Me Phi Me, born Laron Wilbur on December 8, 1970, in Flint, Michigan, was an American rapper known for his unique blend of rap and traditional lyrics. Raised in a musically diverse home as the youngest of five brothers and one sister, Wilbur's interest in hip-hop began during his high school years, inspired by the lyrical prowess of iconic rappers. In 1987, he adopted the name Me Phi Me, drawing inspiration from historically black fraternities like Alpha Phi Alpha and Kappa Alpha Psi. Me Phi Me's debut release, One, was produced by Christopher Cuben-Tatum (a.k.a. Cee Tha Wizzard) of Concept Enterprises International on BMG/RCA Records in 1992. The album featured classic funk samples layered with live twelve-string folk guitars and traditional frat stepping, among other unique instruments. A track from One, "Sad New Day", peaked at number 83 on the Billboard Hot 100 in September 1992. Me Phi Me's music gained significant exposure through television synchronization, including the opening and closing themes for Robert De Niro's 1993 TriBeCa television drama anthology series on Fox. In 1993, his song "Revival!" was featured on the multiplatinum soundtrack to Ben Stiller's debut film Reality Bites. Me Phi Me also made his big-screen debut in Kathryn Bigelow's 1995 futuristic movie Strange Days, with his song "hereWEcome" as the theme for the character Jeriko One.
