Born in 1977, Shifty J began in Los Angeles as Sundy Macalinao. Only child to an immigrant single mother from the Philippines, Sundy was raised in a strict catholic environment without the constraint of censorship. Allowed to explore music and literature at will, an early awareness and desire to know the outside world had set in.
With the blinders of a Catholic Education (KG-12), Sundy escaped to Santa Cruz, CA, home of Surf, Skate and Slugs. Attending 4 years at UC Santa Cruz built a foundation that lasts today. A serious questioning of self, a discovery of talents and a spirit of adventure forged a man of good quality and multi-threaded talents.
Bouncing from job to job after college, Sundy ended up working in the California Card Rooms of Commerce Casino and the Bicycle Club, just to name a few. Gaining a deep understanding of gambling, greed and life to excess, Sundy quit. After 7 years he walked away.
In 2007 Fried Roots was started with good friend Mario Mendoza Jr. and the two continue to work to bring independent music to the forefront of people’s minds.

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