He has been described as a “prodigious Swedish rap phenomenon”, a “hip-hop sensation” and “the artist Justin Bieber wishes he could be”.
He is Yung Lean! And he’s making a whistle-stop visit to New Zealand shores for a one-off show at the Studio in Auckland on September 28.
The young Swedish rapper first made his mark in 2013 with the release of the mixtape Unknown Death 2002. Alongside his Sad Boys crew, Yung Lean pioneered rap’s freeform transformation and his early tracks helped turn him into a viral sensation, with his videos clocking up millions of online views with their satirical lyrics and iconic early 2000s aesthetic.
The up-and-comer went on to forge paths across the hip-hop landscape with his 2014 debut studio album Unknown Memory and released his sophomore offering Warlord to critical acclaim earlier this year.
Here’s what the critics say about the Stockholm native who has developed a cult-like following around the globe:
“Through his unapologetic meme-ability and DIY aesthetic, Lean has managed to make himself a cult-like figure, and judging from his continued success, he's here to stay.” - Pigeons and Planes
“It’s a refreshing outlook that reinforces Lean’s continued separation from the more formulaic facets of hip-hop, ensuring that his unique outsider story is one that you can still very much delve into.” – NME
Yung Lean has now firmly established his place in hip-hop as an artist who pushes boundaries. And with a reputation for delivering unforgettable, raucous live performances, his one-off Auckland show promises to be a gig even the most discerning of hip-hop fans will most certainly not want to miss.
Yung Lean
Studio - Wednesday September 28.
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