Home Grown sits down with one of its own — rapper, producer, and cultural architect Willie B, better known today as The Ichiban Don. In a conversation layered with history, honesty, and evolution, Ichiban revisits the journey that shaped him: from Lynwood high-school cypher battles, being introduced to music software Fruity Loops, to becoming one of the foundational sonic voices behind TDE’s rise.
Throughout the interview, he breaks down the duality between Willie B the producer and Ichiban Don the rapper, revealing how his passion for lyricism was always present but patiently waiting for the right moment to re-emerge. He reflects on the early influences that connected him to East Coast culture, the tough love that sharpened his pen, and the creative pressure that came with chasing industry success — a chase he ultimately stepped away from to protect his purpose.
One of the standout moments in the episode is Ichiban’s detailed recollection of creating Kendrick Lamar’s “Rigamortis,” including how the beat was originally intended for his own record before destiny took over. He also sheds light on his unique relationship with Japan, where his album Shogun was first released, and the deeper meaning behind the project’s opening quote: “Where does seeking justice end and seeking revenge begin?”
For Home Grown, this conversation isn’t just an interview — it’s the return of family. A reflection on legacy, discipline, and what it means to stay anchored in passion while the world shifts around you.
Watch the full episode, stream Shogun Deluxe, and tap in with one of the most quietly influential creatives of his era.