Michael Kenji Shinoda (/ʃəˈnoʊdə/shə-NOH-də; born February 11, 1977) is an American rapper, singer, songwriter, record producer, and graphic designer. He co-founded the rock bandLinkin Park in 1996 as the band's co-lead vocalist, as well as rhythm guitarist, keyboardist, primary songwriter and producer. He also created the hip-hop-driven side project,Fort Minor, in 2004. He has also served as a producer for tracks and albums by artists such asLupe Fiasco,Styles of Beyond, andthe X-Ecutioners.
Shinoda is also the co-founder ofMachine Shop Records, a California-based record label. Outside of music, Shinoda is an artist and graphic designer. He has painted several pieces of artwork, some of which have been featured in theJapanese American National Museum. In 2018, Shinoda released his debut solo albumPost Traumatic, which consists of 18 songs about his feelings following the death ofChester Bennington, his Linkin Park bandmate.[7]
Michael Kenji Shinoda (Japanese:篠田 賢治,romanized: Shinoda Kenji)[8] was born on February 11, 1977, in thePanorama City neighborhood ofLos Angeles,California to Muto and Donna Shinoda.[9][4] He was raised inAgoura Hills.[10] His father isJapanese-American.[11][12] He has a younger brother named Jason,[4] and he was raised as a liberalProtestant.[13] Shinoda's mother encouraged him to take classical piano lessons when he was six. By 13, he expressed the desire to move toward playingjazz,blues, andhip hop.[14] He later added the guitar and rap-style vocals to his repertoire during his middle school and high school years.[4][10]
I think it was probably in college that I realized that there was a difference between Japanese and Japanese-American. That's important to realize. It's not the same thing and then eventually with Linkin Park, I toured in Japan. I've been there now I think four times. I remember the first time I went, how familiar it seemed, just getting out of the plane, it smelled like my aunt's house, in the airport, it smelled like Japan. I don't know if anybody else even noticed it but I walked out of the plane and thought this is definitely familiar to me, didn't even see anything yet. And then going to Tokyo,Osaka,Kyoto,Nagoya, you just recognize things about the way people act, the small things that people do such as how you'll grab a piece of paper. There are things that are more obvious like taking somebody's business card with two hands. You don't do that in the States. When I saw somebody do that I went, "Oh yeah, my uncle always does that," you know. There are little things that culturally come from Japan but they also exist in Japanese American culture and it made me feel like the connection was there and I kind of hadn't realized how much of it was there.[16]
Shinoda graduated in 1998 with a Bachelor of Arts in Illustration and obtained a job as a graphic designer.[4]
Shinoda founded Linkin Park withRob Bourdon andBrad Delson in 1996.[17] They eventually brought in turntablistJoe Hahn, bassistDave Farrell, and vocalist Mark Wakefield. The earliest incarnation of the band was called Xero. The band was limited in resources and originally produced and recorded music in Shinoda's bedroom, which resulted in the release of a four-track demo tape, entitledXero, in 1997.[4][18] When the band was unable to find a record deal, Wakefield and Farrell left the band to pursue other musical interests, though Farrell's departure turned out to be temporary. The band later recruitedChester Bennington and successfully landed a record deal with Warner Bros Records. Linkin Park's first studio album,Hybrid Theory went on to become a breakthrough success and helped the band attain international success.[4][18]
Shinoda is closely involved in the technical aspects of the band's recordings; over the subsequent releases, that role continued to expand. Shinoda, with guitaristBrad Delson, engineered and produced the band'sHybrid Theory EP, and performed similar roles in the recording ofHybrid Theory.[19] He has contributed to the instrumental and lyrical composition on most of Linkin Park's songs. Though Bennington primarily served as Linkin Park's lead vocalist, he occasionally shared the role with Shinoda.[20] Bennington had a higher pitched and emotional style of singing,[21] whereas Shinoda has a baritone hip-hop style delivery.[22] Shinoda organized and oversaw the band's first remix albumReanimation in 2002, contributing his own production of remixes that he made in his home studio for "Crawling" and "Pushing Me Away". Shinoda collaborated with graffiti artist DELTA, graphic designer Frank Maddocks, and bandmateJoe Hahn to prepareReanimation's artwork. Mike also collaborated with the Flem, Delta, James R. Minchin III, Nick Spanos, and Joe Hahn for the artwork of the band's second studio albumMeteora.[23] Shinoda also produced the album, with his bandmates and Don Gilmore which was his first production experience. By the release of theJay-Z and Linkin Park collaborative mashup EP, entitledCollision Course in 2004, Shinoda's involvement in the creation of the albums continued to grow.[24][25][26] He produced and mixed the album, which won theGrammy Award for Best Rap/Sung Collaboration in 2006.[27][28]
The band released their next album,Minutes to Midnight, on May 14, 2007.[29] On this album, Shinoda shared a production credit with longtime producerRick Rubin.[30] This album was also the first time that Shinoda, best known for his rapping, sang a featured vocal (even though he sang backing vocals for their previous two albums). Shinoda sang in the songs "In Between", "Hands Held High" and the B-side song "No Roads Left", as well as rapping in the songs "Bleed It Out" and "Hands Held High".[31][32] Despite the rarity of Shinoda-fronted singing tracks, music magazineHit Parader ranked him at number 72 of the Top 100 Metal Vocalists of All Time.[33]
Shinoda performing at Sonisphere Festival in Kirjurinluoto, Pori, Finland, 2009
Shinoda and Rubin again shared a production credit for Linkin Park's fourth album,A Thousand Suns, which was released on September 14, 2010.[34][35] This album featured more of his singing than rapping. Shinoda raps in three tracks, specifically "When They Come for Me", "Wretches and Kings" and second single "Waiting for the End", while he sings on numerous songs (specifically verses), such as third single "Burning in the Skies", "Robot Boy", "Blackout", fourth single "Iridescent" and lead single "The Catalyst". Bennington and Shinoda sang simultaneously together on "The Catalyst", "Jornada del Muerto" and "Robot Boy", while "Iridescent" features all band members singing together.[36]
Linkin Park released their fifth album,Living Things, on June 26, 2012. This album was stated as more "rap-centric" by Shinoda compared to the previous two albums.[37] Whereas there were tracks like "Skin to Bone", "Roads Untraveled" and "Castle of Glass" which featured the singing vocals by Shinoda and hadfolk music, influenced by the works ofBob Dylan, as well as the inspirations of Dylan.[38] Allmusic described Shinoda's work for the album as, "a fitting soundtrack for aging rap-rockers who are comfortable in their skin but restless at heart".[39]Recharged, which is a remix album consisting remixes of original songs fromLiving Things, was released on October 29, 2013. Shinoda used hisEDM experience from his work withSteve Aoki on "A Light That Never Comes", to remix some songs for the album.[40] Shinoda reinterpreted songs like "Castle of Glass" and "Victimized". He also worked with his old friends like DJ Vice andRyu for the album.[41]
The pre-production of their seventh studio album began in mid-2015 duringThe Hunting Party Tour by Shinoda on his phone.[48][49] In 2017, Shinoda again worked with Delson on the production ofOne More Light. The album is the first to feature other songwriters rather than the band itself. The album overall includes mainly singing rather than rapping from Shinoda;Good Goodbye" is a song that features rapping from Shinoda,Stormzy andPusha T.[50][51][52][53] Following Chester Bennington's death months later, the band cancelled their tour in support of the album and went on an indefinite hiatus.
In September 2024, along with fellow band members ofLinkin Park, Shinoda announced they would be collaborating with new co-vocalistEmily Armstrong and drummerColin Brittain for their next new album,From Zero.[54]
In 2004, Shinoda formed aside project called Fort Minor, which he used as an avenue to further showcase his hip-hop background. He explained the origin of the project's name in an interview stating,[55]
'Fort' represents the more aggressive side of the music. 'Minor' can mean a few things: if you're talking aboutmusic theory, the minor key is darker. I wanted to name the album rather than having my name on the cover, because I want people to focus on the music, not me.[55]
Due to the success of "Where'd You Go" during the week of April 26, 2006, sales ofThe Rising Tied increased by 45 percent, and the album chart position went up 89 positions to No. 104 on theBillboard 200."[69] "Where'd You Go" was awarded Ringtone of the Year at the2006 MTV Video Music Awards.[70] In mid August 2006 Fort Minor performed at theSummer Sonic 2006 alongside Linkin Park.[71]
In November 2006, Fort Minor released a video for "Where'd You Go." Shinoda has stated he felt the video was a nice wrap-up for Fort Minor. Also in November, Shinoda stated that Fort Minor would go on an indefinite hiatus, because of his dedication to Linkin Park. In theBillboard One-hit Wonders of the 2000s, Fort Minor (along with Holly Brook and Jonah Matranga) were listed at No. 19, due to the success of "Where'd You Go" (since it was Fort Minor's only single that reached the top 25).[72] In an interview in 2014, Shinoda stated that there could be a possible Fort Minor album in 2015.[73]
On June 21, 2015, Shinoda officially confirmed Fort Minor's return with a status update and the release of a new single, "Welcome".[74][75] Fort Minor also appeared as the musical guest on theTBS late-night talk showConan on Monday, June 22.[76][77] Fort Minor also appeared on a few shows during Linkin Park's touring schedule.
On January 25, 2018, Shinoda released thePost Traumatic EP, featuring three songs about his own feelings in the aftermath of Chester Bennington's death on July 20, 2017. Shinoda released the EP under his own name instead of under his side-project, Fort Minor.[78][79]
On March 8, 2018, Shinoda announced through social media that he was working on a new solo album. He also added that he was in Los Angeles filming a music video and also invited fans to appear in the video, including a map of the old Tower Records in Hollywood, California.[80][81][82] Shinoda performed in Los Angeles on May 12 as part of Identity LA, marking one of his first performances since Bennington's death.[83] On March 28, 2018, the 2018Reading & Leeds Festivals roster was announced, with Shinoda included. He performed on August 25 and 26 as part of the Reading & Leeds Festivals, joining artists and bands such asPost Malone,Panic! at the Disco,Dua Lipa,Brockhampton, andTravis Scott;Fall Out Boy,Kendrick Lamar, andKings of Leon were headlining the event.[84][85] The next day, Shinoda released two new songs, "Crossing a Line" and "Nothing Makes Sense Anymore," from his upcoming studio album,Post Traumatic which was released on June 15.[86][87][88] On March 29, 2018, Shinoda did an interview with KROQ where his single “Crossing a Line” was debuted on the radio.[89] On April 26, 2018, Shinoda released a song, "About You," featuring hip hop artist,Blackbear.[90][91][92] About a month later he revealed that he would be releasing a new song called "Running From My Shadow" which featuredGrandson.[93][94] Another single was released just a few weeks after "Running From My Shadow" was released. The new single, "Ghosts", was released on June 7, 2018, 6 days before the release ofPost Traumatic.[95][96]
On October 30, 2019, Shinoda announced that he would be releasing a new single, "Fine", two days later, on November 1.[97]
In March 2020, Shinoda began sharing new musical content by live streaming from his home studio. He called these tracks,CoronaJams, after theCOVID-19 pandemic.[98] Shinoda later released these tracks over three separate albums beginning in July:Dropped Frames, Vol. 1,[99]Dropped Frames, Vol. 2, andDropped Frames, Vol. 3.[100]
On February 19, 2021, Shinoda released a single titled "Happy Endings". The song features guest vocals fromIann Dior andUpsahl.[101] Shinoda also remixed theDeftones song "Passenger" which earned him a Grammy at the2022 Grammy Awards for the category ofGrammy Award for Best Remixed Recording, Non-Classical.[102] On March 10, 2023, in the midst of re-releasing Linkin Park'sMeteora to celebrate its 20th anniversary, Shinoda released a new solo single titled "In My Head" as part of the soundtrack to the filmScream VI. Thepop rock song contains a feature appearance fromKailee Morgue.[103] Shinoda also produced and co-wrote "Still Alive", a song recorded byDemi Lovato which also appears in the film.[104] On October 6, 2023 Shinoda released a new track titled "Already Over".[105][106] Soon after, on December 1, 2023The Crimson Chapter EP was released,[107] containing multiple remixed versions of "Already Over", "In My Head" and a remix of "Fine".[108]
Shinoda has had a hand in most artistic facets ofLinkin Park's imagery, including the group's album artwork, band merchandise, web design, and on-stage production art.[109] He designed the cover art forStyles of Beyond's debut album,2000 Fold,[110]Saukrates' debut album,The Underground Tapes, and DJ Frane's debut album,Frane's Fantastic Boatride,[111] all released in 1999. He has also worked on several art projects throughout his career.
In 2003, he did a collaborative "remix" shoe forDC Shoes, remixing the "Clientele". He reworked the colors and materials for the shoe, and additionally designed all the packaging and print advertisements.[112] The following year, he also designed a customization of aKid Robot "Munny" doll for a charity auction.[113] Later in 2008, Shinoda partnered with DC Shoes again on a second DC Remix Series project. The new collaboration featured a "great juxtaposition of Shinoda's unique influences: accomplished artist versus recording-breaking musician, American upbringing versus Japanese heritage." The MS/DC limited edition remix has two different versions – Xander and Pride. Roughly 2000 pairs of the limited edition shoes were made available for purchase when the sneaker was released on August 1, 2008.[114][115]
In 2004, Shinoda created a series of ten paintings which became the basis of theFort Minor debut album,The Rising Tied. That series became the backbone for the packaging of the album, and was featured in Shinoda's first public art show "Diamonds Spades Hearts & Clubs".[116] In addition to the ten Fort Minor pieces, the show also featured thirteen more original works and five collaborative pieces. "Diamonds Spades Hearts & Clubs" opened at Gallery 1988 on Sunday, November 19, 2006.[117] Later that year, Shinoda founded a college scholarship atArt Center College of Design to benefit future illustration and graphic design students. Named the Michael K. Shinoda Endowed Scholarship, it is awarded based on financial need and merit. The scholarship was awarded for the first time in 2006.[118] The scholarship fund is made possible through the sale of his original artwork on his website, art shows and his DC Shoes projects.[116][119]
On July 11, 2008, Shinoda's second public art show "Glorious Excess (BORN)" premiered at theJapanese American National Museum in Los Angeles.[120] The show included nine new pieces, with an exclusive signing on opening night.[120] The show served as part one of the two-part "Glorious Excess" series, with the second installment "Glorious Excess (DIES)" due at JANM on August 22, 2009.[121][122] Shinoda commented on the inspiration behind theGlorious Excess series, stating, "It Got to a point where the pervasiveness of 'celebrity news' concerned me. It seemed like it has jumped out of its niche into places where it doesn't belong. I would be watching the news, and thinking, 'of all the things going on in the world right now, why are they covering so-and-so's breakup?' It didn't make sense to me. Add to that the fact that I'm supposed to somehow 'belong' to that celebrity group—and I really don't feel like I do in a lot of ways—and you can see how the topic started to become really interesting to me. The Glorious Excess (BORN) show was my way of diving into those topics, trying to find answers. It follows a central 'celebrity' character, who is filthy rich, slightly violent, and famous without any particular skill or talent."[123]
On November 6, 2014, Shinoda and Hahn painted an artwork on theBerlin Wall.[124][125]
In 2004, he released a remixed single and animated music video of the 1990Depeche Mode single, "Enjoy the Silence". In 2005, Shinoda hosted theRock Phenomenon mixtape/remix CD withDJ Vlad andRoc Raida. The CD is the first (and to date, only) in DJ Vlad'sRock Phenomenon series (which itself is a spin-off of Vlad'sRap Phenomenon mixtape series), and features amashup of Linkin Park's "Papercut", andDavid Banner's "Like a Pimp (Remix)".[132] For the 2006Grammy awards, Shinoda and Brad Delson assembled the mashup track of "Numb/Encore" and "Yesterday" bythe Beatles to be performed live by rapperJay-Z, Linkin Park and formerBeatles singerPaul McCartney.[133] Shinoda teamed up with former bandmate Mark Wakefield to record and release a single, "Barack Your World", in October 2008.[134]
Shinoda contributed to the music for the CNN original documentary television series,This Is Life with Lisa Ling.[135] Shinoda contributed the title theme for American television seriesInto the Badlands.[136] Shinoda also created and provided the theme song for Noor Tagouri'sA Woman's Job.[137]
As Linkin Park succeeded in multi-platinum record sales,Warner Music Group granted Shinoda his own record label in 1999. It was first known asThe Shinoda Imprint. He and bandmate Brad Delson together worked on the label in 2004 and renamed it toMachine Shop Records. The label signed several artists through late 2007.[127]
In anImpericon interview, Shinoda stated his 'non-definitive' top three bands of all time to be Nine Inch Nails, Led Zeppelin, andCreedence Clearwater Revival.[144]
Various critics have compared Shinoda's rapping style to that of fellow rapperEminem. A reviewer forEntertainment Weekly noted that Shinoda's vocals were "flowing like Eminem onAmbien"[145] An editor forUncut stated thatThe Rising Tied was "bound to please fans of Linkin Park and Eminem alike."[145] Jo Timbuong ofThe Star compared "Where'd You Go" to Eminem's song "When I'm Gone", noting the former as "more melancholic."[146] A reviewer of theScripps Howard News Service stated that Shinoda's rapping is "a smidge closer to Eminem than he is toVanilla Ice."[147]
^Diehl, Matt (June 2012). "Linkin Park Rage Again on New LP".Rolling Stone. No. 1157.We looked not just to Bob Dylan, but the music that inspired Dylan," says the singer. "Having a driving beat with this country-folk melody is weird – but it's totally Linkin Park.
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