Stephen Lee Bruner, better known by his stage name Thundercat, is a genre-defying bassist, producer, singer, and songwriter from Los Angeles, California. Rising to fame as a virtuoso bass player, he first gained broader attention as a member of the Grammy Award-winning crossover thrash band Suicidal Tendencies before becoming a crucial collaborator in the modern jazz, soul, and hip-hop scenes. Thundercat’s artistic journey was shaped by his musical family—his father is a renowned drummer and his brother, Ronald Bruner Jr.

, is also a noted musician. Drawing from funk, jazz, R&B, and electronica, he quickly developed a distinct sound marked by intricate bass lines, high-pitched soulful vocals, and witty, idiosyncratic lyrics. His solo career took off with his debut album "The Golden Age of Apocalypse" (2011), produced by longtime collaborator Flying Lotus.

Thundercat continued to push genre boundaries with subsequent albums "Apocalypse" (2013), "Drunk" (2017), and "It Is What It Is" (2020)—the latter earning him the Grammy Award for Best Progressive R&B Album. His music frequently explores the everyday, the cosmic, and the emotional, blending humor with deep introspection. Apart from his solo work, Thundercat is celebrated for his extensive collaborations with artists including Kendrick Lamar—contributing to the iconic album "To Pimp a Butterfly"—as well as Erykah Badu, Childish Gambino, Janelle Monáe, and Mac Miller.

Known for his technical prowess, innovation, and compelling stage presence, Thundercat has established himself as a defining force in contemporary music, inspiring new generations of musicians and producers.