Kohjiya Continues Huge 2026 Run With “So Far” and STRAIGHT UP FESTIVAL
Kohjiya is continuing one of the biggest years of his career with the release of his new single “So Far” and a headline appearance at the inaugural STRAIGHT UP FESTIVAL ’26 by WILKINSON. The Nagasaki-born, Tokyo-based rapper released “So Far” on September 4 through STARBASE RECORDS, with the track created specifically to commemorate the launch…
BABYWOODROSE & Sonsi Bring Japan’s New Underground Wave to Shibuya WWW X
Two of Japanese hip-hop’s rapidly emerging new voices are coming together in Tokyo as BABYWOODROSE and Sonsi prepare for their first-ever two-man concert at Shibuya WWW X. The show takes place on November 26 as part of WWW’s ongoing XX series, which pairs hip-hop artists for extended performances designed to showcase their individual styles. Rather…
JP THE WAVY, Ralph & CYBER RUI Lead Huge Late-Night Hip-Hop Gathering in Shibuya
Tokyo’s hip-hop scene is preparing for another massive night as JP THE WAVY, ralph, CYBER RUI, Shurkn Pap, Campanella and more come together for Jack & Music in Shibuya on September 26. The late-night event will take over both Spotify O-EAST and duo MUSIC EXCHANGE, bringing 25 artists and DJs into the heart of Shibuya…
Tiji Jojo Brings Post-BAD HOP Momentum to ZEROTOKYO for Urban Jam
Tokyo’s nightlife is getting another major hip-hop takeover as Tiji Jojo prepares to headline Urban Jam at ZEROTOKYO in Shinjuku on September 26. The former BAD HOP member will appear as the night’s special live performer, leading a lineup that brings together several major names from Japan’s current club and hip-hop scenes. Joining Tiji Jojo…
AFB Brings JP THE WAVY, Loco, Sik-K, Kaneee & More Together for AFB IS HERE®
Tokyo-based creative platform AFB has brought together some of the most exciting names from Japanese, Korean, Chinese and American hip-hop for its first compilation album, AFB IS HERE®. Released on September 18, the 12-track project pushes AFB beyond its fashion roots and deeper into music and international street culture, connecting artists and producers from four…
EVISBEATS & Nagipan Find Beauty in Simplicity on New Collaborative Album
Japanese producer EVISBEATS and singer Nagipan are preparing to release their new collaborative album Beauty on September 25, continuing a creative partnership built around warmth, restraint and music designed to live alongside everyday life. The 10-track project arrives through AMIDA STUDIO and follows a string of September singles that have gradually revealed the album’s direction….
Awich & CHICO CARLITO Join ONE OK ROCK and Paledusk for Powerful YAO Single
Japanese hip-hop and rock collide with a deeper purpose as Awich, CHICO CARLITO, ONE OK ROCK and Paledusk reunite under their collaborative project YAO for the new song “ありふれた世界の果てに.” Released on September 4, the track is YAO’s second release and pushes the supergroup beyond simply bringing major Japanese artists from different genres together. This time,…
RAPSTAR 2026 Draws Record 12,953 Applicants as Japan Searches for Its Next Rap Star
Japan’s search for its next rap star has reached a new level. RAPSTAR 2026 has attracted 12,953 applicants, giving this year’s competition one of its biggest pools of aspiring rappers yet. The latest edition is now moving into its audition phase, with selected audition videos beginning to appear from August 15. The scale of this…
Lil Baby Set for Japanese Debut at FORCE FESTIVAL 2026 Alongside YZERR
Lil Baby is set to make his first performance in Japan as the headline act of FORCE FESTIVAL 2026, joining festival founder YZERR for the major hip-hop event in Kawasaki on October 25. The announcement was made on August 13, when FORCE FESTIVAL and YZERR revealed Lil Baby alongside the festival’s founder. The official announcement…
HAM384 Releases Debut EP ‘Dear Friends’ After Work With Mall Boyz and SEEDA
Yokohama artist and creator HAM384 has officially released his debut EP, Dear Friends, marking an important new chapter for an artist who has already built connections across Japan’s hip-hop community. The project arrived on August 19, giving listeners a first full-length introduction to HAM384 as a recording artist. The release is particularly notable because of…
