Lyrics Born - “Funkiest Rapper Alive”
Since releasing his first single “Send Them” in 1993, Lyrics Born has grown to become one of the most prolific and respected independent rappers in the Bay Area. We are beyond thrilled to host this performance in OCA’s intimate auditorium. Tickets will sell out quickly! OCA members will have first dibs on tickets starting in September.
Tickets are $35, $30 for OCA members. Public ticket sales start October 1.
About Lyrics Born:
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.
While many of his peers signed major label contracts, Lyrics Born was repeatedly turned down because — even though he was meeting similar metrics and analytics — he says major labels didn’t know how to market him, being a rapper of Japanese, Italian and Jewish heritage.
“It was almost a blessing because it forced me to go out and create my own label, Mobile Home Recordings, and get my own distribution deals,” he said. “That’s one of the reasons why I’ve been able to continue to do what I do, because I own my entire catalog and I’m able to live off of that.”
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.
From his Quannum Projects debut with Latyrx (1997’s The Album), to 2003’s seminal solo album Later That Day, he’s consistently pushed the boundaries of his craft. His newest project, Quite A Life, is like the exclamation point on his milestone year.
“Ten albums is a lot for any artist, let alone an indie artist who colored outside the lines, so to speak,” LB says. “I'm just appreciative there was always somehow a path for me, no matter how impossible it seemed — either on paper or in practice.”
As the first Asian-American to release a greatest hits compilation, he’s pumped out multiple smash singles throughout his career. From “Callin’ Out” and “I Like It, I Love It” to “I Changed My Mind” and "Coulda Woulda Shoulda" his material has always retained a musically eclectic feel.
The self-proclaimed “funkiest rapper alive” carries on his tradition of weaving funk and soul into classic, boom-bap Hip Hop on Quite A Life. Without the influence of icons like James Brown, George Clinton, Bootsy Collins and Zapp & Roger LB admits he wouldn’t be who he is today. Coupled with his love of rap pioneers such as KRS-One, Rakim and Snoop Dogg, LB’s music is the perfect Hip Hop and funk-flavored gumbo.
For live shows, LB often recruits a full band to “keep it all the way funky” for his audience. Coupled with wife/singer Joyo Velarde’s powerful voice, the unrelenting energy of his performances electrify every crowd.