A solid sophomore effort from one of the best female rappers to come out of Japan. This was her last truly all hip-hop album before she moved to more of a R&B/Pop sound. Hopefully those who requested "DAY BEFORE BLUE" will dig this one too. Enjoy!
Like many suburban White kids in the U.S., I have been fascinated by Hip-Hop and R&B from an early age. Growing up in the 90's, I was lucky enough to experience the genres at their peaks and enjoy a diverse and inspiring age before it became over-commercialized, mediocre and insulting. While trying to find solace within underground artists, I eventually became annoyed with the ideology that "good" music should not be meant for the ears of many. Through the recommendation of a classmate in college, I checked out a Korean Hip-Hop trio, Epik High, and my life was completely changed. I became obsessed and from that point, I have happily scoured the internet for Asian Hip-Hop and R&B. While Korea does hold most of my favorite artists, it's Japan that practically pioneered its introduction into Asia and allowed many of favorite artists to exist today. Unlike the states, many artists (not all) have stayed true to the origins of the genres and made their way into the mainstream. This post features five artists from over the last 20 years that I feel represent the growth and roots of the genres. DJ Krush, an ex-yakuza, who became inspired by hip-hop and put the J-urban scene on the map in the early 90's. Coma-Chi, one of the few female rappers/singers to establish herself in Japan. Shingo Suzuki and 45, labelmates who utilize genre blending and musicians from all over the world to highlight the beauty of universal hip-hop. Last and not least, JASMINE, a fantastic R&B singer bringing a mature, soulful flare to modern J-pop countering the stereotypical "cutesy image". There is a whole range of artist, past and present, who have brought their finesse to the genres but I hope everyone takes a listen to these artists and check out their other works. Shingo Suzuki's group, Ovall, is awesome! Enjoy!
