About
Celebrated Russian rapper, singer-songwriter, and actor who has earned praise for his social commentary and strong freestyle skills. He gained notoriety with songs like "Mercedes S666," which criticized corruption. He has also spoken out against topics like the invasion of Ukraine and the annexation of Crimea. His activism led to several of his concerts being cancelled and his designation as a "foreign agent" by Russian authorities. Since relocating to Lithuania, he has continued to support causes by participating in benefit tours such as "Voices of Peace," which raised funds for Ukrainian refugees.
Before Fame
He started writing original poetry when he was 9 years old and began studying the classical guitar in the mid 1990s. He won a regional guitar competition after relocating to Belgorod. In 2002, he moved once again to Moscow where he launched his career as a solo artist while attending the Russian State Humanities University.
Trivia
He co-founded the rock band Protivo Gunz in 2003. He has won several freestyle battles including a 2005 victory over Young MC at a street culture festival. In 2007, he was signed by Respect Productions and Universal Music Russia.
Family Life
He was born Ivan Alekseyev to a father who is a musician and a mother who is a chemist. His parents divorced when he was 9 years old. He and his wife, Anna Alekseeva, share two sons together.
Associated With
His 2019 single "Chasing the Horizon" featured singer, rapper, and P.O.D. frontman Sonny Sandoval.
