ALL OF IT: Lyrics Born’s Farewell Album, “Goodbye, Sticky Rice” (Listening Party)

Host: Alison Stewart
Guest: Lyrics Born
Release Date: December 2, 2024

Introduction to Lyrics Born and His Journey

Alison Stewart opens the episode by highlighting the significance of Lyrics Born’s career, tracing his roots from his debut in 1997 as part of the alternative rap duo Lear Mix alongside Latif the True Speaker. She notes his transition to a solo career in 2003 with the album Later That Day, recognized by Rolling Stone as one of the 200 greatest hip hop albums. Now, 27 years into his career, Lyrics Born is set to release his final album, Goodbye, Sticky Rice.

Alison Stewart [00:17]: "In 1997, Lyrics Born debuted as one half of the alternative rap duo Lear Mix... Now 27 years later, the self-proclaimed funkiest rapper alive is releasing his final LP."

Listening Party and Album Preview

The episode features a listening party for Goodbye, Sticky Rice, with Alison and Lyrics Born playing tracks from the album. The first track, “Take It Too Far,” showcases Lyrics Born’s signature blend of woody beats and infectious grooves.

Lyrics Born [03:19]: “Take it too far... I'mma take it too far.”

Alison praises the Bay Area legend for diving deeper into personal and cultural reflections, offering listeners a thoughtful and textured musical experience.

Alison Stewart [01:48]: "The Bay Area legend dives deeper into personal and cultural reflections with this album, offering listeners a thoughtful and highly textured musical experience."

Discussion on “Goodbye, Sticky Rice”

Lyrics Born explains the origin of the album title and his decision to retire from music. Initially titled Sticky Rice, he altered it to signify his departure.

Lyrics Born [02:17]: "The title was originally just Sticky Rice, but then I just decided, you know what, I'm out of here."

When asked about his decision to make this his last album, he reflects on his 31-year career and the need to focus his creative energies elsewhere.

Lyrics Born [07:00]: "This is my 31st year as a professional... I just wanted to make sure that I didn't have other things competing for my creative attention."

Collaborative Relationship with Gio Velarde

A significant portion of the album features Lyrics Born’s wife, Gio Velarde. They have collaborated musically for over three decades, starting with their first hit, “Balcony Beach,” in 1996.

Lyrics Born [08:28]: “We met when I was a college DJ at KDBS... Our first connection musically was in the studio with ‘Balcony Beach.’”

Gio Velarde brings a wealth of talent to the collaboration, being a classically trained singer with an intuitive understanding of music, enabling them to create harmoniously with minimal takes.

Lyrics Born [09:44]: “She's a classically trained singer... We have this artistic shorthand... an unspoken understanding of our tastes and preferences.”

Evolution of His Musical Style

Alison inquires about the evolution of Lyrics Born’s rapping style from his early days to his latest work. Lyrics Born likens his artistic journey to his stepfather’s transition from bespoke woodworking to mass production, emphasizing growth and embracing new methods.

Lyrics Born [14:35]: “As time goes on and you gain more experience and embrace technology, you learn to trust yourself more and become more prolific and versatile.”

Influence of the Bay Area

The Bay Area’s unique cultural and political landscape has been a cornerstone of Lyrics Born’s identity and music. He credits the region for fostering an environment that blends thought, politics, culture, and history uniquely.

Lyrics Born [16:30]: “Bay Area culture is not something you really see anywhere else... I've been very fortunate. I honestly don't think my story could have happened anywhere else.”

Deep Dive into “Shades of Jade”

Another track from the album, “Shades of Jade,” delves into personal emotions and struggles with loneliness. The song features introspective lyrics that resonate with listeners dealing with similar feelings.

Lyrics Born [18:03]: “Shades of Jade is just... my personal experience... things that I deal with day to day, emotionally.”

Expanding Creative Horizons: Acting and Cooking

Beyond music, Lyrics Born has ventured into acting and culinary arts with his YouTube series Dinner in Place. He discusses how these creative outlets are interconnected, enhancing his performance in each field.

Lyrics Born [20:12]: “Acting, songwriting, rapping, performing, cooking... it's all different sides of the same coin. Acting has helped me be a better musician, and vice versa.”

Future Projects and Community Impact

While Goodbye, Sticky Rice marks the end of his musical journey, Lyrics Born hints at exciting developments in his YouTube series’ fifth season. He expresses pride in their progress and anticipates it will significantly resonate with audiences.

Lyrics Born [21:54]: “There is a season five... it's going to blow people away and I'm so proud of how far we've come.”

Fan Appreciation and Closing Remarks

A heartfelt moment occurs when Alison reads a fan’s message appreciating Lyrics Born’s inspirational presence in the hip hop community. Lyrics Born thanks the anonymous fan, showcasing his connection with listeners.

Lyrics Born [22:28]: “That's beautiful. Thank you. Whoever that was. Thank you for that random text.”

Alison wraps up the episode by thanking Lyrics Born and teasing the next episode featuring Jim Gaffigan and Jude.

Alison Stewart [22:40]: “My guest has been Lyrics Born. The album is called Goodbye Sticky Rice. Thank you for your time today.”

Notable Quotes

• Alison Stewart [07:00]: “Music is a very, it's a very all-consuming pursuit if you really want to do it well and you really want to approach it with integrity.”

• Lyrics Born [14:35]: “I have been able to evolve and embrace new methods.”

• Lyrics Born [20:12]: “Every time you go out on a limb, creatively, you're trying to show up as that person.”

Conclusion
This episode of ALL OF IT serves as a poignant farewell to Lyrics Born’s illustrious career, celebrating his contributions to hip hop and showcasing his latest work, Goodbye, Sticky Rice. Through in-depth discussions and exclusive listening sessions, listeners gain insight into Lyrics Born’s artistic journey, his collaborative dynamics, and his enduring impact on the cultural landscape.