Preview: Rich Tycoon to Rock Juneteenth

Veteran hip-hop artist Rich Tycoon, formerly Filthy Rich, will perform at Santa Cruz’s annual Juneteenth celebration at the Louden Nelson Community Center Saturday.

Tycoon, who co-founded the local rap group Black Bizness in 2005 and has performed with luminaries such as Chris Rene, SF Bay Area rap sensations San Quinn, Keak Da Sneak and Yukmouth, will take to the stage with the county’s own Lee Earl and Mark Solo, as well as his main producer Indecent the Slapmaster.

Tycoon first came to Santa Cruz from Oakland in the late-eighties via the juvenile court system. A ward of McDowell Youth Homes, Tycoon sharpened his songwriting and rapping skills while living in group homes and by age 20 Rich Tycoon was working with hip-hop megastars Sir Mix-a-Lot and Rick Rubin.

Tycoon’s story, which is the staple of his music, combines the lifestyles of underground Santa Cruz, the struggles of East Oakland, and the consequences of the judicial system.

Juneteenth is Saturday, June 14 at Laurel Park, 301 Center St., Santa Cruz. 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. Free.