I BORN

I BORN – Hip-Hop Visionary, Messenger, and Mount Vernon’s People’s Champ Born and raised in Mount Vernon, New York, I BORN is a hip-hop artist whose lyrical sharpness, community spirit, and unwavering authenticity have earned him a place among the greats. Inspired at an early age by cultural movements like the 5% Nation of Gods and Earths, as well as rap legends like LL Cool J and Wu-Tang Clan, I BORN began his journey in music at just 17. From his early project The Listening Movie and single “Swarm 2000” to his most recent work RTF and his latest release "BORN AGAIN". He’s proven himself a masterful storyteller driven by purpose, legacy, and love for the people. Despite the challenges of growing up amid the struggles of violence and poverty in Mount Vernon—and a nearly six-year incarceration—I BORN emerged with a renewed fire. His experiences became the foundation for his artistry, blending street wisdom with spiritual insight. His affiliation with the Nation of Islam and the 5% Nation fueled his mission to create music that not only sounds good but speaks truth, uplifts, and provokes thought. In every bar, I BORN channels his deep connection to family, faith, and community. You can often find him in the heart of Mount Vernon, uplifting his neighbors with The Final Call newspaper or participating in local efforts—regardless of whether he’s promoting a new album or simply giving back. His music reflects the same devotion: raw yet refined, militant yet soulful.