TIME IS UP by CAKE-K: The Return of a Japanese Hip-Hop Legend

A key figure in the genesis of Japanese hip-hop, CAKE-K, a historic member of B-FRESH, is making a grand comeback with a new album after 20 years of absence. A pioneer of Japanese rap, he stood against watered-down versions of the genre, embodying a revolution that laid the foundation for the Japanese rap scene as we know it today. Often compared to a late-period Picasso, this veteran of the mic is finally releasing his second album. This significant event serves both as a retrospective and a powerful statement.

CAKE-K: From the Streets to the Spotlight

From his teenage years, CAKE-K was passionate about hip-hop. In 1985, he founded MYSTIC MOVERS with his brother and friends, a breakdancing crew influenced by icons of the time, such as Rock Steady Crew. But it wasn’t just dance that captivated him—drawing inspiration from the same artists who rapped, he started crafting his verses, mimicking their flows.

By 1987, he was performing in the iconic Yoyogi Park before delivering his first rap performance at a hip-hop event organized by his peers. The journey had begun. A few years later, he joined B-FRESH, a legendary group that would leave a lasting mark on the Japanese hip-hop scene. Then, in 2004, he took a significant step in his career by releasing his first solo album under King Records, cementing his status as an accomplished artist.

Rebirth with “boomista” label in 2023

After a long silence, CAKE-K closely observed the transformations of Japanese rap without ever straying from his roots. In 2023, he took charge of his career by founding his label, boomista, marking a powerful comeback that now materializes with his latest album.

This project, a testament to his artistic resurgence, consists of 12 tracks, including five reinterpretations of existing songs and several new compositions that blend retrospection with a forward-looking vision. Each track has been meticulously crafted to ensure uncompromising quality—no filler, each song possessing its own identity and significance.