Born in Tokyo, Japan in 1975, Shingo Annen (安念 真吾), better known by his stage name Shing02, is a Japanese American emcee, producer, and activist. During his childhood, Shing02 lived in Tokyo and in some cities of Tanzania before moving to the San Francisco Bay Area in California, by age 15.
Living in San Francisco, he quickly became fascinated with the hip-hop scene, being collectives like Hieroglyphics, Hobo Junction, Quannum, Mystik Journeymen, Living Legends, and Saafir his direct influences, which inspired him to send political and social messages through his own music.
In the Bay Area turntablist scene, Shing lists DJ Qbert, DJ Shortkut, DJ Apollo, and D-Styles as his prominent influences.