ZIN Celebrates the First Anniversary of JOJO With New Remix EP Featuring BudaMunk, 仙人掌 and More

Japanese singer-songwriter ZIN is revisiting one of his standout projects with the release of JOJO (Remixes), a six-track remix EP that brings together an impressive lineup of producers and musicians from Japan’s contemporary hip-hop, R&B and underground music scenes.

Released on October 28, 2026, the project celebrates the first anniversary of ZIN’s original EP, JOJO, which arrived in October 2025. Rather than simply repackage the original recordings, the new release gives six tracks fresh musical interpretations through the work of different producers, each bringing their own sound and creative perspective.

The project features contributions from 4LON, Qunimune, BudaMunk, ji2kia, TiMT and Co-3oly, with additional appearances from artists including Kzyboost, KOJOE, Arche and 仙人掌 (SENNINNSHOW).

ZIN Reimagines the JOJO Sound

ZIN has developed a distinctive musical identity through his approach to songwriting, combining elements of R&B, neo-soul, jazz and hip-hop. His work is built around expressive vocals, carefully arranged instrumentation and collaborations with producers who operate across different corners of Japanese music.

He is also associated with Soulflex, an artist collective based primarily around the Kansai region. The collective has brought together musicians and creatives working across music, performance and visual culture, creating an environment where different musical influences can come together.

The original JOJO EP demonstrated this collaborative approach. Released in October 2025, it featured contributions from Kzyboost, KOJOE, FKD, 1Co.INR, ji2kia, Aru-2 and grooveman Spot.

The project moved between contemporary R&B production, hip-hop rhythms and more experimental musical arrangements. ZIN’s vocal performances provided a consistent foundation while the different collaborators helped shape the atmosphere of individual tracks.

With JOJO (Remixes), the singer-songwriter gives those recordings another opportunity to connect with listeners.

Six Tracks, Six Different Interpretations

One of the most interesting aspects of the new release is the range of production styles represented across its six tracks.

The opening track, “超えてゆく (feat. Kzyboost) [4LON Remix],” receives a new electronic treatment from 4LON. The remix introduces a more electric production approach while maintaining the melodic character of the original recording.

“Everytime I (feat. KOJOE) [Qunimune Remix]” takes a different direction. Qunimune reworks the track into a production influenced by UK 2-step and dance music. The result gives the original composition a different rhythmic identity while retaining its connection to ZIN’s R&B sound.

BudaMunk handles “Distortion,” delivering one of the project’s most recognizable production approaches. Known for his contribution to Japan’s underground hip-hop culture, BudaMunk brings a heavier, low-end-focused beat to the recording.

The remix of “Moegara” is another major highlight. ji2kia reconstructs the original production while bringing in Arche and 仙人掌 as featured performers. The collaboration connects ZIN’s melodic approach with the harder edges of Japanese underground rap.

“Say So” receives a remix from TiMT, ZIN’s longtime creative partner through their joint project Lipsum. Their previous musical relationship gives the track an additional layer of familiarity, with TiMT bringing his understanding of ZIN’s songwriting into the new arrangement.

The closing track, “In The End,” is reworked by Co-3oly, a younger producer and multi-instrumentalist whose musical influences include R&B, jazz and Japanese pop. His involvement provides another perspective on the project’s wider musical direction.

A Strong Connection Between Japanese Hip-Hop and R&B

Although ZIN is primarily recognized as a singer-songwriter, the collaborators on JOJO (Remixes) make the release particularly relevant to Japanese hip-hop audiences.

The involvement of BudaMunk, KOJOE, Arche and 仙人掌 highlights the close relationship between Japan’s rap underground and its broader alternative R&B community.

These musical scenes have increasingly shared producers, performers and creative spaces. Rather than operating as completely separate genres, hip-hop, soul, jazz and contemporary R&B frequently influence one another in Japanese independent music.

BudaMunk’s contribution is especially significant in this context. His production career has been closely associated with underground hip-hop and beat culture, making his interpretation of “Distortion” an interesting addition to a project led by an R&B-focused artist.

The appearance of 仙人掌 on “Moegara” also introduces a recognizable underground rap presence into the EP. His collaboration with Arche and ji2kia gives the track a different character from the more melodic recordings elsewhere on the release.

This diversity is part of what makes the remix project interesting. Each producer approaches the source material from a different musical background, allowing the original compositions to exist in several forms.

ZIN Continues Building His Musical Identity

For ZIN, JOJO (Remixes) represents more than an anniversary release. It provides an opportunity to revisit an important project while highlighting the creative relationships that have helped shape his musical career.

His work with Soulflex and Lipsum demonstrates an interest in collaboration that extends beyond conventional artist-producer relationships.

The new EP also arrives at a time when Japanese hip-hop and alternative R&B continue attracting international attention. While global audiences have become increasingly familiar with Japanese rap through artists working in different styles, projects like JOJO (Remixes) demonstrate the depth of the country’s wider independent music community.

The release is available across major streaming platforms, including Spotify, Apple Music and YouTube Music.

With six remixes and contributions from an eclectic group of Japanese producers and performers, ZIN has created a project that allows listeners to experience the original JOJO EP from a completely different perspective.

For longtime fans, it offers a reason to return to the 2025 release. For new listeners, it provides an introduction to an artist whose music sits comfortably between Japanese hip-hop, neo-soul and contemporary R&B