A frenzy erupted on Thursday afternoon (April 24) when LEX announced his concert at OAKA. From the very first moments, the online wait for a ticket was immense, with thousands waiting for up to five hours.
Production company Dynasty announced on April 25 that the concert is sold out; however, they requested a few days to accommodate as many fans as possible in the coming period. After all, each of his concerts attracts tens of thousands, with the younger generation particularly enamored. At his concert in Nea Smyrni, nearly 20,000 fans filled the Panionios stadium, while at Kautanzoglio, it was 30,000.
Who is the 40-year-old LEX?
Alexis Lanaras, widely known as LEX, was born on September 25, 1984, in Thessaloniki and grew up in the Faliro area. He initially started as a street artist with 2G, and in 1999, they decided to pursue music, creating “Voria Asteria” (Northern Stars).
With “Voria Asteria,” they released four albums before deciding to go their separate ways and each pursue a solo career. In the meantime, LEX formed “Anapoda Kapela” with fellow member Mikros Klefis, releasing their first album in 2007.
He began his solo career in 2010, releasing his debut solo album “Tapinoi kai Pinasmenoi” (Humble and Hungry) in 2014. However, widespread recognition came in 2018 with the release of the album “2XXX” featuring Dof Twogee, which transformed his career. The standout track from the album was “Vittorio,” and in 2010, he released the single “Tipota ston Kosmo,” which quickly topped the charts and remained at the top of YouTube for several weeks.
In the summer of 2019, he held a concert at the Petra Theater in Athens, gathering around 10,000 attendees, with commentators noting that he “raises the bar in the rap scene” with each live performance. LEX’s musical journey significantly evolved after 2019, leading to various collaborations and singles, including his participation in Dof Twogee’s music project with the single “Varane.”
On October 21, 2022, he performed at Kautanzoglio Stadium in Thessaloniki, drawing approximately 30,000 attendees—a record for a hip-hop concert in Greece, as the artist consistently honors and praises his hometown in his songs.
In 2022, he released his third album titled “Metro,” which propelled LEX to even greater heights of popularity. Then, in 2023, he participated in Greece’s first orchestral rap album—”Arte Povera,” produced by Beats Please—performing the song “Eftychismenes Meres” (Happy Days). Notably, he also collaborated on Haroula Alexiou’s album “Reworks,” where he added a rap twist to the song “Fige.”
His most recent album, titled “G.T.K.” (For the Culture), was released in 2024. LEX’s lyrics often address social, political, and personal issues.
The Latest Album and Record – “Outlaw Love” in Stadiums
When LEX released his new songs in December 2024, social media went wild with fans praising him in their posts. Phrases like “G.O.A.T. of Greek hip-hop,” “What more could you ask for from a LEX album?” and “LEX, thank you” flooded platforms, with fans wondering whether he would perform this summer at Kallimarmaro or OAKA.
His album “G.T.K.” achieved gold status and was recognized by his record label Stay Independent on Instagram as the fastest certified gold album in Greek history, breaking records. Specifically, the songs “Nychterides,” “Alitiki Agapi” (Outlaw Love), and “Cheiroteri Genia” (Worst Generation) stood out, each having over 2.8 million streams. In total, LEX’s album “G.T.K.” surpassed 25.5 million streams on Spotify.
Banners inspired by LEX’s lyrics were displayed at OAKA during a match between Panathinaikos and Helsinki for the 4th matchday of the Conference League, with around 15,000 fans present. Before kickoff, a large banner reading “Alitiki Agapi” was raised, referencing a song from LEX’s album.
Just days earlier, a banner referencing LEX was also seen at Kleanthis Vikelidis Stadium during a match between Aris and Volos, as well as at Theodoros Kolokotronis Stadium during a game between Asteras Tripolis and PAOK.
LEX and… Mantalos
One of his songs features the line, “In December ’23, I played Korydallos. I felt like a football player; I heard Mantalo behind me.” Many associated this with AEK player Petros Mantalos, causing it to go viral on social media once again. However, there’s another interpretation suggesting that LEX might not be referring to “Mantalo,” but to “the mantalo,” a term for a door latch, linking it back to Korydallos mentioned in the same line, indicating his connection to prison.
LEX undoubtedly represents a “phenomenon,” breaking all records in the local music scene and receiving immense acclaim at his concerts, on social media, and in sports arenas.
Getting to Know LEX… Musically
On a personal level, the rapper maintains a relatively low profile despite his fame. He rarely gives interviews or discusses his personal life. However, fans have come to know him through his lyrics, which are directly inspired by his personal experiences and perspectives. This may contribute to his significant success, as his tracks provide a sort of “music therapy.”
LEX undeniably stands as a “phenomenon,” shattering records in the domestic music scene and receiving recognition everywhere, from his concerts and social media to sports arenas.
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