Briggs & Riley’s parent company is U.S. Luggage LLC. For nearly a century, US Luggage has been bringing innovation to the travel category, including the first wheeled luggage introduced in 1970. Under the leadership of CEO Richard Krulik, Briggs & Riley has become recognized as one of the leading manufacturers in the specialty luggage category, entering the global marketplace in 2006 and now selling in more than 27 countries worldwide. Show
Common sense is a Briggs & Riley mantra, with innovation, thoughtful engineering and performance as cornerstones. This is high quality luggage designed around real world needs with every piece created to make traveling easier and more efficient. Our impact on the industry and insight into consumers’ needs goes far beyond design. When founded in 1993, Briggs & Riley revolutionized the travel industry by offering many firsts such as a no questions asked “Simple as that®” lifetime warranty, that even covers damage caused by an airline. This guarantee, like no other in the industry, is a reflection of our commitment to building lifelong relationships with customers and covers every bag that we have ever made, from 1993 through 2015 and beyond. Engineering firsts established by Briggs & Riley include the patented Outsider® handle design. With no trolley handle bars inside the bag, travelers get a flat packing area inside the case for more capacity and wrinkle-free clothing. We also introduced the NXpandable® system, which provided zipper-less one-touch rigid bag expansion as well as the first checkpoint-friendly SpeedThru™ laptop bags in 2008. Our most recent breakthrough is considered to be the patented CX expansion compression system, allowing bags to expand up to 33% then compress down to original size. In fact, we at Briggs & Riley hold multiple patents designed to make travel simpler. It’s our legacy of innovative thinking like this – never for innovation’s sake – that ultimately sets Briggs & Riley apart. SHOP ONLINE NOW Corporate Gift Enquiry Become a retailer Login
Adam Briggs (born 28 August 1986), who performs as Briggs and self-describes as Senator Briggs (although not currently a member of the Australian Senate), is an Indigenous Australian rapper, record label owner, comedy writer, actor, and author. Briggs became well known as a "solo rapper", signing with Golden Era Records in 2009, before co-founding the hip hop duo A.B. Original in 2016.[1] As a solo artist, Briggs has released one EP, Homemade Bombs in 2009, and two albums, 2010's The Blacklist and 2014's Sheplife.[2] He has also made appearances on songs with Hilltop Hoods, the Funkoars, Drapht and The Last Kinection. In the live arena, he has supported international artists such as Ice Cube, KRS-One, Necro, Ghostface Killah, Dilated Peoples, M.O.P., and Pharoahe Monch.[3][4][5][6][7] In 2015, Briggs founded his own record label, Bad Apples Music, which has signed several Indigenous hip-hop artists and houses A.B. Original, a joint project with Trials from the Funkoars.[8] Extending his career beyond music, Briggs has appeared in several television series on ABC: as a writer and actor for the second season of the sketch comedy Black Comedy in 2016; playing the role of Maliyan in the drama series Cleverman in the same year; and becoming a regular cast member on news satire program The Weekly with Charlie Pickering in 2017.[9] He is also a writer on the Netflix animated sitcom Disenchantment.[10] Early life[edit]Briggs is an Aboriginal Australian of the Yorta Yorta people and the tribe name is tattooed on his forearms.[11] His father was from Cummeragunja.[12] He has stated in an interview with G&T magazine that the tattoo's purpose is "so every time I rock the mic people know that I am representing."[11] Briggs grew up with his family in Shepparton, a city in rural Victoria, Australia. Briggs was a student at Shepparton High School and Wanganui Park Secondary College,[13] where he briefly played guitar in a punk band prior to his involvement with hip hop.[14] He also worked as a security guard at Shepparton's Yahoo Bar venue.[15] Briggs explained in a December 2013 interview that making a name for himself in Shepparton, for a range of reasons, was not difficult and the area was actually a reminder of the larger experience that was open to him and the diligence required to become involved with a music scene that was more significant.[16] Music[edit]2005–2009: Independent artist, Homemade Bombs EP[edit]Briggs initially became attracted to American rap music and formed a group named "Misdemeanour" with schoolmate Peter Shiels. After renaming the group "912" (a combination of their house numbers), they performed a gig in Melbourne with Australian hip hop artist Reason.[17] Briggs later recalled that Reason was one of the first MCs that he had heard rapping with an Australian accent.[18] Upon seeing the 19-year-old Briggs perform, Reason invited him to join an Obese Records record label tour to undertake a role as the established artist's "hype man" (similar to a back-up singer).[14][18] Reason explained:
Briggs then moved to the Melbourne suburb of St Kilda so that he could more easily access contacts in the local hip hop community. While in Melbourne, he struggled to pay rent with the social security benefits that he was reliant upon—Reason stated on the Message Stick program that this period was beneficial, as it provided Briggs with an insight that has assisted his growth since that time.[18] Briggs later stated in December 2013 that sacrifice is the "cornerstone" of his career, and his time in Melbourne was greatly representative of the scant lifestyle that defined his time in the capital city. Briggs independently released his first EP Homemade Bombs in 2009 with the support of a monetary loan from Hilltop Hoods' MC Suffa.[17][18] The recording included the song "Bad Move", for which a video clip was produced, and a collaboration with Reason that is titled "My Priority".[19] 2009–2013: Golden Era Records, The Blacklist[edit]The Hilltop Hoods signed Briggs to their Golden Era record label and invited him to be the support act on their 2009 European tour. Briggs accepted the tour invitation and the European trip represented the artist's first time overseas.[20][21] Briggs' debut full-length album The Blacklist was released in 2010 on Golden Era[22][23] and included the single "The Wrong Brother" that was inspired by an incident in which Briggs was stopped from entering a Shepparton pub by security officers, only to be told, "Sorry mate, we got the wrong brother."[24] Suffa appears in the music video for the song as a record label manager. The album also included the tracks "So Dangerous", with Trials (of Funkoars),[4] and "I Wish". Briggs later revealed that he "didn't expect" the public's response to the album, which included a #3 ranking on the Australian iTunes hip-hop charts that lasted a duration of four days.[20] In October 2010, Briggs was the seventh MC to participate in the Rapper Tag series of videos that featured Australian rappers who had been "tagged" by Newsense.[25][26][27] In June 2012, Briggs was featured on the ABC indigenous affairs program Message Stick. The episode included interviews with Reason, Suffa and Trials.[18] Briggs released his single "Rather Be Dead" on 27 July 2012[28] and uploaded a corresponding film clip onto his YouTube channel "BriggsTheMilkman" the previous day—as of September 2012, the video had received over 30,000 views. The single was added to playlists on Australian youth radio station Triple J[29]—it was featured on the playlist of the Home and Hosed program on 26 June 2012 and then appeared on The Hip Hop Show on 2 July 2012.[30][31] Briggs initially announced the release schedule for his second album as late 2012; however, in October 2012, the artist revealed that this had changed to early 2013.[32] In addition to appearing on the Golden Era Mixtape 2011[33] and Golden Era Mixtape 2013,[34] Briggs hosted the Golden Era Mixtape 2012.[35] In May 2013, Briggs and Jaytee launched a podcast available via iTunes.[36] On 20 May 2013, Briggs used an image from the John Hughes film Planes, Trains, and Automobiles for a promotional post for the podcast on his Facebook fan page.[37] 2014: Sheplife[edit]Briggs commenced the recording of his second album, titled "ShepLife", in 2012. Briggs coined the term "ShepLife" as a reference to the local lifestyle in his hometown of Shepparton.[38] Briggs has used the hashtag "#sheplife" on Twitter,[39] written a song titled "#sheplife" that appears on the Golden Era Mixtape 2012 and released beanies emblazoned with "ShepLife".[40] In an online interview, he explained the intention behind the album in relation to that of The Blacklist:
A promotional video for the title song of Sheplife was released on Briggs' YouTube channel on 19 August 2014—the video is directed by Oli Sansom and produced by Michelle Grace Hunder. The video consists of footage filmed in Shepparton, including sections in which Briggs is rapping in the back seat of a driving car.[42] Briggs' second album Sheplife was released on 22 August 2014 through Golden Era Records.[43] The first single, "The Hunt", was released on 11 July 2014 and features a collaboration with Indigenous Australian artist Gurrumul.[44] The corresponding music video for the first single was published on YouTube on 17 July 2014[45] and the two artists performed the song live for NAIDOC Week at the studios of the triple j radio station on 10 July 2014.[46] "Bad Apples" was the second single released from Sheplife and the corresponding music video was published on Briggs' YouTube channel on 27 August 2014. The video was filmed near Briggs' home town of Shepparton "at the crossroads just by the Murchison East Railway Hotel & Train station, an iconic and humble piece of history which sadly has since burnt down."[47] In an October 2014 radio interview with the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC), Briggs provided further insight into the song:
Briggs released the music video of a collaborative song with Sydney-based artist Joyride on 9 October 2014. Featured on Briggs' YouTube channel, the video is co-directed by Briggs and the song is described as "all about skipping the honeymoon period and getting right into the plateau of the relationship—where none of the magic happens." Titled "Mike Tyson Love Thing", the song is produced by Western Australian artist Dazastah of SBX.[49] As part of a series of media appearances that occurred throughout 2014,[15][48][50] Briggs was selected as an "IndigenousX" guest by the Guardian publication in mid-November. The IndigenousX series is based on a Twitter account—@IndigenousX—and the tagline "Our stories, our way". Guests are responsible for the series' Twitter account for a one-week duration, and are asked "to discuss topics of interest to them as Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people"—Kaleesha Morris and Mark Ella are examples of previous guests.[51] In his introductory interview, Briggs described himself as "An introvert with an extrovert's career."[52] He used the account to live-tweet his reaction to the SBS documentary series First Contact about six Australians who are challenged about their perceptions of Indigenous Australians.[53] As a prelude to Briggs' second Sheplife remix competition, a "Squad Remix" of the album song "Golden Era" was uploaded onto the Golden Era Records SoundCloud profile on 27 November 2014.[54] Featuring the Hilltop Hoods, K21, Funkoars and Vents, the remix was described as venomous by the Tone Deaf website, due to the lyrical content. Contestants are required to download vocals file, in addition to other material, from the SoundCloud page to produce their entry.[55] The first "#KingOfTheTown" remix contest was for rappers and was won by Sydney MC Sarah Connor in early September 2014.[56] 2015–present: Bad Apples Music, A.B. Original[edit]In 2015, Briggs founded his own record label, Bad Apples Music. The label has signed three indigenous hip-hop artists: Birdz, Nooky and Philly.[8] Briggs also formed a side project with Trials of the Funkoars, named A.B. Original, which also forms part of the Bad Apples label.[8] A.B. Original supported Hilltop Hoods on their 2016 "Restrung" tour.[57] In November 2016, A.B Original released their debut album, Reclaim Australia (named after the nationalist anti-Islam group that has held public rallies of the same name) and has shot to the top 10 albums on Australian iTunes. The album has been described as "angry, polemical, brutally frank and meant to inspire a response, good or bad" and features a variety of different Indigenous music artists, such as Geoffrey Gurrumul Yunupingu, Dan Sultan and Thelma Plum.[58] The duo also performed the song, Dumb Things, with Paul Kelly in the Triple J studios. This version of the song makes reference to Invasion Day, abuse of children in the Don Dale detention centre in the NT, Asylum seekers and blackface.[59] Briggs also appeared on the ABC's Cleverman as Maliyan. The A. B. Original song "Take Me Home", featuring Gurrumul Yunupingu, was written for and serves as the opening title, and is played throughout the show's first season. Touring[edit]Also in late 2010, Briggs was the support act on the Australian tour of American hip hop MC Ice Cube,[24][60] who Briggs described as "my favourite rapper since I was a kid."[20] Also in late 2010, Briggs supported Perth MC Drapht on his "Rapunzel" tour.[61] In early 2012, Briggs supported Alabama rapper Yelawolf on his Australian tour.[62] In late 2012, Briggs toured alongside Horrorshow, as both were support acts for the Hilltop Hoods.[63][64] Together with South Australian MC K21 and former mentor Reason, Briggs was announced as the support act for the Melbourne performance of Jeru The Damaja.[65] An Australian tour in support of the Sheplife album, with "special guest" Hau Latukefu, occurred in October and November 2014.[66] American hip hop and spoken word artist Sage Francis selected Briggs as the main support act for the Melbourne and Sydney shows of his December 2014 Australian tour.[67] Musical style and influences[edit]Briggs describes himself as a "rapper" and does not see the term as problematic, citing Kanye West as an artist he listens to.[48] He has named The Dixie Chicks, Keith Urban, Janet Jackson and Katy Perry as older influences, but also stated that he listens to contemporary American artists such as Justin Timberlake and R Kelly. Briggs has identified Australian artists The Living End, The Veronicas, Operator Please, Alex Lloyd, Grinspoon, Kisschasy, One Dollar Short and Pete Murray as influences.[16] During his experience of finalising Sheplife, Briggs explained that his songwriting is "sporadic":
In terms of his sound and style, Briggs described an evolving process in late 2013, whereby his sound has become "loud, aggressive, hostile and endearing at the same time". However, he also uses the term "thoughtful" to describe the sound of his second album, and explained: "I am a lot more focused, I have a lot more direction. I'm still angry it's just more mature now. I have a better idea of the sound I want to create and legacy I want to leave."[16] The Yorta-Yorta culture is also influential on Briggs's songwriting according to the MC:
Briggs further explained in a November 2014 interview that his Yorta-Yorta heritage means that he represents "a long line of story tellers".[52] In terms of role models, Briggs identified his family in November 2014, with an emphasis placed upon his father and uncles, as they were central in his upbringing. Briggs explained that his familial ties provide him with a strong sense of security, "because if I'm right by them [family] I don't need to worry."[52] In the same interview, Briggs also spoke of the subjects that he most passionately explores through his music:
Awards and nominations[edit]AIR Awards[edit]The Australian Independent Record Awards (commonly known informally as AIR Awards) is an annual awards night to recognise, promote and celebrate the success of Australia's Independent Music sector. APRA Music Awards[edit]The APRA Awards are presented annually from 1982 by the Australasian Performing Right Association (APRA), "honouring composers and songwriters". ARIA Music Awards[edit]The ARIA Music Awards is an annual awards ceremony that recognises excellence, innovation, and achievement across all genres of Australian music. They commenced in 1987. The Deadly Awards[edit]The Deadly Awards, commonly known simply as The Deadlys, was an annual celebration of Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander achievement in music, sport, entertainment and community. The ran from 1995 to 2013. Environmental Music Prize[edit]The Environmental Music Prize is a quest to find a theme song to inspire action on climate and conservation. It commenced in 2022.[76] J Award[edit]The J Awards are an annual series of Australian music awards that were established by the Australian Broadcasting Corporation's youth-focused radio station Triple J. They commenced in 2005. Music Victoria Awards[edit]The Music Victoria Awards, are an annual awards night celebrating Victorian music. They commenced in 2005.[80][81] National Indigenous Music Awards[edit]The National Indigenous Music Awards recognise excellence, innovation and leadership among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander musicians from throughout Australia. They commenced in 2004.[86][48][87][88][89][90][91] [edit]Briggs hosted a concert that was co-ordinated by Shepparton organisation "Word and Mouth", in which local young artists from indigenous and refugee backgrounds participated in performances.[92] Briggs played for the Eastside Kings team in the 2012 Robert Hunter Cup, an Australian rules football match organised to honour the memory of Australian hip hop MC Hunter. Originally from Western Australia and a member of the Syllabolix crew, Hunter died from cancer in October 2011. The Cup event, which was inspired by an impromptu "kick-to-kick" game at a wake near the Melbourne Cricket Ground,[93] was timed to coincide with the anniversary of Hunter's death and raised funds for Australian cancer charity CanTeen.[94] Children's book[edit]In May 2020, Briggs released a children's book 'Our Home, Our Heartbeat'.[95] The book became the best-selling children's book in Australia in June 2020.[96][non-primary source needed] It won the 2021 Australian Book Industry Award for Children's Picture Book of the Year.[97] Personal life[edit]Following his time as a resident of Melbourne, Briggs returned to his hometown of Shepparton in 2010.[20] Briggs has explained, "I like being back home, with all my cousins and my friends who I grew up with – they keep me honest."[41] Briggs then relocated to Melbourne for the second time in 2014, and provided a further insight into his experience of Shepparton following the move: In May 2012, Briggs welcomed a daughter, Kora,[98] and explained in November 2014 that, in terms of the future, he strives for "a better Australia and a better world for my daughter."[52] In a February 2014 interview, Briggs stated that he is separated from his daughter's mother and used the analogy of "spinning plates" to describe the process of balancing work and family life. Briggs also articulated his paradoxical experience of parenthood, whereby he feels both strengthened and made vulnerable.[99] Discography[edit]Studio albums[edit]EPs[edit]Singles[edit]As lead artist[edit]Guest appearances[edit]References[edit]
External links[edit]
Is Briggs & Stratton going out of business?The U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Eastern District of Missouri formally approved the transaction on September 15, 2020. With the completion of the sale to KPS, the Acquired Business has successfully exited from its Chapter 11 Bankruptcy proceeding.
What does Briggs and Stratton do?Briggs & Stratton is the world's largest producer of engines for outdoor power equipment, and is a leading designer, manufacturer and marketer of lithium-ion battery, standby generator, energy storage system, lawn and garden, turf care and job site products through its Briggs & Stratton®, Vanguard®, Ferris®, Simplicity ...
Are Briggs and Riley worth it?Great Value. Despite its high prices, Briggs & Riley actually isn't overpriced. They offer the most value at this price point because of their “no-matter-what” lifetime warranty.
When did Briggs and Stratton go out of business?In 2019, Briggs & Stratton announced they would be closing their engine factory in Murray, Kentucky, with production being moved to their Poplar Bluff, Missouri facility. On July 20, 2020, Briggs & Stratton filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy. KPS Capital Partners purchased a majority of the company stake for $550 million.
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