Biography
Who is Rich Brian?
Early life and origins
Brian Imanuel Soewarno was born on September 3, 1999, in Jakarta, Indonesia. He grew up in a middle-to-low class neighborhood in West Jakarta. His family includes his father Heru, mother Megawati, and siblings Roy, Stephanie, and Sonia Eryka Soewarno. He is of Chinese-Indonesian descent. While his father worked as a lawyer, he did not receive a formal education. Instead, he spent his youth assisting at his parents café while being homeschooled. This environment allowed him time to look at the internet, which eventually sparked his initial creative career.
He discovered YouTube while searching for methods to solve a Rubik Cube. By the age of 11, he was creating video content and dark comedy sketches on Twitter. He later moved to the platform Vine to post daily videos. Rich Brian taught himself English by watching online videos and communicating with an American friend via Skype. He also studied the language by listening to hip-hop artists like Childish Gambino, 2 Chainz, and Tyler, the Creator.
Internet beginnings and music
He began his music exploration in 2012 after hearing Thrift Shop by Macklemore and Ryan Lewis. By 2014, he wrote his first rap song, recording it on an iPhone microphone over an MF Doom instrumental. Originally, he aspired to be a cinematographer in Los Angeles, but his music trajectory changed those plans. He began releasing tracks under the name Rich Chigga, starting with Living the Dream in 2015. His major break came with the single Dat Stick, released in March 2016.
The song went viral, aided by a reaction video featuring established American rappers like 21 Savage and Ghostface Killah. Following the success of Dat Stick, which was certified gold by the RIAA, Rich Brian signed with 88rising. He released his debut studio album, Amen, in February 2018. The project reached number 18 on the US Billboard 200, making him the second Southeast Asian artist to place in the top 20 of that chart. He officially changed his stage name to Rich Brian in early 2018.
Career highlights and collaborations
His second studio album, The Sailor, arrived in 2019, featuring artists like RZA. He continued releasing music through EPs, including 1999 in 2020 and Brightside in 2022. He has collaborated with numerous musicians from China and South Korea, including Jackson Wang, Chungha, and Keith Ape. In 2025, he prepared to release his third studio album, Where Is My Head?, featuring guest appearances from artists like Ski Mask the Slump God.
Rich Brian expanded his creative reach into film and soundtracks. In 2021, he contributed to the soundtrack for the Marvel film Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings, especially on the track Run It. That same year, it was reported that he had been cast in a film directed by Justin Chon, playing a musician dealing with his father. His musical style has evolved significantly over the years. Initially known for comedic tracks, he later shifted toward more personal and serious songwriting. Critics have noted his baritone vocals and unique delivery style. His sound incorporates elements of trap music and 80s funk. As he matured, he began focusing on deeply personal themes, marking an important step forward for his art.
Birthday and age
Rich Brian was born on September 3, 1999, which makes Rich 27 years old today. That birthday falls under the Virgo sign. Rich shares the date with 29 other famous people.
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