Li Jian (李健; also known as LJ) is a Macau rapper, singer-songwriter, producer, model, and host signed under TrialStart Studios. He made his solo debut on November 2, 2020 with the mixtape, Bumpin' That.
Early Life[]
Li Jian grew up as the only child in Portuguese Macau. Despite being adopted, his fathers made sure to make him feel like their biological son, showering him with adoration for as long as he can remember. When LJ was around 5 years old, he began discovering his love for music. His fathers, both with eclectic tastes, exposed him to a wide variety of genres—from classical fado to Western rock and Chinese pop. This blend of cultural influences shaped LJ's musical palate early on, inspiring him to pursue a creative path.
As he grew older, LJ found solace in expressing himself through music. He taught himself how to play the piano and guitar, spending countless hours honing his skills. Music became more than just a hobby—it was an outlet where he could explore his emotions and connect with others. By the time he reached high school, his talent was evident, and he began performing at local cafes and school events. His unique style, blending his multicultural background, started to turn heads, and it wasn’t long before LJ realized that he wanted to take his passion for music to the next level.
In his late teens, LJ made the bold decision to move to South Korea to pursue a career in the K-pop industry. It wasn’t an easy journey—Macau’s entertainment scene was limited, and K-pop was an entirely different world with intense competition. However, LJ’s determination and distinct sound helped him stand out. After several auditions, he eventually signed with a deal with TrialStart Studios as a trainee.
Career[]
2020[]
Li Jian debuted in November 2, 2020 with the release of his first mixtape EP, Bumpin' That. Although he didn’t achieve immediate mainstream success, LJ gained a dedicated fanbase who appreciated his authentic sound and emotional depth.
2022[]
In 2022, Jian returned with his second mixtape EP, titled Lick it, Spit it. The album’s lead single, Freefall, became a sleeper hit, further expanding his reach and solidifying his place in the K-pop scene as a rising, multicultural soloist, as well as placing his within the eyes of the western view, as the EP found major success, especially amongst Canadian listeners.
2024[]
On September 13, it was officially announced that Li Jian, alongside Kim Jiyoung, Na Junghwan, and Lyla Yang, would be the hosts of their own talk show, HARMONY HAVEN, which is planned to air on the 30th of the same month.
2025[]
In 2025, LJ released his third mixtape EP, PUNK, which was marketed as his most ambitious project to date. The album delves into themes of rebellion, identity, and freedom, drawing inspiration from the punk rock music he grew up listening to in Macau. With heavy guitar riffs, bold visuals, and a raw, unfiltered energy, PUNK represents a departure from the more polished K-pop sound, showcasing LJ’s desire to push artistic boundaries.
The title track, also called PUNK, quickly gained attention for its gritty sound and rebellious message. LJ's bold artistic choices resonated with fans and critics alike, propelling the album to the top of various charts. PUNK solidified LJ’s position as one of the most innovative soloists in the industry, blending his cultural roots with a genre-defying style that continues to captivate audiences around the world.
Discography[]
Mixtapes[]
- Bumpin' That (2020)
- Lick It, Spit It (2022)
- PUNK (2025)
Filmography[]
Reality Show[]
- HARMONY HAVEN 2024; HOST
Trivia[]
- Prior to debuting, Li Jian had spoken with the higher ups on various stage names. Those included Jules, Chimera, and Prance. In the end, he went with his legal name.
- His musical inspirations include Macau rock duo Soler, Hong Kong band Beyond, and American singer Michael Jackson.