In November 2005, <a href="spotify:artist:6XyY86QOPPrYVGvF9ch6wz">Linkin Park</a> co-founder <a href="spotify:artist:6xBZgSMsnKVmaAxzWEwMSD">Mike Shinoda</a> debuted as a solo artist with Rising Tied, an ambitious collection credited to his alter ego, Fort Minor, that blended hip-hop with electronics and rock elements. The set was exec-produced by <a href="spotify:artist:3nFkdlSjzX9mRTtwJOzDYB">Jay-Z</a>, who had previously collaborated with <a href="spotify:artist:6xBZgSMsnKVmaAxzWEwMSD">Shinoda</a> and <a href="spotify:artist:6XyY86QOPPrYVGvF9ch6wz">Linkin Park</a> on 2004's Collision Course. Tied also featured plenty of guests like <a href="spotify:artist:2GHclqNVjqGuiE5mA7BEoc">Common</a> and <a href="spotify:artist:5y2Xq6xcjJb2jVM54GHK3t">John Legend</a>, as well as newer artists from <a href="spotify:artist:6xBZgSMsnKVmaAxzWEwMSD">Shinoda</a>'s Machine Shop imprint. The album was a labor of love for the <a href="spotify:artist:6XyY86QOPPrYVGvF9ch6wz">Linkin Park</a> MC. Not only did he produce and mix it, but <a href="spotify:artist:6xBZgSMsnKVmaAxzWEwMSD">Shinoda</a> played 99 percent of the instruments; did all the sequencing and programming; and wrote some very personal raps about his life, youth, and family. "Kenji" was a standout, exploring the experience of Japanese-American internees during World War II. The track featured recordings of <a href="spotify:artist:6xBZgSMsnKVmaAxzWEwMSD">Shinoda</a>'s relatives discussing their experiences in the camps. ~ Johnny Loftus, Rovi