Lyrics Born
TUE 22 JUL 2008
TUE 22 JUL 2008
+ Stephanie McKay
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.
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.
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.
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. 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.
Links: www.lyricsborn.com
DATE: Tue 22 Jul 2008
VENUE: The Voodoo Rooms, 19a West Register Street, Edinburgh EH2 2AA

Joseph Malik