Born Raheem Jarbo in 1977, Random grew up in Philadelphia and was raised on a steady diet of classic hip-hop and video games. His music reflects these two passions, as he spits rhymes over nostalgic tracks from popular games like Mega Man, Castlevania, and Final Fantasy. Random’s music is not just a novelty act, however. His lyrics are powerful and thought-provoking, touching on issues like social justice, mental health, and personal growth.
Random first burst onto the scene in 2007 with his debut album ‘Mega Ran’. The album sampled music from the Mega Man video game series, giving it a unique sound that immediately caught people’s attention. The record was a critical success, earning rave reviews from music critics and spawning a loyal fanbase. Random continued to push boundaries with his next album, ‘Mega Ran 2’ in 2010. This time, he sampled music from the classic RPG Final Fantasy VII, creating a nostalgic and introspective album that cemented his place in the underground hip-hop scene.
Over the past decade, Random has continued to produce high-quality music that blends classic video game soundtracks with introspective, powerful lyrics. He has released several albums, including ‘Forever Famicom’, ‘Black Materia’, and ‘RNDM’. He has also collaborated with other artists, including rapper Kool Keith and producer 9th Wonder.
Random’s music has not only garnered him a loyal fanbase, but it has also earned him critical acclaim. His albums have been praised by publications like Complex, Vibe, and Pitchfork, and his live shows are known for being energetic and engaging. Random has toured extensively, playing shows all over the world and sharing his unique blend of hip-hop and video game music with audiences everywhere.
In addition to his music career, Random has also made a name for himself as a video game commentator and advocate. He has written about video games for publications like Uproxx and been a regular guest on gaming podcasts. He has even created his own video game, ‘Mega Ran in Language Arts’, which aims to teach kids about language and literacy through an adventure game.
Random is proof that sometimes the most innovative artists are the ones who think outside the box. By incorporating classic video game soundtracks into his hip-hop music, he has created a sound that is both nostalgic and forward-thinking. With a loyal fanbase and critical acclaim, Random is a rapper who is sure to continue making waves in the music industry for years to come.