Lemon Andersen, a multifaceted American artist, is often credited by his first name alone. Born and raised in the vibrant borough of Brooklyn, New York, he remains a proud resident of his hometown.
Born to a mother, Milagros "Mili" Quiñones from Puerto Rico, and a father, Peter Andersen, a Norwegian-American from Bensonhurst, Brooklyn, Lemon's upbringing was marked by the complexities of his multicultural heritage. However, his life was forever altered when, as a teenager, he faced the devastating loss of his stepfather, father, and mother, all of whom succumbed to the devastating consequences of heroin abuse and AIDS.
Left orphaned with his older brother, Lemon was forced to navigate the harsh realities of poverty and abandonment. He turned to a life of crime, but his trajectory took a dramatic turn when he discovered his passion for hip-hop and acting. A series of gifted mentors recognized and nurtured his exceptional theatrical talent, guiding him towards a life of artistic expression.
Today, Lemon Andersen is widely regarded as a masterful wordsmith, celebrated for his poignant writing and electrifying live performances. His work has garnered widespread acclaim, both popular and critical, and has been showcased in notable productions such as County of Kings and Lemon.
In his powerful 2011 TEDYouth talk, "Please don't take my Air Jordans," Lemon performed a stirring rendition of the title poem by Reg E.
