020, he released his solo album Hollywood×Hollywood10 September 2020 · Studio albumSpotifyYouTube Music (search)Tracklist · 13 tracks1Handschuhfach2:522Wild Wild West2:313Roadrunner2:294Gierig2:425Panik2:316Tilidin Weg3:017Big Body Benz3:308Ihr Hobby3:059Fuckst mich nur ab3:0310Grabstein2:3211Aww Johnny0:5312187 Gang5:2213Papa ist in Hollywood2:32, which peaked at number one in Germany.
He later released an extended version, Hollywood Uncut, featuring additional tracks and guest appearances.

2021–present: Gameboy and recent work

Bonez MC remained active with 187 Strassenbande, regularly releasing collaborative tracks and mixtapes. In 2024, he released the album Gameboy×Gameboy30 October 2024 · Studio albumSpotifyYouTube Music (search)Tracklist · 13 tracks1Über Leichen1:49230 Kugeln2:193Ba$$tard2:284Früher sterben2:395Locker2:266Outzide2:417Für Mary <32:148Hab Bock2:109Lieblingssong2:1210Bad2:4511Du Trottel !2:0612Wenn du mich kennst2:3613Augen offen2:43, a project that combined nostalgic 2000s aesthetics with modern trap and dancehall influences.
He has also experimented with visual media and streetwear branding, further elevating his cultural influence in Germany.

Artistry

Bonez MC is known for his gravelly voice, energetic delivery, and versatile use of trap, dancehall, and hip hop beats. His lyrics often revolve around street life, loyalty, partying, and brotherhood. His collaborations with RAF Camora introduced Caribbean and reggaeton influences into German hip hop.

187 Strassenbande

Bonez MC is a founding and core member of 187 Strassenbande, a Hamburg-based hip hop crew that includes rappers Gzuz, Maxwell, LX, Sa4, producer Jambeatz, and graffiti artist Frost. The group is known for its strong DIY ethic, releasing music independently and cultivating a strong fanbase through online presence and street-level marketing.
Former members include AchtVier, Mosh36, and Hasuna.

Public image and influence

Bonez MC is widely regarded as one of the most influential figures in German hip hop. Known for his authentic persona and close connection to fans, he has also faced criticism over controversial lyrics and public behavior. Nonetheless, his impact on modern German rap, particularly in bringing trap and dancehall sounds into the mainstream, is significant.

Studio albums

Krampfhaft kriminell (2012)
Hollywood (2020)
Hollywood Uncut (2020)
Gameboy (2024)

Collaborative albums

High und Hungrig (with Gzuz, 2014)
High & Hungrig 2 (with Gzuz, 2016)
Palmen aus Plastik (with RAF Camora, 2016)
Palmen aus Plastik 2 (with RAF Camora, 2018)
Palmen aus Plastik 3 (with RAF Camora, 2021)

Hiphop.de Awards

2016: Best National Group (with RAF Camora)
2016: Best National Release (Palmen aus Plastik with RAF Camora)
2016: Best National Video (Palmen aus Gold with RAF Camora)
2018: Best National Group (with RAF Camora)

1Live Krone

2016: Best Hip-Hop Act (with RAF Camora)

Juice Awards

2016: Best National Album (Palmen aus Plastik with RAF Camora)