{{Short description|Indonesian rapper (born 1999)}} {{Use American English|date=February 2026}} {{Use mdy dates|date=February 2026}} {{Indonesian name|patronymic=yes|Soewarno|Brian}} {{Infobox person | name = Rich Brian | image = Rich Brian with the President of Indonesia (cropped).jpg | caption = Brian in 2019 | birth_name = Brian Imanuel Soewarno | other_names = {{hlist|Rich Chigga|Brian|Brian Imanuel}} | birth_date = {{Birth date and age|1999|9|3}} | birth_place = Jakarta, Indonesia | occupation = {{hlist|Rapper|singer|songwriter|record producer}} | years_active = 2015–present | mother = | father = | relatives = | module = {{Infobox musical artist | embed = yes | genre = {{hlist|Hip-hop}} | label = {{hlist|88rising|12Tone|Empire}} }} }} '''Brian Imanuel Soewarno''' (born September 3, 1999),<ref name="Birth">{{cite web |url=https://www.abc.net.au/triplej/news/musicnews/whats-next-for-rich-brian/11482472 |title=What's next for Rich Brian? The rapper shares plans on his 20th birthday |publisher=Triple J |date=September 4, 2019 |access-date=July 14, 2020 |author=Bracken, Claire}}</ref><ref name=jokowi>{{cite web |url=https://coconuts.co/jakarta/lifestyle/he-makes-us-proud-president-jokowi-meets-indonesian-rapper-rich-brian-in-bogor-palace |title='He makes us proud': President Jokowi meets Indonesian rap er Rich Brian in Bogor Palace |author=Coconuts Jakarta |date=July 8, 2019 |website=Coconuts Jakarta |publisher=Coconuts Media |access-date=September 9, 2019}}</ref> known professionally as '''Rich Brian '''(formerly '''Rich Chigga'''), is an Indonesian rapper and singer.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Han |first=Angie |date=January 26, 2023 |title='Jamojaya' Review: Justin Chon's Father-Son Drama Leans on Its Leads to Overcome Flaws |url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-reviews/jamojaya-review-justin-chon-1235303593/ |access-date=January 29, 2023 |website=The Hollywood Reporter |language=en-US}}</ref> He is known for his viral debut single "Dat $tick", which was first released in March 2016 on SoundCloud.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://soundcloud.com/richbrian/dat-tick-prod-ananta-vinnie|title=Dat $tick (Prod. Ananta Vinnie)|work=SoundCloud|date=January 11, 2016|access-date=July 30, 2019}}</ref> The single was later certified gold by RIAA.<ref name="riaa">{{cite web |url = https://www.riaa.com/gold-platinum/?tab_active=default-award&ar=Rich+Chigga&ti=Dat+%24tick#search_section |title = American single certifications – Rich Chigga – Dat $tick". Recording Industry Association of America.|website = Recording Industry Association of America|access-date=July 29, 2019}}</ref> His debut studio album, ''Amen'', was released in 2018 and peaked at number 18 on the US ''Billboard'' 200, making Brian the second Southeast Asian artist to be on the top 20 Billboard 200 after Filipino singer Jake Zyrus.<ref name="Amen">{{cite web|url=https://music.apple.com/us/album/amen/1341513315|title=Amen by Rich Brian|work=Apple Music|date=February 2, 2018|access-date=July 30, 2019}}</ref> Brian's second studio album, ''The Sailor'', was released in 2019. He released an EP titled ''1999'' in 2020. He released another EP titled ''Brightside'' in January 2022. Brian has collaborated with many artists from China and South Korea such as Chungha, Keith Ape, Jackson Wang, and Jae Park.
== Early life == Brian Imanuel Soewarno was born on September 3, 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.<ref>{{Cite web |date=March 4, 2016 |title=Who is Rich Chigga? |url=https://hypebeast.com/2018/3/rich-chigga-interview |access-date=August 25, 2023 |website=Hypebeast}}</ref> He is of Chinese-Indonesian<ref>{{Cite web |date=February 5, 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=August 25, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170205101037/http://www.playboy.com/articles/brian-imanuel-rich-chigga-interview |archive-date=February 5, 2017 }}</ref> descent.
Brian was raised in West Jakarta in a middle-to-low class neighborhood.<ref>{{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 = November 24, 2016 |work = The Guardian |access-date = August 7, 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 = August 7, 2017 |url-status = live |df = dmy-all }}</ref> Despite his father being a lawyer,<ref name="Thomas">{{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 = August 18, 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 = August 17, 2017 |url-status = live |df = dmy-all }}</ref> he never had a formal education and spent most of his time helping at his parents' café while being homeschooled.<ref>{{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 = August 7, 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 = August 7, 2017 |url-status = live |df = dmy-all }}</ref>
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.<ref name="Thomas" /> 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, and had an American friend on Skype that he could talk and converse with to improve his English.<ref>{{Citation|title=Skype|date=October 21, 2021|url=https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Skype&oldid=1051028386|work=Wikipedia|language=en|access-date=October 22, 2021}}</ref> 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.<ref>{{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 = November 4, 2016 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20161105223509/http://www.mtv.com/artists/rich-chigga/biography/ |archive-date = November 5, 2016 |url-status = dead |df = dmy-all }}</ref>
Brian began listening to hip-hop in 2012, when an American friend he knew on the internet introduced him to "Thrift Shop" by Macklemore & Ryan Lewis.<ref>{{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 = August 19, 2017 |website = Highsnobiety |access-date = August 19, 2017 |df = dmy-all }}</ref> 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.<ref>{{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 = August 19, 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 = August 19, 2017 |url-status = live |df = dmy-all }}</ref>
Brian originally wanted to become a cinematographer in Los Angeles, however he gave up the aspiration once his music career began taking off.<ref name=":2">{{Cite news |url = http://www.vocativ.com/351419/rich-chigga/ |title = Rich Chigga Is Your Favorite Rapper's New Favorite Rapper |date = August 20, 2016 |work = Vocativ |access-date = August 19, 2017 |language = en-US |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20170819061733/http://www.vocativ.com/351419/rich-chigga/ |archive-date = August 19, 2017 |url-status = live |df = dmy-all }}</ref>
== Career == === 2015–2016: Career beginnings === [[File:Rich Chigga.png|thumb|254x254px|Brian performing Dat Stick in August 2016.]] Brian began his career under the name Rich Chigga and released his debut track, titled "Living the Dream" on July 17, 2015, on his YouTube account. The song was produced by DJ Smokey.<ref>{{cite web |url = https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lblbs7V7pwA |title = Rich Chigga – "Living The Dream" (Prod. by DJ Smokey) |website = YouTube |access-date = November 23, 2016 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20170620230851/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lblbs7V7pwA |archive-date = June 20, 2017 |url-status = live |df = dmy-all }}</ref> Brian then went on to release his debut single "Dat Stick" on March 11, 2016.<ref name=":0">{{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 = October 24, 2016 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20161024094321/http://time.com/4532948/brian-imanuel-rich-chigga-jakarta-indonesia-rap-hiphop/ |archive-date = October 24, 2016 |url-status = live |df = dmy-all }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url = https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rzc3_b_KnHc |title = Rich Chigga – Dat $tick (Official Video) |website = YouTube |date = February 22, 2016 |access-date = November 23, 2016 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20161126114322/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rzc3_b_KnHc |archive-date = November 26, 2016 |url-status = live |df = dmy-all }}</ref> Shortly after, he was signed by 88rising.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Ifeyani|first=KC|date=May 1, 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=April 7, 2021|website=Fast Company}}</ref> "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.<ref>{{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 |date = July 12, 2016 |access-date = November 23, 2016 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20161129044849/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-KMBELyZ_sM |archive-date = November 29, 2016 |url-status = live |df = dmy-all }}</ref> 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.<ref name="US-Bubbling-R&B-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 = May 24, 2017 }}</ref>
Brian then went on to release his second single titled "Who That Be" on iTunes on August 9, 2016. The song was produced by Sihk.<ref name="itunes.apple.com">{{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 = August 9, 2016 |access-date = November 23, 2016 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20161124094852/https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/who-that-be/id1142016298?i=1142016454 |archive-date = November 24, 2016 |url-status = live |df = dmy-all }}</ref> He then released a remix of his debut single "Dat Stick" which features rappers Ghostface Killah and Pouya.<ref>{{cite web |url = https://www.hotnewhiphop.com/514025-rich-chigga-feat-ghostface-killah-and-pouya-dat-stick-remix-video-new-video |title = Rich Chigga Feat. Ghostface Killah & Pouya "Dat $tick (Remix)" Video |website = HNHH |date = October 12, 2016 |access-date = November 23, 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 = November 24, 2016 |url-status = live |df = dmy-all }}</ref> Brian later released his third single "Seventeen" which quickly surpassed the one million hits mark on both YouTube and SoundCloud.<ref>{{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 = April 19, 2017 |website = Highsnobiety |access-date = April 19, 2017 |df = dmy-all }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url = https://soundcloud.com/richbrian/seventeen |title = Seventeen |access-date = April 20, 2017 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20171212124246/https://soundcloud.com/richbrian/seventeen |archive-date = December 12, 2017 |url-status = live |df = dmy-all }}</ref>
=== 2017–2018: ''Amen'' === Brian released his fourth single "Back At It" on April 19, 2017.<ref name="BackAtIt">{{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 = April 21, 2017 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20170422132641/https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/back-at-it/id1228294960 |archive-date = April 22, 2017 |url-status = dead |df = dmy-all }}</ref> He later started his first US tour in April 2017, which concluded in May.<ref>{{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 = August 7, 2017 |website = Highsnobiety |access-date = August 7, 2017 |df = dmy-all }}</ref> In May 2017, Brian released the single "Gospel" with XXXTentacion and Keith Ape.<ref>{{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 = August 7, 2017 |website = Highsnobiety |access-date = August 7, 2017 |df = dmy-all }}</ref><ref>{{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 = May 11, 2017 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20170902082305/https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/gospel-single/id1233867565 |archive-date = September 2, 2017 |url-status = dead |df = dmy-all }}</ref> 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.<ref>{{Citation |last = 88rising |title = Rich Chigga x Keith Ape x XXXTentacion – Gospel (Prod. RONNYJ) |date = May 11, 2017 |url = https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s1CY9AYUa7U |access-date = August 7, 2017 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20170811065131/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s1CY9AYUa7U |archive-date = August 11, 2017 |url-status = live |df = dmy-all }}</ref>
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."<ref>{{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 = May 26, 2017 |language = en-US |access-date = August 7, 2017 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20170803112329/http://www.xxlmag.com/news/2017/05/rich-chigga-serious-about-rap-interview/ |archive-date = August 3, 2017 |url-status = live |df = dmy-all }}</ref> In an interview, Brian said he was spending most of his stay in Los Angeles, California working on his debut album.<ref name=":1">{{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 = August 7, 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 = September 27, 2017 |url-status = live |df = dmy-all }}</ref> thumb|215x215px|Brian performing in Taipei in June 2017. Brian released "Glow Like Dat" on August 15, 2017, through 88rising's YouTube channel.<ref>{{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 = August 17, 2017 |website = Highsnobiety |access-date = August 17, 2017 |df = dmy-all }}</ref> He then announced a nationwide tour starting on September 9 and concluding on November 21 titled "Come to My Party Tour".<ref>{{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 = August 15, 2017 |language = en-US |access-date = August 17, 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 = August 19, 2017 |url-status = live |df = dmy-all }}</ref> Brian later released the singles "Chaos" and "Crisis" featuring 21 Savage in October and November 2017 respectively.<ref name="Chaos">{{cite web |url = https://music.apple.com/us/album/chaos/1290461457 |title = Chaos – Single by Rich Chigga on Apple Music |website = iTunes |date = October 5, 2017 |access-date = December 21, 2017 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20171006151604/https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/chaos/id1290461457 |archive-date = October 6, 2017 |url-status = live |df = dmy-all }}</ref><ref name="Crisis">{{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 = November 10, 2017 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20171222052024/https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/crisis-feat-21-savage-single/1309256027 |archive-date = December 22, 2017 |url-status = dead |df = dmy-all }}</ref> On December 19, 2017, Brian announced on the social media platform Twitter that he was releasing his debut studio album titled, ''Amen''.<ref>{{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 = December 21, 2017 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20171224201413/https://twitter.com/richchigga/status/943183139265921024 |archive-date = December 24, 2017 |url-status = live |df = dmy-all }}</ref> On January 1, 2018, Brian officially changed his stage name from "Rich Chigga" to "Brian" with the release of "See Me".<ref>{{Cite news |last=Ofiaza |first=Renz |date=January 1, 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=April 22, 2022}}</ref> 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 January 16.<ref name="18KrisWu">{{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=January 16, 2018|access-date=July 30, 2019}}</ref> On February 2, ''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.<ref>{{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 = February 4, 2018 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20180204083136/http://rhymehiphop.com/rich-brian-itunes-history/ |archive-date = February 4, 2018 |url-status = live |df = dmy-all }}</ref><ref name="Billboard200">{{cite magazine |url = https://www.billboard.com/charts/billboard-200/2018-02-17 |title = Top 200 Albums: February 17, 2018 |magazine = Billboard |access-date = February 13, 2018 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20180310044654/https://www.billboard.com/charts/billboard-200/2018-02-17 |archive-date = March 10, 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 = August 7, 2019}}</ref>
Following the release of ''Amen'', Brian released "Watch Out!" on April 4, 2018.<ref name="WatchOut">{{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 = April 4, 2018 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20180404212357/https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/watch-out-single/1365799449 |archive-date = April 4, 2018 |url-status = dead |df = dmy-all }}</ref> 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, AUGUST08, and "History" which were released on June 7 and July 18 respectively.<ref name="MM">{{cite news |last1=Findlay |first1=Mitch |title=Rich Brian, Higher Brothers, August 08 & Joji Link For "Midsummer Madness" |url=https://www.hotnewhiphop.com/97334-rich-brian-higher-brothers-august-08-and-joji-link-for-midsummer-madness-new-song |access-date=August 15, 2018 |work=HotNewHipHop |date=June 7, 2018}}</ref><ref name="History">{{cite web |url = https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/1409616192 |title = History – Single by Rich Brian on Apple Music |website = iTunes |access-date = July 18, 2018 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20180718174453/https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/1409616192 |archive-date = July 18, 2018 |url-status = dead |df = dmy-all }}</ref> The album was released on July 20, 2018.<ref>{{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=July 20, 2018|access-date=July 30, 2019|archive-date=July 30, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190730051113/https://music.apple.com/us/album/head-in-the-clouds/1411103958|url-status=dead}}</ref>
=== 2019–present: ''The Sailor'', ''1999'' and ''Brightside'' === On June 26, 2019, Brian released a new single, titled "Yellow", featuring the artist and producer Bekon and later announced his second studio album titled ''The Sailor''.<ref name=":3">{{cite web |url = https://music.apple.com/album/1467987532 |title = Yellow (feat. Bekon) – Single by Rich Brian on Apple Music |date = June 26, 2019 |access-date = June 26, 2019 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20190626185408/https://music.apple.com/album/1467987532 |archive-date = June 26, 2019 |url-status = live |df = dmy-all }}</ref> He then released the second single from the album "Kids" on July 17, 2019.<ref name="Kids">[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, July 19, 2019.</ref> ''The Sailor'' was released on July 26, 2019, with guest appearances from RZA and Joji.<ref>{{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=June 26, 2019}}</ref><ref>[https://www.hotnewhiphop.com/180978-rich-brians-sophomore-album-the-sailor-features-rza-joji-and-more-new-mixtape Rich Brian's Sophomore Album] by Alex Zidel, Hot New Hip Hop Magazine, July 26, 2019.</ref><ref name="Sailor">{{cite web|date=July 26, 2019|title=The Sailor by Rich Brian|url=https://music.apple.com/us/album/the-sailor/1469319614|access-date=July 30, 2019|work=Apple Music|archive-date=July 27, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190727030708/https://music.apple.com/us/album/the-sailor/1469319614|url-status=dead}}</ref>
On August 25, 2020, Brian released an EP titled ''1999''.<ref>{{Cite web|date=August 25, 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=August 26, 2020|website=NME Music News, Reviews, Videos, Galleries, Tickets and Blogs {{!}} NME.COM|language=en}}</ref><ref>{{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=August 28, 2020|website=Complex|language=en}}</ref> The seven-track EP was preceded with three singles with accompanying music videos: "Don't Care", "Love in my Pocket" and "DOA".<ref>{{Cite web|title=Rich Brian – DOA (Official Music Video)|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UkzNJ88hmIE|website=YouTube | date=September 6, 2020 }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title=Rich Brian – Don't Care (Official Music Video) – YouTube|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7vR2lPExR00|access-date=August 28, 2020|website=www.youtube.com | date=August 17, 2020 }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title=Rich Brian – Love In My Pocket (Official Music Video) – YouTube|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oFHONLjD4MM|access-date=August 28, 2020|website=www.youtube.com | date=August 24, 2020 }}</ref>
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.<ref>{{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'|work=The New York Times |url-access=subscription |access-date=September 8, 2023|archive-date=September 3, 2021|archive-url=https://archive.today/20210903173139/https://www.nytimes.com/2021/09/02/arts/music/88rising-shang-chi-soundtrack.html |first1=Jeremy |last1=Gordon |date=September 2, 2021}}</ref><ref name="RunItESPNCollegeFootball">{{Cite web |last=Lopez |first=Isabelle |date=August 13, 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=August 15, 2021 |access-date=August 19, 2021 |website=ESPN Press Room}}</ref> 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.<ref name="Jamojaya">{{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=October 12, 2021}}</ref>
On January 20, 2022, Brian released an EP titled ''Brightside''.<ref name="Brightside">{{Cite web|last=Corcoran, Nina|date=January 20, 2022|title=Rich Brian surprise releases new EP, ''Brightside''|url=https://pitchfork.com/news/rich-brian-surprise-releases-new-ep-brightside-listen/|access-date=January 22, 2022|website=Pitchfork}}</ref> 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 October 18, 2023, Brian released a single titled "World Stop Tuning", featuring Warren Hue.<ref>{{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=October 18, 2023 }}</ref>
On March 6, 2025, Brian announced his third studio album, ''Where Is My Head?'', set for release on May 23, but later was pushed back to August 15 due to track listing re-assessment.<ref name="Where Is My Head?">{{Cite Instagram |postid=DG4gFq0yxJI |user=brianimanuel |title=''Where Is My Head?'' My third album. May 23rd. |author=Rich Brian |date=March 6, 2025 |access-date=March 10, 2025}}</ref>
== Musical style == Brian's musical style has been called "ironic" by UrbanDaddy though it "eventually transcends itself to become a legitimate piece of art."<ref>{{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=August 16, 2017|work = UrbanDaddy |access-date = August 19, 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 = August 19, 2017 |url-status = live |df = dmy-all }}</ref> Brian's vocals have been described as baritone,<ref>{{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 = August 19, 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 = August 19, 2017 |url-status = live |df = dmy-all }}</ref> and his delivery as "gruff yet agile"<ref name=":2" /> and "unique".<ref>{{Citation|title=Rich Chigga – Glow Like Dat {{!}} Stream [New Song]|date=August 15, 2017|url=https://www.hotnewhiphop.com/597323-rich-chigga-glow-like-dat-new-song|access-date=August 19, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170819064008/http://www.hotnewhiphop.com/rich-chigga-glow-like-dat-new-song.1975384.html|archive-date=August 19, 2017|url-status=live}}</ref> His song writing ability has been called "skilled" by HotNewHipHop.<ref>{{Citation|title=Rich Chigga – Seventeen {{!}} Stream [New Song]|date=December 21, 2016|url=https://www.hotnewhiphop.com/589965-rich-chigga-seventeen-new-song|access-date=August 19, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170819064101/http://www.hotnewhiphop.com/rich-chigga-seventeen-new-song.1972314.html|archive-date=August 19, 2017|url-status=live}}</ref> 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".<ref>{{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 = August 19, 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 = August 19, 2017 |url-status = live |df = dmy-all }}</ref>
With the release of "Yellow" on June 26, 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."<ref>{{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=June 26, 2019}}</ref>
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<ref>{{cite web | url=https://eastsidevibess.com/2020/09/01/rich-brian-1999-review/ | title=Rich Brian – 1999 Review | date=September 2020 }}</ref> 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.<ref name=":2" /><ref>{{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=August 25, 2024 |website=kumparan |language=id-ID}}</ref>
== Personal life == 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.<ref name="Rubik's">{{cite web |title=Brian Imanuel |url=https://www.worldcubeassociation.org/persons/2010IMAN01 |website=worldcubeassociation.org |publisher=World Cube Association |access-date=August 7, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220807215105/https://www.worldcubeassociation.org/persons/2010IMAN01 |archive-date=August 7, 2022 |language=en |url-status=live}}</ref> 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.<ref name="Rubik's" /><ref>{{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=August 7, 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=August 7, 2022 |language=id |date=April 18, 2018 |url-status=live}}</ref> 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.<ref name="Rubik's" />
Brian currently lives in Los Angeles after moving there in May 2017.<ref>{{Cite news |url = https://www.gq.com/story/rich-brian-amen-interview |title = Rich Brian Learned How to Rap from YouTube |first1=Alex |last1=Wong |date = February 2, 2018 |work = GQ |access-date = February 2, 2018 |language = en |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20180202220059/https://www.gq.com/story/rich-brian-amen-interview |archive-date = February 2, 2018 |url-status = live |df = dmy-all }}</ref> He is not a permanent resident of the United States; though in July 2017, he extended his stay.<ref name=":1" />
Brian's original stage name, Rich Chigga, created controversy in the past.<ref>{{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 = August 7, 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 = August 10, 2016 }}</ref> 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."<ref>{{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 = February 2, 2018 |website = Complex |access-date = July 22, 2018 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20180222002555/http://www.complex.com/music/2018/02/rich-brian-interview |archive-date = February 22, 2018 |url-status = live |df = dmy-all }}</ref> 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."<ref>{{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 = June 7, 2017 |access-date = August 7, 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 = August 7, 2017 |url-status = live |df = dmy-all }}</ref> 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."<ref>{{cite web |url = https://www.highsnobiety.com/p/rich-chigga-name-change-brian/ |title = Rich Chigga Officially Changes His Name to Brian |date = June 25, 2018 |access-date = June 24, 2018 |df = dmy-all }}</ref>
Brian was homeschooled and has stated that he does not wish to seek college education,<ref name=":1" /> though if given the chance, he would attend film school.<ref name=":0" />
== Discography == {{main|Rich Brian discography}}
* ''Amen'' (2018) * ''The Sailor'' (2019) * ''Where Is My Head?'' (2025)<ref name="Where Is My Head?" />
== Filmography == * ''Jamojaya'' (2023)<ref>{{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=January 21, 2023}}</ref>
== Concert tours == '''Headlining''' * Come to My Party Tour (2017–2018)<ref>{{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 = August 16, 2017 |access-date = September 13, 2017 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20170913183822/https://hypebeast.com/2017/8/rich-chigga-come-to-my-party-tour-announcement |archive-date = September 13, 2017 |url-status = live |df = dmy-all }}</ref> *The Sailor Tour (2019)<ref>{{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=July 30, 2019|access-date=March 31, 2020}}</ref>
'''Co-headlining''' * 88rising Asia Tour {{small|(with Higher Brothers and Joji)}} (2017)<ref>{{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=November 9, 2017|access-date=March 31, 2020}}</ref>
== References == {{reflist}}
== External links == * {{AllMusic}} * {{IMDb name}} * {{Discogs artist}} * [https://cultura.id/rich-brian-the-sailor-album-review Rich Brian: The Sailor Album Review (Indonesia)]
{{authority control}} {{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 Indonesian singers 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 Category:21st-century rappers