The Viral Comedian-Turned-Rapper
Rich Brian (Brian Imanuel), Indonesian rapper who broke through as “Rich Chigga” with 2016 viral track “Dat $tick,” became 88rising’s flagship artist and proof Asian hip-hop could succeed in Western markets. The music video—17-year-old Brian rapping in a pink polo and fanny pack—was initially received as comedy, but his technical skill earned respect.
After rebranding to “Rich Brian” in 2018 (the original name’s racial slur implications), he released “Amen” (2018), debuting #2 on Billboard Rap chart—the first Asian artist to chart that high. His subsequent albums “The Sailor” (2019) and “Brightside” (2022) balanced introspective lyrics with commercially accessible production.
As 88rising’s most prominent artist, Rich Brian toured globally, collaborated with US artists (Offset, Gucci Mane), and represented Southeast Asian rap’s emergence. His journey from Indonesian YouTube comedian to legitimate US rapper inspired thousands of Asian artists pursuing hip-hop careers.
Sources: Complex, Billboard, 88rising data