Rich Brian

Rich Brian, born Brian Imanuel Soewarno on September 3, 1999, in Jakarta, Indonesia, is a rapper, singer, songwriter, and record producer who rose to global prominence with his viral 2016 debut single “Dat $tick.” Hailing from a Chinese-Indonesian background, Brian grew up in a middle-to-low-class neighborhood in West Jakarta. He was homeschooled and spent much of his childhood helping out at his parents’ café. His love for hip-hop developed early, influenced by artists like Macklemore, 2 Chainz, and Tyler, the Creator, and he taught himself English by watching YouTube videos. This early exposure to rap music and online culture laid the groundwork for his career in music.

Initially performing under the name Rich Chigga, Brian faced backlash over the name’s controversial nature. In 2018, he rebranded as Rich Brian to reflect his true identity. His debut album Amen released in 2018, made a significant impact, reaching No. 18 on the US Billboard 200, making Brian the second Southeast Asian artist to break into the top 20. He followed up with The Sailor in 2019, showcasing his evolution as an artist and expanding his musical range. In 2020, he dropped the EP 1999, and in 2022, Brightside further solidified his place in the global hip-hop scene. Rich Brian has collaborated with artists from around the world, including China and South Korea, and continues to be a leading figure in bridging cultures through his unique sound.