Stik Figa

Stik Figa is the alias of John Westbrook, Jr., a cool-headed, no-nonsense rapper whose rhymes amalgamate Southern and Midwest roots and inspirations with an easygoing demeanor. Kentucky-born, he claims Topeka, Kansas as his hometown and has also lived in Memphis, Tennessee. Active since the late 2000s, he released Looking Good, an EP produced by Miles Bonny and released on the beatmaker’s INnatesounds label, in 2007. After Westbrook released As Himself, an album produced entirely by Michael "Seven" Summers, the rapper signed to Mello Music Group, an independent label that re-released the concise set for wider distribution. A full-length collaboration with L'Orange, The City Under the City, followed in 2013. For Central Standard Time, a proper solo effort issued four years later, Westbrook worked with beats from producers such as Nottz, Black Milk, and Apollo Brown, and sought guest verses from the likes of Rappin' 4-Tay, Homeboy Sandman, and Quelle Chris. ~ Andy Kellman