Michael Shinoda Influence and Musical Style

Michael Shinoda (born February 11, 1977) is a musician, singer, rapper, composer, and record producer from the United States. He co-founded Linkin Park in 1996 and serves as the band’s co-lead vocalist, rhythm guitarist, keyboardist, principal songwriter, and producer. Shinoda later formed Fort Minor, a hip-hop-driven side project, in 2004. He’s also worked as a producer for musicians such as Lupe Fiasco, Styles of Beyond, and the X-Ecutioners.

Shinoda, who was born in Panorama City, Los Angeles, and reared in Agoura Hills, founded Xero, which subsequently became Linkin Park, in 1996 with two high school friends: Brad Delson and Rob Bourdon, and was later joined by Joe Hahn, Dave Farrell, and Mark Wakefield. Chester Bennington replaced Wakefield as lead vocalist in Linkin Park in 1999. Later, the band signed a record deal with Warner Bros Records.

What influenced Michael Shinoda into music?

Michael Shinoda was influenced as a child by both rock and hip-hop artists. He was raised on Boogie Down Productions, Public Enemy, N.W.A, and Juice Crew, and then Nine Inch Nails, Deftones, the Roots, and Aphex Twin. Led Zeppelin, Run-DMC, the Beatles, Rage Against the Machine, Purity Ring, Arctic Monkeys, and Santigold are among Shinoda’s other influences and favorites

In an interview with Rolling Stone on his work with Linkin Park as their style moved from heavy metal to a more electronic approach over time, Shinoda stated, “We want to hopefully move even more into being able to make more substantial music.” We’re absolutely paying attention to the substance and the nuance, and we hope to create something truly innovative and unique.”

Shinoda revealed in an interview with Impericon that his ‘non-definitive’ top three bands of all time are Nine Inch Nails, Led Zeppelin, and Creedence Clearwater Revival.

What is the unique Micahel Shinoda musical style like?

Shinoda’s rhyming style has been compared to that of fellow rapper Eminem by a number of commentators. Shinoda’s vocals were described as “flowing like Eminem on Ambien” by an Entertainment Weekly reviewer.

According to Uncut, The Rising Tied is “bound to please fans of Linkin Park and Eminem alike.” The Star’s Jo Timbuong compared “Where’d You Go” to Eminem’s “When I’m Gone,” stating that the former is “more melancholy.” Shinoda’s rapping is “a smidge closer to Eminem than he is to Vanilla Ice,” according to a Scripps Howard News Service reviewer.