Festim Arifi (Albanian:[festimarifi]; born 28 January 1984), known professionally as Lyrical Son, is a Kosovo-Albanian rapper and songwriter. Born and raised in Pristina, Arifi is credited as a viable hip hop artist in the Albanian-speaking Balkans.
Life and career
1984–2000: Early life and career beginnings
Lyrical Son was born as Festim Arifi on 28 January 1984 into an ethnic Albanian family in the city of Pristina, then part of the SFR Yugoslavia, present Kosovo.[1][2] Arifi began rapping at high school in his youth and started pursuing a music career seriously, after the Kosovo War in 1999.[1] During his elementary school years, he eventually adopted his stage name, which was taken after a notebook entry from his English teacher.[1] Lyrical Son started to become a household name in the Albanian hip hop scene in the early 2000s with his catchy hooks and creative writing and flows on his verses. In October 19, 2008, he released his first solo album titled "Recept" . The outstanding song from the album is the all time classic "Po Pritoj". 3 years laters, Lyrical Son together with Mc Kresha, Strike Beatz, K-Master and Onufër Berisha started the music label P.I.N.T ( Për Inati T'Njoni Tjetrit ). The music label has become one of the most prominent labels in the Albanian hip hop scene with having several successful albums, signing young artists & producers and elevating their careers.
2019–present: United State Of Albania and Muzikë e Alltisë
In July 2018, Arifi was announced as an act at the Sunny Hill Festival on its debut edition in Pristina.[3] In August 2019, Arifi was approached to perform for a second time at the Sunny Hill Festival.[4] In late December 2021, Arifi together with MC Kresha announced their fourth collaborative album, Muzikë e Alltisë, which was eventually released on 12 January 2022.[5][6]
Personal life
Arifi married his longtime partner Gresa Krasniqi on 19 August 2014 in Pristina, Kosovo.[7]
For "Hotel Mahalla", "Paret Lejla", "Stuhi mbi oqean" and "Rammstein":"The Top List – 22/01/2022" (in Albanian). Top Channel. 22 January 2022. Archived from the original on 30 January 2022. Retrieved 22 January 2022.