Lyrics Born, born Tsutomu "Tom" Shimura, is a Japanese-American rapper and producer known for his innovative and eclectic approach to hip-hop. Originating from Berkeley, California, he first gained prominence as part of the alternative hip-hop duo Latyrx with Lateef the Truthspeaker. His career has been marked by a constant reinvention and fusion of funk, soul, and electronic music with traditional hip-hop elements. His unique, versatile flow and positive, insightful lyrics have distinguished him within the indie hip-hop scene.

Over the years, Lyrics Born has released a prolific body of work, both as a solo artist and collaborator, characterized by a commitment to musicianship and an independent spirit. Albums like "Later That Day" and "Everywhere at Once" have contributed to his reputation as a trailblazer in the genre. More recent releases like "Quite a Life" reflect his depth and maturity as an artist, tackling a range of subjects from personal struggles to socio-political commentary. Whether through soulful tunes like "Over You (Orchestral Version)" or the self-assured "I'm the Best Rapper in the World," Lyrics Born continues to demonstrate his skills and relevance in the evolving landscape of hip-hop.

Genres

Scratch

Turntablism

Related Artists

Blackalicious

DJ Shadow

Zion I

Talib Kweli

Jurassic 5

Latyrx

MF DOOM

Mos Def

De La Soul

Common

The Roots

The Pharcyde

Latest Release

That 1 Tyme in the Studio: Acoustic Selections

Lyrics Born

Album - 10 Tracks - Released May 10, 2024