Michael Kenji Shinoda is an American musician, singer, rapper, songwriter, and record producer, best known for co-founding the rock band Linkin Park in 1996. Alongside being the band’s collaborative vocalist during Chester Bennington’s tenure as lead vocalist, Shinoda also showcased his talents as a rhythm guitarist, keyboardist, primary songwriter, and producer. In 2004, Shinoda embarked on a hip-hop-driven side project called Fort Minor, demonstrating his versatility across different music genres. His influence extended beyond Linkin Park, as he ventured into producing tracks and albums for artists like Lupe Fiasco, Styles of Beyond, and the X-Ecutioners.
Born in Panorama City, Los Angeles, and raised in Agoura Hills, Shinoda’s journey into music began when he formed Xero, later evolved into the groundbreaking band known as Linkin Park, alongside his high school friends Brad Delson and Rob Bourdon. The group expanded with the addition of Joe Hahn, Dave Farrell, and Mark Wakefield before Chester Bennington joined as the lead vocalist in 1999. The band’s talent and dedication landed them a record deal with Warner Bros Records, solidifying their place in the music industry. Beyond his musical pursuits, Shinoda is also the co-founder of Machine Shop Records, a renowned California-based record label, and a skilled artist and graphic designer. His artwork has been showcased in prestigious institutions like the Japanese American National Museum, highlighting his multifaceted creative abilities. In a deeply personal exploration of grief and expression, Shinoda released his debut solo album ‘Post Traumatic’ in 2018, comprising 18 emotionally poignant songs reflecting on the loss of his Linkin Park bandmate, Bennington.