One of the hottest hip-hop names on the planet is heading back our way this August: the unforgettable Lyrics Born.

Known to his family and friends as Tom Shimura, the half-Japanese, half-Italian American rapper shot to fame back in the ‘90s, when he formed collective Quannum Projects with fellow innovators DJ Shadow and Chief XL (Blackalicious). With a brand new LP, Everywhere At Once, due out soon, LB’s previous tours down under have built him a cult following here in Oz.

“I came up in a tradition where you made records, then you toured,” he says of his constantly busy touring schedule. “I like seeing people having a good time. That’s how I feel like I’m moving forward, that things are in motion. I’m a performer – it’s part of who I am.”

Tickets are onsale now and dates are:

Sunday 3 August – Splendour In The Grass, Byron Bay, NSW

Tuesday 5 August – Republic Bar, Hobart, TAS

Wednesday 6 August – Producers Bar / Electric Light Hotel, Adelaide, SA

Thursday 7 August – The Capitol, Perth, WA

Friday 8 August – The Espy Hotel. Melbourne, VIC

Saturday 9 August – The Forum, Sydney, NSW