Michael Kenji "Mike" Shinoda was born and raised in Los Angeles suburb of Augora Hills on February 11th 1977 with a mix of Japanese American from his father and European American from his mather. Shinoda's musical influences and favorites include U2, The Police, Boogie Down Productions, Led Zeppelin, Nine Inch Nails, and Dr. Dre.
As a visual artist his influences include Mark Ryden, Corey Sandelius and Banksy, Mike Shinoda has been married to children's author Anna Hillinger since May 10, 2003. The couple have one child, a son named Otis Akio Shinoda. According to Shinoda, the Fort Minor song "Where'd You Go" was written for Anna.
He is best known as the rapper, songwriter, keyboardist, vocalist and rhythm guitarist of the rock band Linkin Park, along with his co-frontman and lead singer Chester Bennington, and as a solo rapper in his side-project, Fort Minor. He also provides artwork, production, and mixing for both groups.
My poor Mikey has been neglected in the revival of my Stone Cold obsession and the beginning of my Normy love, but I could ever forget about my soul mate...he'll realize it one day