For more than 30 years, Lyrics Born has been on the leading edge of West Coast hip-hop, a true pioneer of the genre through his own funk-influenced solo releases as well as his work with the likes of DJ Shadow, Lateef the Truthspeaker, Blackalicious, Lifesavas and more. But these days, he’s putting the landing gear down on his musical career in order to wear other hats—to pursue interests that have been vying for his attention for far too long.

If you’ve been following LB at all, you already know he’s got the acting bug from appearances in Boots Riley’s film Sorry to Bother You or in the comedy movie Always Be My Maybe on Netflix. There’s also his web-based cooking show, Dinner in Place, which is moving into its fifth season and promising big, exciting changes for which he’s carving out more time.

The truth is that Lyrics Born has always spun several creative plates at the same time, a sign of the permission and freedom he feels to follow the energy as he sees fit. But that doesn’t mean the resistance isn’t there or that it doesn’t affect him. Rather, as he explains, it’s about the ratio of faith and fear and it doesn’t hurt that some recent moments in therapy have given him a healthier outlook than ever on how to live into those fears. 

On this episode of The Resistance, Lyrics Born spoke with us about finding a new identity beyond hip-hop, what he’s learned in 30 years as a recording artist, and the importance of saying yes when unexpected gifts come your way.

VISIT: Lyrics Born

Photo: Mark Chua