Rich Brian in Industry Music: Evidence of Indonesian Children in Global Music

El Valle Grita – Rich Brian in Industry Music: Evidence of Indonesian Children in Global Music

Table of Contents

The Journey of Rich Brian: From Jakarta to Global Stardom

Rich Brian is one of Indonesia’s most successful musicians who has broken into the international music industry. With his unique style and exceptional rap skills, he captured global attention with his viral hit “Dat $tick” in 2016.

Starting from his passion for hip-hop and learning independently through the internet, Brian is now a part of the renowned music label 88rising. He has released several albums that have received critical acclaim. His journey from a teenager creating content on social media to becoming a global rap sensation is an inspiration to many.

Early Life and Background

Full Name: Brian Imanuel Soewarno
Stage Name: Rich Brian (formerly known as Rich Chigga)
Date of Birth: September 3, 1999
Nationality: Indonesian
Occupation: Rapper, singer, songwriter, music producer
Genres: Hip-hop, rap
Instruments: Vocals, piano, keyboard
Label: 88rising
Years Active: 2015 – Present

Self-Taught Musical Journey

Rich Brian did not receive formal music education or higher academic training. He learned independently through the internet, especially YouTube. Since childhood, he taught himself English by watching YouTube videos and listening to rap music.

Career Beginnings (2010 – 2015)

At the age of 11, Brian became active on social media, particularly on Twitter and Vine, creating dark humor and parody content. Initially, he had no plans to become a rapper but developed an interest in rap music after listening to Macklemore and Tyler, The Creator. Through self-learning, he started writing and recording his own songs using a cheap microphone and simple software.

Breakthrough with “Dat $tick” (2016 – 2017)

In 2016, Brian released his debut single “Dat $tick,” which quickly went viral. The song gained massive attention from global artists, including Ghostface Killah (Wu-Tang Clan), 21 Savage, and Tory Lanez. The track earned a gold certification from RIAA, marking Brian’s success in the American music industry.

Debut Album “Amen” (2018)

In 2018, Rich Brian released his first studio album, Amen. The album reached #18 on the Billboard 200, making him the first Asian artist to achieve that rank with a debut album. The songs in this album showcased his personal side and a more mature approach to hip-hop music.

Name Change and Album “The Sailor” (2019)

Before releasing his second album, Brian changed his stage name from Rich Chigga to Rich Brian to avoid negative connotations. In 2019, he launched The Sailor, which received high praise for its deep lyrics and experimental musical arrangements.

Musical Exploration and EP “1999” (2020 – Present)

In 2020, Brian released the EP 1999, featuring tracks with a broader musical experiment. He collaborated with international artists such as Joji, bbno$, and NIKI. His single “Edamame” (with bbno$) received platinum certification in the U.S. and the U.K. In 2022, Brian became a headliner at Coachella, proving his status as one of the biggest Asian musicians in the world.

Discography

Studio Albums

Amen (2018)
The Sailor (2019)

EP (Extended Play)

1999 (2020)

Popular Singles

“Dat $tick” (2016)
“Glow Like Dat” (2017)
“History” (2018)
“Yellow” (2019)
“Edamame” (feat. bbno$) (2021)
“New Tooth” (2021)

Awards and Achievements

2016 – “Dat $tick” received RIAA gold certification.
2018 – Amen reached #18 on Billboard 200.
2021 – “Edamame” achieved platinum status in the U.S. & U.K.
2022 – Performed as a headliner at Coachella.
2023 – Listed in Forbes 30 Under 30 Asia for music.

Interesting Facts About Rich Brian

Taught himself English solely by watching YouTube.
Initially had a strong interest in cinematography before shifting to music.
Used a cheap microphone and basic software to record his first songs.
Changed his stage name from Rich Chigga to Rich Brian to avoid controversy.
Became one of the first Asian artists to break into the global hip-hop industry.
His music style continues to evolve, from hardcore rap to R&B and pop experimentation.

Conclusion

Rich Brian’s success in the international music industry proves that with hard work, creativity, and persistence, anyone can achieve their dreams regardless of their background or limitations. From a self-taught teenager to a globally recognized rapper, Rich Brian has proudly brought Indonesia to the world stage.

By continuously producing and experimenting with music, he not only inspires young generations but also proves that Indonesian musicians can compete in the international music scene. Moving forward, Rich Brian is expected to make significant contributions to the music industry and become a role model for aspiring young artists.

For more updates on Rich Brian and the music industry, visit El Valle Grita or elvallegrita.com.