Rich Brian

Brian Imanuel Soewarno was born on 3 September 1999 in Jakarta to Heru Soewarno and Megawati Purnomo. He has one older brother named Roy Leonard Soewarno and two older sisters named Stephanie and Sonia Eryka Soewarno.{{Cite web |date=4 March 2016 |title=Who is Rich Chigga? |url=https://hypebeast.com/2018/3/rich-chigga-interview |access-date=25 August 2023 |website=Hypebeast}} He is of mixed Chinese{{Cite web |date=5 February 2017 |title=Meet the Teen Artist Behind the Fannypack-wearing Rap Phenom Rich Chigga|website=Playboy|interviewer=Zachary Schwartz|url=http://www.playboy.com/articles/brian-imanuel-rich-chigga-interview |access-date=25 August 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170205101037/http://www.playboy.com/articles/brian-imanuel-rich-chigga-interview |archive-date=5 February 2017 }} and Manadonese descent.{{Cite web |last=Okezone |date=21 February 2018 |title=Selain Mahir Bikin Lagu, Rapper Dunia asal Manado Brian "Rich Chigga" Ternyata Pandai Masak : Okezone Lifestyle |url=https://lifestyle.okezone.com/read/2018/02/21/298/1862544/selain-mahir-bikin-lagu-rapper-dunia-asal-manado-brian-rich-chigga-ternyata-pandai-masak |access-date=25 August 2023 |website=lifestyle.okezone.com/ |language=id-ID}}

Brian was raised in West Jakarta in a middle-to-low class neighborhood.{{Cite news |url = https://www.theguardian.com/cities/2016/nov/24/rhymes-brian-imanuel-jakarta-rich-chigga-home-schooled-hip-hop-sensation |title = Rhymes of Brian: Jakarta's Rich Chigga is a home-schooled, hip-hop sensation |last = Herd |first = Mike |date = 24 November 2016 |work = The Guardian |access-date = 7 August 2017 |language = en-GB |issn = 0261-3077 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20170807235754/https://www.theguardian.com/cities/2016/nov/24/rhymes-brian-imanuel-jakarta-rich-chigga-home-schooled-hip-hop-sensation |archive-date = 7 August 2017 |url-status = live |df = dmy-all }} Despite his father being a lawyer,{{Cite news |url = https://www.forbes.com/sites/cfthomas/2017/08/17/fresh-prince-of-jakarta-indonesias-rich-chigga-is-raps-newest-teen-prodigy/#52e59858a638 |title = Fresh Prince Of Jakarta: Indonesia's Rich Chigga Is Rap's Newest Teen Prodigy |last = Thomas |first = Carla |work = Forbes |access-date = 18 August 2017 |language = en |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20170817102832/https://www.forbes.com/sites/cfthomas/2017/08/17/fresh-prince-of-jakarta-indonesias-rich-chigga-is-raps-newest-teen-prodigy/#52e59858a638 |archive-date = 17 August 2017 |url-status = live |df = dmy-all }} he never had a formal education and spent most of his time helping at his parents' café while being homeschooled.{{Cite magazine |url = https://www.rollingstone.com/music/features/rapper-rich-chigga-on-youtube-hip-hop-idol-donald-glover-w491634 |title = Rapper Rich Chigga on Power of Social Media, His Idol Donald Glover |magazine = Rolling Stone |access-date = 7 August 2017 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20170807235949/http://www.rollingstone.com/music/features/rapper-rich-chigga-on-youtube-hip-hop-idol-donald-glover-w491634 |archive-date = 7 August 2017 |url-status = live |df = dmy-all }}

In 2010, while growing up in Indonesia, Brian began his career with social media when he was 11 years old. He discovered YouTube after he got a Rubik's Cube and realized he could log onto his parents' computer to find strategies for solving it faster. He also joined Twitter in August 2010. This eventually led him to making video content, including dark comedy sketches on Twitter. He moved to the platform Vine when he was 15 and began to post daily videos there. Brian, who at the time spoke only Indonesian started to learn and polish his English, had an American friend on Skype that he could talk and converse with to improve his English.{{Citation|title=Skype|date=21 October 2021|url=https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Skype&oldid=1051028386|work=Wikipedia|language=en|access-date=22 October 2021}} He also taught himself to speak English by watching YouTube videos and by listening to rappers like Childish Gambino, 2 Chainz, Macklemore and Tyler, the Creator.{{cite web |url = http://www.mtv.com/artists/rich-chigga/biography/ |title = Rich Chigga Bio – Rich Chigga Career – MTV |last = MTV |website = MTV |access-date = 4 November 2016 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20161105223509/http://www.mtv.com/artists/rich-chigga/biography/ |archive-date = 5 November 2016 |url-status = dead |df = dmy-all }}

Brian began listening to hip hop music in 2012, when an American friend he knew on the internet introduced him to "Thrift Shop" by Macklemore & Ryan Lewis.{{Cite web |url = http://www.highsnobiety.com/2016/10/31/rich-chigga-noisey-interview/ |title = Rich Chigga Talks About Fame, "Dat $Ghostface Killah & More |date = 19 August 2017 |website = Highsnobiety |access-date = 19 August 2017 |df = dmy-all }} Brian began to explore the genre, discovering Drake, 2 Chainz, Kanye West and Logic at first. Brian wrote his first rap song in 2014 and recorded it onto an iPhone microphone over an MF Doom produced instrumental.{{Cite news |url = http://www.clashmusic.com/features/when-the-east-is-in-the-house-clash-meets-rich-chigga |title = When The East Is In The House: Clash Meets Rich Chigga |work = Clash Magazine |access-date = 19 August 2017 |language = en |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20170819070332/http://www.clashmusic.com/features/when-the-east-is-in-the-house-clash-meets-rich-chigga |archive-date = 19 August 2017 |url-status = live |df = dmy-all }}

Brian originally wanted to become a cinematographer in Los Angeles, however he gave up the aspiration once his music career began taking off.{{Cite news |url = http://www.vocativ.com/351419/rich-chigga/ |title = Rich Chigga Is Your Favorite Rapper's New Favorite Rapper |date = 20 August 2016 |work = Vocativ |access-date = 19 August 2017 |language = en-US |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20170819061733/http://www.vocativ.com/351419/rich-chigga/ |archive-date = 19 August 2017 |url-status = live |df = dmy-all }}

File:Rich Chigga.png in August 2016.]]

Brian began his career under the name Rich Chigga and released his debut track, titled "Living the Dream" on 17 July 2015, on his YouTube account. The song was produced by DJ Smokey.{{cite web |url = https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lblbs7V7pwA |title = Rich Chigga – "Living The Dream" (Prod. by DJ Smokey) |website = YouTube |access-date = 23 November 2016 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20170620230851/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lblbs7V7pwA |archive-date = 20 June 2017 |url-status = live |df = dmy-all }} Brian then went on to release his debut single "Dat Stick" on 11 March 2016.{{cite magazine |url = https://time.com/4532948/brian-imanuel-rich-chigga-jakarta-indonesia-rap-hiphop/ |title = Meet 17-Year-Old Indonesian Rapper Rich Chigga |first1 = Nash |last1 = Jenkins |magazine = Time |access-date = 24 October 2016 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20161024094321/http://time.com/4532948/brian-imanuel-rich-chigga-jakarta-indonesia-rap-hiphop/ |archive-date = 24 October 2016 |url-status = live |df = dmy-all }}{{cite web |url = https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rzc3_b_KnHc |title = Rich Chigga – Dat $tick (Official Video) |website = YouTube |access-date = 23 November 2016 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20161126114322/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rzc3_b_KnHc |archive-date = 26 November 2016 |url-status = live |df = dmy-all }} Shortly after, he was signed by 88rising.{{Cite web|last=Ifeyani|first=KC|date=1 May 2020|title=How music label 88rising brought Asian rap culture to the United States|url=https://www.fastcompany.com/90491415/how-music-label-88rising-brought-asian-rap-culture-to-the-united-states|access-date=7 April 2021|website=Fast Company}} "Dat Stick" track caught international success after 88rising released a reaction video featuring American rappers Ghostface Killah, 21 Savage, Tory Lanez, MadeinTYO, Desiigner, and many more.{{cite web |url = https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-KMBELyZ_sM |title = Rappers React to Rich Chigga ft. Ghostface Killah, Desiigner, Tory Lanez & More |website = YouTube |access-date = 23 November 2016 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20161129044849/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-KMBELyZ_sM |archive-date = 29 November 2016 |url-status = live |df = dmy-all }} Since the official music video for the track was uploaded onto his YouTube account, it has been viewed over 200 million times. "Dat Stick" then went on to peak at number four on the Bubbling Under R&B/Hip-Hop Singles.{{cite magazine |url = http://www.billboard.com/biz/search/charts?f%5b0%5d=ts_chart_artistname%3ARich%20Chigga&f%5b1%5d=itm_field_chart_id%3A345&f%5b2%5d=ss_bb_type%3Achart_item&type=2&artist=Rich%20Chigga |title = Chart Search for Rich Chigga (Bubbling Under R&B/Hip-Hop Singles) | Billboard |magazine = Billboard |publisher = Prometheus Global Media |access-date = 24 May 2017 }}

Brian then went on to release his second single titled "Who That Be" on iTunes on 9 August 2016. The song was produced by Sihk.{{cite web |url = https://music.apple.com/us/album/who-that-be/1142016298?i=1142016454 |title = Who That Be – Single by Rich Chigga on Apple Music |website = iTunes |date = 9 August 2016 |access-date = 23 November 2016 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20161124094852/https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/who-that-be/id1142016298?i=1142016454 |archive-date = 24 November 2016 |url-status = live |df = dmy-all }} He then released a remix of his debut single "Dat Stick" which features rappers Ghostface Killah and Pouya.{{cite web |url = http://www.hotnewhiphop.com/rich-chigga-feat-ghostface-killah-and-pouya-dat-stick-remix-video-new-video.38812.html |title = Rich Chigga Feat. Ghostface Killah & Pouya "Dat $tick (Remix)" Video |website = HNHH |date = 12 October 2016 |access-date = 23 November 2016 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20161124093243/http://www.hotnewhiphop.com/rich-chigga-feat-ghostface-killah-and-pouya-dat-stick-remix-video-new-video.38812.html |archive-date = 24 November 2016 |url-status = live |df = dmy-all }} Brian later released his third single "Seventeen" which quickly surpassed the one million hits mark on both YouTube and SoundCloud.{{Cite web |url = http://www.highsnobiety.com/2017/02/23/rich-chigga-zhu-skrillex-they/ |title = Rich Chigga Jumps on ZHU, Skrillex & THEY.'s "Working For It" |date = 19 April 2017 |website = Highsnobiety |access-date = 19 April 2017 |df = dmy-all }}{{cite web |url = https://soundcloud.com/richbrian/seventeen |title = Seventeen |access-date = 20 April 2017 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20171212124246/https://soundcloud.com/richbrian/seventeen |archive-date = 12 December 2017 |url-status = live |df = dmy-all }}

Brian released his fourth single "Back At It" on 19 April 2017.{{cite web |url = https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/back-at-it/id1228294960 |title = Back At It – Single by Rich Chigga on Apple Music |website = iTunes |access-date = 21 April 2017 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20170422132641/https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/back-at-it/id1228294960 |archive-date = 22 April 2017 |url-status = dead |df = dmy-all }} He later started his first US tour in April 2017, which concluded in May.{{Cite web |url = http://www.highsnobiety.com/2017/03/27/rich-chigga-us-tour/ |title = Viral Sensation Rich Chigga Announces His First U.S. Tour |date = 7 August 2017 |website = Highsnobiety |access-date = 7 August 2017 |df = dmy-all }} In May 2017, Brian released the single "Gospel" with XXXTentacion and Keith Ape.{{Cite web |url = http://www.highsnobiety.com/2017/05/11/rich-chigga-keith-ape-xxxtentacion-gospel/ |title = Rich Chigga, Keith Ape & XXXTENTACION Drop New Track "Gospel" |date = 7 August 2017 |website = Highsnobiety |access-date = 7 August 2017 |df = dmy-all }}{{cite web |url = https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/gospel-single/id1233867565 |title = Gospel – Single by Rich Chigga on Apple Music |website = iTunes |access-date = 11 May 2017 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20170902082305/https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/gospel-single/id1233867565 |archive-date = 2 September 2017 |url-status = dead |df = dmy-all }} This was XXXTentacion's first collaboration with Brian and the song was released through 88rising and has since received over 38 million views on YouTube since its release.{{Citation |last = 88rising |title = Rich Chigga x Keith Ape x XXXTentacion – Gospel (Prod. RONNYJ) |date = 11 May 2017 |url = https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s1CY9AYUa7U |access-date = 7 August 2017 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20170811065131/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s1CY9AYUa7U |archive-date = 11 August 2017 |url-status = live |df = dmy-all }}

Brian won an award at the 4th Indonesian Choice Awards as Breakthrough Artist of the Year in May 2017. Brian announced his debut album in an interview with XXL, saying "I'm working on a debut project and there are some serious songs and some comedic stuff, but the serious songs are my focus."{{Cite web |url = http://www.xxlmag.com/news/2017/05/rich-chigga-serious-about-rap-interview/ |title = Rich Chigga Gets Serious About Rap – XXL |website = XXL Mag |date = 26 May 2017 |language = en-US |access-date = 7 August 2017 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20170803112329/http://www.xxlmag.com/news/2017/05/rich-chigga-serious-about-rap-interview/ |archive-date = 3 August 2017 |url-status = live |df = dmy-all }} In an interview, Brian said he was spending most of his stay in Los Angeles, California working on his debut album.{{Cite news |url = http://www.thejakartapost.com/life/2017/07/20/jakarta-born-rich-chigga-tells-rolling-stone-why-he-moved-to-la.html |title = UPDATED: Jakarta-born Rich Chigga tells Rolling Stone why he moved to LA |work = The Jakarta Post |access-date = 7 August 2017 |language = en |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20170927004827/http://www.thejakartapost.com/life/2017/07/20/jakarta-born-rich-chigga-tells-rolling-stone-why-he-moved-to-la.html |archive-date = 27 September 2017 |url-status = live |df = dmy-all }}

File:Rich Brian.png

Brian released "Glow Like Dat" on 15 August 2017, through 88rising's YouTube channel.{{Cite web |url = http://www.highsnobiety.com/2017/08/15/rich-chigga-glow-like-dat-video/ |title = Rich Chigga Drops New Single & Music Video "Glow Like Dat" |date = 17 August 2017 |website = Highsnobiety |access-date = 17 August 2017 |df = dmy-all }} He then announced a nationwide tour starting on 9 September and concluding on 21 November titled "Come to My Party Tour".{{Cite web |url = http://www.xxlmag.com/video/2017/08/rich-chigga-glow-like-dat-video-come-to-my-party-tour-dates/ |title = Rich Chigga Drops 'Glow Like Dat' Video, Come to My Party Tour Dates – XXL |website = XXL Mag |date = 15 August 2017 |language = en-US |access-date = 17 August 2017 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20170819031306/http://www.xxlmag.com/video/2017/08/rich-chigga-glow-like-dat-video-come-to-my-party-tour-dates/ |archive-date = 19 August 2017 |url-status = live |df = dmy-all }} Brian later released the singles "Chaos" and "Crisis" featuring 21 Savage in October and November 2017 respectively.{{cite web |url = https://music.apple.com/us/album/chaos/1290461457 |title = Chaos – Single by Rich Chigga on Apple Music |website = iTunes |date = 5 October 2017 |access-date = 21 December 2017 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20171006151604/https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/chaos/id1290461457 |archive-date = 6 October 2017 |url-status = live |df = dmy-all }}{{cite web |url = https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/crisis-feat-21-savage-single/1309256027 |title = Crisis (feat. 21 Savage) – Single by Rich Chigga on Apple Music |website = iTunes |access-date = 10 November 2017 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20171222052024/https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/crisis-feat-21-savage-single/1309256027 |archive-date = 22 December 2017 |url-status = dead |df = dmy-all }} On 19 December 2017, Brian announced on the social media platform Twitter that he was releasing his debut studio album titled, Amen.{{Cite web |url = https://twitter.com/richchigga/status/943183139265921024 |title="Amen" My debut project. February 2nd. Thank you 10:15 AM – 19 Dec 2017 |last = imanuel |first = brian |website = Twitter |access-date = 21 December 2017 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20171224201413/https://twitter.com/richchigga/status/943183139265921024 |archive-date = 24 December 2017 |url-status = live |df = dmy-all }} On 1 January 2018, Brian officially changed his stage name from "Rich Chigga" to "Brian" with the release of "See Me".{{Cite news |last=Ofiaza |first=Renz |date=1 January 2018 |title=Rich Chigga Officially Changes His Name to Brian |work=Highsnobiety |url=https://www.highsnobiety.com/p/rich-chigga-name-change-brian/ |access-date=22 April 2022}} This was due to backlash he received as a result of the racial undertones of the original name. Six days later, he changed his stage name again to "Rich Brian". Brian later went on and appeared on a single and music video with Kris Wu, Joji, Trippie Redd and Baauer titled, "18" on 16 January.{{cite web|url=https://music.apple.com/us/album/18-single/1334962023|title=18 – Single by Kris Wu, Rich Brian, Joji, Trippie Redd & Baauer|work=Apple Music|date=16 January 2018|access-date=30 July 2019}} On 2 February, Amen was released and made him the first Asian musician to reach number one on iTunes Hip Hop charts and went on to peak at number 18 on the US Billboard 200.{{cite web |url = http://rhymehiphop.com/rich-brian-itunes-history/ |title = Rich Brian Is The First Asian To Chart #1 On The iTunes Hip Hop Charts |first = Brandon |last = Pickus |access-date = 4 February 2018 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20180204083136/http://rhymehiphop.com/rich-brian-itunes-history/ |archive-date = 4 February 2018 |url-status = live |df = dmy-all }}{{cite magazine |url = https://www.billboard.com/charts/billboard-200/2018-02-17 |title = Top 200 Albums: February 17, 2018 |magazine = Billboard |access-date = 13 February 2018 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20180310044654/https://www.billboard.com/charts/billboard-200/2018-02-17 |archive-date = 10 March 2018 |url-status = live}}

• The Sailor: {{cite magazine |url = https://www.billboard.com/charts/billboard-200/2019-08-10 |title = Top 200 Albums: August 10, 2019 |magazine = Billboard |access-date = 7 August 2019}}

Following the release of Amen, Brian released "Watch Out!" on 4 April 2018.{{cite web |url = https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/watch-out-single/1365799449 |title = watch out! - Single by Rich Brian on Apple Music |website = iTunes |access-date = 4 April 2018 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20180404212357/https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/watch-out-single/1365799449 |archive-date = 4 April 2018 |url-status = dead |df = dmy-all }} He later appeared on 88rising's compilation album, Head in the Clouds and released two singles to promote the album with "Midsummer Madness" featuring Joji, Higher Brothers, Kyle Chan, 8 August, and "History" which were released on 7 June and 18 July respectively.{{cite news |last1=Findlay |first1=Mitch |title=Rich Brian, Higher Brothers, August 08 & Joji Link For "Midsummer Madness" |url=https://www.hotnewhiphop.com/rich-brian-higher-brothers-august-08-and-joji-link-for-midsummer-madness-new-song.1978911.html |access-date=15 August 2018 |work=HotNewHipHop |date=7 June 2018}}{{cite web |url = https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/1409616192 |title = History – Single by Rich Brian on Apple Music |website = iTunes |access-date = 18 July 2018 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20180718174453/https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/1409616192 |archive-date = 18 July 2018 |url-status = dead |df = dmy-all }} The album was released on 20 July 2018.{{cite web|url=https://music.apple.com/us/album/head-in-the-clouds/1411103958|title=Head in the Clouds by 88rising on Apple Music|work=Apple Music|date=20 July 2018|access-date=30 July 2019}}

On 26 June 2019, Brian released a new single, titled "Yellow", featuring the artist and producer Bekon and later announced his second studio album titled The Sailor.{{cite web |url = https://music.apple.com/album/1467987532 |title = Yellow (feat. Bekon) – Single by Rich Brian on Apple Music |date = 26 June 2019 |access-date = 26 June 2019 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20190626185408/https://music.apple.com/album/1467987532 |archive-date = 26 June 2019 |url-status = live |df = dmy-all }} He then released the second single from the album "Kids" on 17 July 2019.[http://www.brooklynvegan.com/rich-brian-shares-kids-from-upcoming-lp-playing-88rising-fest-in-august/ Rich Brian shares "Kids" from upcoming album] by Jeremy Nifras, Brooklyn Vegan, 19 July 2019. The Sailor was released on 26 July 2019 with guest appearances from RZA and Joji.{{cite web |url= https://www.complex.com/music/2019/06/rich-brian-interview-yellow-the-sailor |title=Rich Brian Returns With "Yellow" and Talks New Album 'The Sailor' |interviewer=Eric Diep|website=Complex Networks |access-date=26 June 2019}}[https://www.hotnewhiphop.com/rich-brians-sophomore-album-the-sailor-features-rza-joji-and-more-new-mixtape.119432.html Rich Brian's Sophomore Album] by Alex Zidel, Hot New Hip Hop Magazine, 26 July 2019.{{cite web|date=26 July 2019|title=The Sailor by Rich Brian|url=https://music.apple.com/us/album/the-sailor/1469319614|access-date=30 July 2019|work=Apple Music|archive-date=27 July 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190727030708/https://music.apple.com/us/album/the-sailor/1469319614|url-status=dead}}

On 25 August 2020, Brian released an EP titled 1999.{{Cite web|date=25 August 2020|title=Rich Brian drops brand-new EP, '1999' {{!}} NME|url=https://www.nme.com/en_asia/news/music/rich-brian-drops-brand-new-ep-1999-2736747|access-date=26 August 2020|website=NME Music News, Reviews, Videos, Galleries, Tickets and Blogs {{!}} NME.COM|language=en}}{{Cite web|title=Listen to Rich Brian's New Project '1999'|url=https://www.complex.com/music/2020/08/rich-brian-1999-stream|access-date=28 August 2020|website=Complex|language=en}} The seven-track EP was preceded with three singles with accompanying music videos: "Don't Care", "Love in my Pocket" and "DOA".{{Cite web|title=Rich Brian – DOA (Official Music Video)|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UkzNJ88hmIE|website=YouTube}}{{Cite web|title=Rich Brian – Don't Care (Official Music Video) – YouTube|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7vR2lPExR00|access-date=28 August 2020|website=www.youtube.com}}{{Cite web|title=Rich Brian – Love In My Pocket (Official Music Video) – YouTube|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oFHONLjD4MM|access-date=28 August 2020|website=www.youtube.com}}

Brian's career jumped into the mainstream in August 2021 when the soundtrack for Marvel's Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings was released with several songs by and featuring Brian, including "Run It" by Brian, DJ Snake, and Rick Ross. The track received heavy airplay as ESPN's anthem for its 2021-2022 college football coverage.{{Cite web|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2021/09/02/arts/music/88rising-shang-chi-soundtrack.html|title=How 88rising Crafted an Evocative Soundtrack for Marvel's 'Shang-Chi'|publisher=nytimes.com (Archived)|access-date=8 September 2023|archive-date=3 September 2021|archive-url=https://archive.today/20210903173139/https://www.nytimes.com/2021/09/02/arts/music/88rising-shang-chi-soundtrack.html|url-status=bot: unknown}}{{Cite web |last=Lopez |first=Isabelle |date=13 August 2021 |title=ESPN Announces "Run It" By DJ Snake ft. Rick Ross & Rich Brian Chosen as New College Football Anthem for 2021-22 Season |url=https://espnpressroom.com/us/press-releases/2021/08/espn-announces-run-it-by-dj-snake-ft-rick-ross-rich-brian-chosen-as-new-college-football-anthem-for-2021-22-season/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210815162108/https://espnpressroom.com/us/press-releases/2021/08/espn-announces-run-it-by-dj-snake-ft-rick-ross-rich-brian-chosen-as-new-college-football-anthem-for-2021-22-season/ |archive-date=15 August 2021 |access-date=19 August 2021 |website=ESPN Press Room}} It was then reported in October that Brian had been cast in his film debut by indie film director Justin Chon to play an up-and-coming rapper whose escalating popularity leads him to confront his relationship with his father.{{cite news |last1=Wiseman |first1=Andreas |title='Crazy Rich Asians' Backer Among Producers Of Justin Chon's Under-The-Radar Music Drama 'Jamojaya' Starring Rapper Rich Brian In Movie Debut |url=https://deadline.com/2021/10/rich-brian-hawaii-music-movie-jamojaya-justin-chon-crazy-rich-asians-1234854582/ |work=Deadline Hollywood |date=12 October 2021}}

On 20 January 2022, Brian released an EP titled Brightside.{{Cite web|last=Corcoran, Nina|date=20 January 2022|title=Rich Brian surprise releases new EP, Brightside|url=https://pitchfork.com/news/rich-brian-surprise-releases-new-ep-brightside-listen/|access-date=22 January 2022|website=Pitchfork}} The four-track EP was preceded by a single titled "New Tooth". On the day of the EP's release, a music video for one of its songs, "Getcho Mans", which features fellow Indonesian rapper Warren Hue, was also released.

On 18 October 2023, Brian released a single titled "World Stop Tuning", featuring Warren Hue.{{cite web | url=https://kpopconcerts.com/k-pop-music/zion-t-rich-brian-and-warren-hue-bring-90s-nostalgia-in-1999-write-the-futures-world-stop-turning/ | title=Zion.T, Rich Brian, and Warren Hue Bring '90s Nostalgia in 1999 WRITE THE FUTURE's "World Stop Turning" | date=18 October 2023 }}

On 6 March 2025, Brian announced his third studio album, Where Is My Head?, set for release on 23 May, but later was pushed back to 15 August due to track listing re-assement.{{Cite Instagram |postid=DG4gFq0yxJI |user=brianimanuel |title=Where Is My Head? My third album. May 23rd. |author=Rich Brian |date=6 March 2025 |access-date=March 10, 2025}}

Brian's musical style has been called "ironic" by UrbanDaddy though it "eventually transcends itself to become a legitimate piece of art."{{Cite news |url = https://www.urbandaddy.com/articles/40327/indonesian-rap-prodigy-rich-chigga-has-a-hot-new-track |title = Indonesian Rap Prodigy Rich Chigga Has a Hot New Track |last1=Eichner|first1=Sam|date=2017-08-16|work = UrbanDaddy |access-date = 19 August 2017 |language = en |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20170819061731/https://www.urbandaddy.com/articles/40327/indonesian-rap-prodigy-rich-chigga-has-a-hot-new-track |archive-date = 19 August 2017 |url-status = live |df = dmy-all }} Brian's vocals have been described as baritone,{{Cite news |url = http://www.prefixmag.com/news/rich-chigga-xxxtentacion-keith-ape-join-forces-new-song-gospel/203100/ |title = Rich Chigga, XXXTENTACION, and Keith Ape Join Forces for New Song "Gospel" – Prefixmag.com |last = Friedman |first = Sam |work = Prefixmag.com |access-date = 19 August 2017 |language = en-US |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20170819063013/http://www.prefixmag.com/news/rich-chigga-xxxtentacion-keith-ape-join-forces-new-song-gospel/203100/ |archive-date = 19 August 2017 |url-status = live |df = dmy-all }} and his delivery as "gruff yet agile" and "unique".{{Citation|title=Rich Chigga – Glow Like Dat {{!}} Stream [New Song]|date=15 August 2017|url=http://www.hotnewhiphop.com/rich-chigga-glow-like-dat-new-song.1975384.html|access-date=19 August 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170819064008/http://www.hotnewhiphop.com/rich-chigga-glow-like-dat-new-song.1975384.html|archive-date=19 August 2017|url-status=live}} His song writing ability has been called "skilled" by HotNewHipHop.{{Citation|title=Rich Chigga – Seventeen {{!}} Stream [New Song]|date=21 December 2016|url=http://www.hotnewhiphop.com/rich-chigga-seventeen-new-song.1972314.html|access-date=19 August 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170819064101/http://www.hotnewhiphop.com/rich-chigga-seventeen-new-song.1972314.html|archive-date=19 August 2017|url-status=live}} Brian, originally making comedic music, has since attempted to distance himself and make more serious music with singles such as "Seventeen" and "Glow Like Dat".{{Cite news |url = http://pigeonsandplanes.com/in-depth/2017/08/best-songs-of-the-week-august-18-2017/rich-chigga-glow-like-dat-1 |title = Best Songs of the Week – Rich Chigga – "Glow Like Dat" |work = PigeonsandPlanes |access-date = 19 August 2017 |language = en |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20170819065603/http://pigeonsandplanes.com/in-depth/2017/08/best-songs-of-the-week-august-18-2017/rich-chigga-glow-like-dat-1 |archive-date = 19 August 2017 |url-status = live |df = dmy-all }}

With the release of "Yellow" on 26 June 2019, Brian's musical style expanded. In an interview with Complex Magazine, he states that his album "The Sailor" is an "important step forward for his art" and he is beginning to "write about things that are deeply personal to him."{{Cite web|url=https://www.complex.com/music/2019/06/rich-brian-interview-yellow-the-sailor|title=Rich Brian Returns With "Yellow" and Talks New Album 'The Sailor'|interviewer=Eric Diep|website=Complex|language=en|access-date=26 June 2019}}

After the release of his album 1999, in 2020, his musical style developed even more. He started to incorporate 80s funk that was very popular in 2020 according to East Side Vibes {{cite web | url=https://eastsidevibess.com/2020/09/01/rich-brian-1999-review/ | title=Rich Brian – 1999 Review | date=September 2020 }} Overall, his style is "easy-going instrumental and Pop-Rap that was popular in the early to mid-2010s." His songs also have a lot of lyrical attitude to them such as "Don't Care" and "DOA". Adding to the lyrical attitude aspect, he is honest in his music and talks about his life experience with a simple and repetitive riff which is also "catchy and groovy."

Brian has cited Young Thug, Tyler, the Creator, Yung Lean, Childish Gambino and Project Pop as inspirations.{{Cite web |title=Rich Brian Sering Dengar Project Pop saat Kecil: Mereka Menginspirasi Musikku |url=https://kumparan.com/kumparanhits/rich-brian-sering-dengar-project-pop-saat-kecil-mereka-menginspirasi-musikku-216WEj91PWk |access-date=25 August 2024 |website=kumparan |language=id-ID}}

During his youth, Brian competed in a couple of Rubik's cube competitions. According to his World Cube Association page, he attended the 2010 Jakarta Open Rubik's Cube Competition.{{cite web |title=Brian Imanuel |url=https://www.worldcubeassociation.org/persons/2010IMAN01 |website=worldcubeassociation.org |publisher=World Cube Association |access-date=7 August 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220807215105/https://www.worldcubeassociation.org/persons/2010IMAN01 |archive-date=7 August 2022 |language=en |url-status=live}} He finished 20th out of 106 during the qualification round for the 3×3×3 cube, with a best of 23.65 seconds. Brian was admitted into the first round where he finished 51st out of 105, with a best of 20.44 seconds.{{cite web |title=Transformasi Brian Imanuel jadi Rich Brian, dari Remaja Biasa Hingga jadi Idola Dunia |url=https://hai.grid.id/read/07595746/transformasi-brian-imanuel-jadi-rich-brian-dari-remaja-biasa-hingga-jadi-idola-dunia?page=all |website=hai.grid.id |access-date=7 August 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220807215211/https://hai.grid.id/read/07595746/transformasi-brian-imanuel-jadi-rich-brian-dari-remaja-biasa-hingga-jadi-idola-dunia?page=all |archive-date=7 August 2022 |language=id |date=18 April 2018 |url-status=live}} During the same competition, he also competed in the 2×2×2 and the 4×4×4 events. Brian finished 24th out of 74 during the 2×2 event and had a best of 7.96 seconds, while during the 4×4 event Brian finished 35th out of 43 with a best of 2:22.81 minutes. Brian also competed in the 2×2 event at the Jakarta Ceria Open in October 2010, there he finished 28th out of 67 with a best solve of 5.68 seconds.

Brian currently lives in Los Angeles after moving there in May 2017.{{Cite news |url = https://www.gq.com/story/rich-brian-amen-interview |title = Rich Brian Learned How to Rap from YouTube |last = Reside |first = Alex Wong, Alex |date = 2 February 2018 |work = GQ |access-date = 2 February 2018 |language = en |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20180202220059/https://www.gq.com/story/rich-brian-amen-interview |archive-date = 2 February 2018 |url-status = live |df = dmy-all }} He is not a permanent resident of the United States; though in July 2017, he extended his stay.

Brian's original stage name, Rich Chigga, created controversy in the past.{{Cite web |url = http://www.thefader.com/2016/08/09/rich-chigga-dat-stick-interview-who-that-be |title = Rich Chigga: "I Wasn't Trying To Offend Anyone" |website = The FADER |access-date = 7 August 2017 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20160810153900/http://www.thefader.com/2016/08/09/rich-chigga-dat-stick-interview-who-that-be |archive-date = 10 August 2016 }} Brian and his friend came up with the nickname when he came out with his first song on SoundCloud. "I realized I don't really have a rap name. And then my friend from Wichita was just talking about it. We came up with a couple of names which were cool, and he was just like, 'Rich Chigga.' I was like, 'That is really catchy.' And that's honestly it."{{cite web |url = https://www.complex.com/music/2018/02/rich-brian-interview |title = Exclusive: Rich Brian on His Controversial Past and What to Expect From Debut Album 'Amen' |last = Setaro |first = Shawn |date = 2 February 2018 |website = Complex |access-date = 22 July 2018 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20180222002555/http://www.complex.com/music/2018/02/rich-brian-interview |archive-date = 22 February 2018 |url-status = live |df = dmy-all }} Talking about his stage name, Brian said "I do regret it – I didn't really know what I was doing and I definitely did not know people were gonna pop off like this."{{Cite magazine |url = http://www.newyorker.com/culture/culture-desk/rich-chigga-and-the-difficulties-of-keeping-it-real |title = Rich Chigga and the Difficulties of Keeping It Real |magazine = The New Yorker |date = 7 June 2017 |access-date = 7 August 2017 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20170807235951/http://www.newyorker.com/culture/culture-desk/rich-chigga-and-the-difficulties-of-keeping-it-real |archive-date = 7 August 2017 |url-status = live |df = dmy-all }} As a result, he changed his stage name to Rich Brian in 2018. In a Twitter post, Brian said "I have been planning to do this forever and I'm so happy to finally do it. I was naïve and I made a mistake."{{cite web |url = https://www.highsnobiety.com/p/rich-chigga-name-change-brian/ |title = Rich Chigga Officially Changes His Name to Brian |date = 25 June 2018 |access-date = 24 June 2018 |df = dmy-all }}

Brian was homeschooled and has stated that he does not wish to seek college education, though if given the chance, he would attend film school.

{{main|Rich Brian discography}}

• Amen (2018)
• The Sailor (2019)
• Where Is My Head? (2025)

Selected filmography

• Jamojaya (2023){{cite news |last1=Brzeski |first1=Patrick |title=Straight Outta Jakarta: Indonesian Rapper Rich Brian Makes His Big-Screen Debut in Park City |url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-features/indonesian-rapper-rich-brian-biopic-jamojaya-1235302102/ |work=The Hollywood Reporter |date=21 January 2023}}

Headlining

• Come to My Party Tour (2017–2018){{cite web |url = https://hypebeast.com/2017/8/rich-chigga-come-to-my-party-tour-announcement |title = Rich Chigga Announces 'Come To My Party' Tour |website = Hypebeast |date = 16 August 2017 |access-date = 13 September 2017 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20170913183822/https://hypebeast.com/2017/8/rich-chigga-come-to-my-party-tour-announcement |archive-date = 13 September 2017 |url-status = live |df = dmy-all }}
• The Sailor Tour (2019){{cite web|url=https://www.axs.com/rich-brian-announces-2019-tour-in-support-of-new-album-the-sailor-138279|title=Rich Brian announces 2019 tour in support of new album, 'The Sailor'|work=AXS|author=Dominiq Robinson|date=30 July 2019|access-date=31 March 2020}}

Co-headlining

• 88rising Asia Tour {{small|(with Higher Brothers and Joji)}} (2017){{cite web|url=https://hypebeast.com/2017/11/88-rising-asia-tour-rich-chigga-higher-brothers-joji|title=88Rising Announces Asia Tour Featuring Rich Chigga, Higher Brothers & Joji|work=HypeBeast|author=HP Cheung|date=9 November 2017|access-date=31 March 2020}}

{{reflist}}

• {{AllMusic}}
• {{IMDb name}}
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• [https://cultura.id/rich-brian-the-sailor-album-review Rich Brian: The Sailor Album Review (Indonesia)]

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{{Rich Brian}}

Category:1999 births

Category:Indonesian expatriates in the United States

Category:Indonesian rappers

Category:21st-century Indonesian male singers

Category:Indonesian people of Chinese descent

Category:English-language singers from Indonesia

Category:Living people

Category:Musicians from Jakarta

Category:21st-century Indonesian singers

Category:Indonesian songwriters

Category:Indonesian record producers

Category:Indonesian Christians

Category:Alternative hip-hop musicians

Category:Underground rappers

Category:Trap musicians