Lyrics Born relocated to the United States from his birthplace of Toyko, Japan right around the time Hip Hop was exploding on the East Coast. From the moment he heard Sugar Hill Gang’s 1980 classic “Rapper’s Delight,” the Bay Area Hip Hop luminary knew he’d found his calling. Twenty-five years later, LB has obliterated the stereotypes of what an MC is “supposed to” look like and captured the hearts of countless fans who gravitate to his distinctive voice. He’s now the only Asian-American MC to release 10 studios albums and the first to play major music festivals like Coachella and Lollapalooza.
As LB continues the next chapter, he jokes that he’s become that “old stubborn Japanese man” who says what he wants and he’s not planning on going anywhere. In fact, his goal over the next 25 years is to make another 10 albums and more films. Most notably, he wants to continue providing a platform for other Asian-Americans, a slice of the population that is consistently underrepresented in pop culture. When he looks back on the last 25 years, he has nothing but gratitude for his position in the Hip Hop space, and life in general. “I'm just blessed and grateful to be alive and pursuing my passion after 25 years,” LB says.
"DJ Troubleman" will be kicking off the evening - This San Francisco native boasts various styles and an affinity for blending numerous genres as diverse as the city that raised him. His eclectic bags of records and positive vibes organically allow the good times to roll, whatever the occasion.