After reading Hippo's latest post on Nujabes, I was reminded of some pretty dope hip hop that came from the land of the rising sun. I have to admit, on my visit to Japan a while back, I wasn't that impressed with Japanese hip hop - much of it tended to sound too much like a poor imitation of gangsta rap. In recent years though, it seems like Japanese hip hop has found it's own sound, which is more laid back, warm, and oftentimes jazzy. Kind of hard to describe, but the Nujabes definitely embody that sound with the rest of the artists below representing a spectrum of Japanese hip hop. [MP3] DJ Honda :: Trouble in the Water (feat. De La Soul) Daylaaaaaa!!! One of those back in the day reminiscing joints we all love. [MP3] DJ Krush :: Zen Approach (feat. Black Thought) Nice minimalist beats with seething flows from your favorite Roots MC. [MP3] Nujabes :: Battle Cry (feat. Shing02) If you've seen Samurai Champloo, you know this as the title song. I like the somewhat off-kilter flows and beats on this one, Nujabes and Shing02 definitely stand out on this one. [MP3] Cibo Matto :: Sci-fi Wasabi This grandiose banger with blaring horns is produced by Japanese American Dan the Automator, and features Miho Hattori and Yuka Honda of Cibo Matto. While they're typically singing about food, this time around they're rockin' the mic and damn can they represent with some spacey rhymes.
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I'm always glad when I inspire another. Shoyu the way like Kikkoman. You're welcome Banner. Another goodie I picked up on my last trip is a couple of albums by DJ Tonk. To me, he's the Hi-Tek of Japan. I wish he could get Tip and Phife to do a couple of tracks with him. Black Star too. [MP3] DJ Tonk feat. Pismo :: My Underground Life [MP3] DJ Tonk :: Fly By Moonlight And this is just an instrumental! [MP3] DJ Tonk feat. Due Process :: All Come Back [MP3] DJ Tonk feat. Finsta :: Bushwicked Homeboy on the mic sounds like Pharoahe
That was a trip for the ages! One of the best times I have ever had. Shout out to the J-crew for making it happen.
I'm gonna keep this real brief, since I'm trying to get over jet-lag and it's time for bed. Everyone knows and loves Samurai Champloo, if you haven't heard, it's a great Japanese anime series from the director of Cowboy Bebop that mixes hip-hop and other modern day themes with the ol' skool tale of the travelling samurai. I'm not really an anime-head, but I could get with this. The music is tight as well.
For those who love the soundtrack as well, the producer behind it all is Nujabes. One of my favorite J-albums of all time is his debut Metaphorical Music. If you like him, be sure to peep ShingO2 work as well...he's got vinyl here in the States available.
[MP3] Nujabes feat. Substantial & Pase Rock from Five Deez :: Blessing It (Remix) [MP3] Nujabes feat. Cise Starr :: Highs 2 Lows [MP3] Nujabes :: Summer Gypsy
I came across this video yesterday on Just Blaze's Blog and loved it - damnnn can these kids tear up vinyl!!! Call them Japan's junior Skratch Piklz (seriouly, they're even performing with Shortkut & D-Styles in Tokyo)- Sara is 8 and Ryusei is 5...I thought they were faking it at first, especially because Ryusei looks so nonchalant while performing some crazy scratches, but they are for real and I love how they seem to be having fun with it...damn Mom, why didn't you get me some 1200s and teach me flares when I was 3?!?!? This just might be better than human tetris or even Japanese cabs. More beats from the land of the rising sun below.
[MP3] Nujabes :: Aruarian Dance [MP3] Nujabes :: Lady Brown (feat. Cise Starr) [MP3] Nujabes :: Kumomi
After reading Hippo's latest post on some dope Japanese hip hop, I was reminded of lesser-known Japanese producer by the name of Nomak. Actually, when I say lesser-known, I mean I know nothing about him and can't find much additional information on him on the internet. In any case, what's important is the music, and if you like Nujabes or Japanese hip hop in general, I think you'll like Nomak. Like Jun Seba's production (of Nujabes), or actually, like a lot of Japanese hip hop, Nomak's beats feature slick production and a chilled out sound that's pretty distinct from what you'd hear in American hip hop. When you hear the beats, you'll know the difference, and that's something I like about Nujabes and Nomak - they're not trying to bite off American hip hop, but are more into creating a distinct and unique Japanese sound.
[MP3] Nomak :: Geishas in the Days (feat. Pismo) [MP3] Nomak :: Rokkasho (feat. Shing02) [MP3] Zion I :: Act Right (Nomak Remix)
ps. I know, I know, that's Shing02, not Nomak above, but I can't even find a picture of him. |bruce banner|
This is just a very sad. I still remember the excitement of going to his record store in Tokyo. One of the most humble & sincere heads. We have much love here for Nujabes. We are going to take a moment of silence this weekend out of respect. Nujabes memory will live on through the fans. [AND SHING02 TOLD ME THAT HE'S BEEN WORKING ON NEW INSTALLMENT OF LUV SIC SONGS, SO BE ON THE LOOK, I'M SURE THERE WILL BE A TRIBUTE THERE.]
Sometimes, I forget that hip hop can be melodious, that it can have harmonies, it can be soulful, and have insightful rhymes. Let's face it, hip hop wasn't very pretty to begin with - it's the sound of the streets, where the bass is bangin', the kick drum is hammered, rhymes are spit, and records are scratched. Don't get me wrong, I've always loved hip hop's raw and brash roots but at times I feel it's nice to kick back and listen to some joints that don't make you want to go out and knock somebody out (although that may have more to do with my own anger issues than some types of hip hop, but you know what I mean). So maybe it's just me getting grown, but lately it's been more about these warm, thoughtful, mellow joints, and kickin' back in the breeze.
[MP3] Bahamadia :: Reign I don't know what it is, but these days I've been on Bahamadia's non-existent nuts, diggin' up all her albums and annoying my coworkers by putting "Reign" and "Real Love" on repeat - I guess when you're in the mood for that mellow ish, Bahamadia's flows are like a verbal massage that soothes the mind. The beat on this one is deceptively simple, yet full of warmth and that looped piano is a perfect accompaniment for the soulful hook and Bahamadia's methodical rhyming. [MP3] Arts the Beat Doctor :: Crazy Times Thanks to interrupt3d_soul for this one...damn I don't know how she stays up on all the dopest underground joints, but every time she breaks off something, I know it's gonna be good. "Crazy Times" is no exception, and to make things better, it includes what sounds like an interpolation from one of my jazz favorites, "In a Sentimental Mood" by John Coltrane and Duke Ellington. [MP3] Ryuichi Sakamoto :: Undercooled (Nomak Edit feat. MC Sniper) Damnnn, who knew Ryuichi Sakamoto could make a dope hip hop beat? I love that this song has Japanese, Chinese, and Korean influence all over it, yet it's still very hip hop. There's something about MC Sniper's staccato delivery that's strangely hypnotic - I have no idea what he's saying, but it still captivates. [MP3] Nujabes :: Eclipse (feat. Substantial) Just like Bahamadia's "Reign", "Eclipse" is based on a simple looped piano sample that rises above the mundane with easy rhymes by Substantial, definitely one of my favorite Nujabes joints.
Every once and a while a friend of mine from Japan will send me a "care package" of stuff. Usually it corresponds on a birthday, New Year's, etc. Lot's of snacks and sometimes a little something extra. Well this time, it came completely out of the blue and was packed full of goodness. Homeboy knows how much we love the Nujabes, so he really hooked it up this time! I can't bump this mix enough. And I guess this MC, Substantial, is making some big noise out in Japan, even though he's from Baltimore...go figure. He's got some crazy sh*t on Sacrifice. And finally, he hit me up some stuff to drive to...Snowden. Someone should use Anti-Anti for a movie. Anytime you're in town Killa Cowboy, holla!
[MP3] Nujabes :: RISTORANTE mix (Side A) {If you dont' like this, something is terribly wrong with you. Side B.} [MP3] Substantial :: Spaticus (Spit 4 Spat) {If Too Short had a test tube baby with a young Timbaland & the baby was named Hyphy X.} [MP3] Substantial :: QT (Quality Time) {This beat is nice. I love the way it flips the horn. Substantial sounds like and Aesop Rock that I can understand without having to use Google.} [MP3] Snowden :: Kill The Power Arigato. ::MISTA HIPPO::
Here at Getdownnn we continually try to step our game up. So we've finally dove head first into the interview department as well. The people we choose to interview, you may not find on the cover of the latest Source, but we guarantee you that they are some of the illest at what they do and have lived full lives. Trying to give you the full spectrum. Besides they said, "yes". Please excuse us if the questions may seem elementary at times, but that's the point of view we are taking, what we know best, representing the bedroom heads out there who's first love is music.
For our first interview, we couldn't have asked for more. Shingo Annen, Shing02, is a man of the world and has been holding it down both as a producer and MC in Japan and the U.S. since the early 90's. He's put in the time, working with everyone from Del Tha Funkee Homosapien to the Nujabes (Samurai Champloo). And still finding time to invent the faderboard. Welcome inside the mind of Shing02.
-When did you know that music is what you wanted to do? My mom was surprised when I started recording and putting out music, because I was more of an art-head, plus I went to college for an engineering degree thinking I might work on AI or something. In fact, I never knew I would become a full-time musician, initially I just kept making music because it was fun. After a while though, I had to make a conscious decision to be a real MC and make music my mission. The reason being, I felt compelled enough that I could apply my ideas to be a voice for people that need the message, and after meeting so many great musicians I knew that I had to be dedicated to make anything happen. So my progression has been really slow, but I'm glad I was able to go through the growing pains in the public eye.
-Who are your musical influences? All genres, I like hip-hop but really dig jazz, reggae, dub, funk, soul, you name it.
I guess when you start off as a hip-hop fan you only care about learning all the hip-hop records but when you become a musician you can't help but appreciate everything. Like when you're a bassist you listen to all bass parts by default, when you become an engineer, you're listening to the mixes more than the lyrics.
-Top 5 albums or songs all-time (soundtrack to your life)?
Like everybody else, I have to say way too many to list but here are the first top five that randomly popped into my mind.
-I love listening to that Augustus Pablo when I visit family on the islands.Throughout your life you have lived in many different places, do you feel like it has had any impact on you as an artist? If so, how?
Most definitely. Like when I grew up in Tanzania, I saw UFOs. One time an eagle dropped a chicken head from the sky and I almost got hit by it. I saw starvation and theft first hand when I was three. My best friend was a German Shepherd till I was six. People eating locusts off lamp posts. A humongous lizard came into our backyard to steal eggs from our neighbor's chicken. The villagers killed it with spears and a rock and ate it! A lot of beauty too. Solar eclipse. A cloud of yellow butterflies in the Serengeti. You know, I remember it all like yesterday. I can't say how exactly it impacted me, it's all a part of who I am.
-That's crazy interesting. I wish I could travel more, but it's a trip when you actual live in there and call it home. Being bilingual, do you think in English or Japanese first when you write lyrics? Is there any difference or changes you have to make when using one language over the other, especially with using rhyme schemes?
I usually listen to a beat with the song in mind so it depends on the song. I used to think very differently between the two, but now I just kind of listen to the beat and try to match the vibe.
-With your experiences, do you see any major differences between the hip-hop culture in Japan and the U.S.? If so, what?
Definitely, I'd say the biggest difference is the way society interprets what hip hop is. You said "culture", which i still think is key. Most people immediately point to the rap music industry, or hip-hop clothing. The cultural movement needs people that follow the criteria. Hip-hop in Japan is really diverse and strong but for the most part the general audience only sees the pop interpretations of it.
-Nujabes has really caught quite a following here in the U.S., do you have any theories why?
I think people kinda missed that sound for a while, the early 90's sound. The whole "jazzy" movement is cool, but personally the music has to be really unique to speak to me, whether it's a sample or not.
-Any chance of more to come with Samurai Champloo? The music, animation, stories, everything was dope!
I'm not involved with the production, I know some people wanted to make a real-life version of it, we'll see about that!
-Ahhhh, that would be cool. Taking from Inside the Actors Studio, what is your favorite sound or noise? Least favorite? Why?
Oh I like that show. My favorite sound (or environment) is being inside a hot spring (onsen). That's the real reason I go to Japan a lot. Least favorite has to be scratching a blackboard.
-Onsen iiyone!I'll do my best James Lipton...What is your favorite word? Least favorite word? Why?
I don't know about a word, but I have a favorite AND least favorite phrase because lately, I've been trying very hard to avoid telling people "I know I might have told you this, but..."It's just a gesture to say "I want to reiterate this point although I do recall our previous conversation", because if they think you're retelling the story without realizing it's kinda rude, and at the same time if you keep saying that phrase it gets annoying. You know what I'm saying?
-Word. I say that all the time, but I'll stop now. Working with legends like Del and DJ Krush, who else do you want to work with?
I really don't know at this point, I've been really blessed so far (knock 2x on wood). Last time I saw DJ Krush I asked him for another beat for a concept I had.
-What's next for Shing02?
Hopefully I get to release more songs, and maybe my *first* English album on the horizon.
-Any advice to anyone who wants to be an MC?
Be true, original, fearless, and confident.
-The truth. One last thing, the Faderboard is nasty! Hook me up with one :) How did you come up with it?
As I get older, I find myself missing dope mixtapes. And I'm not talking about 50 Cent type mixtapes either. I guess you would just call them mixes, since tapes are on the endangered species list anyways. One of my favorite DJ's right now is Cradle. The other is DJ Yusai. He did a dope mix for the lovely ladies of MADE Jewelry (debstar's people). Fellas pick up some nice dangly thangs for your lady there. And if you love that Nujabes or Nomak jazzy sound then you'll love these mixes. Nice blends. Perfect for the winter. Just click on the pictures.
Just got back from Da Muthaland, readjusting to the time and getting back in to the groove of things. Overall, it was a great trip. Saw a bunch of old friends, celebrated a friend's bachelor's party and even had a chance to do some real estate research. Ate plenty of good grub and was even able to hit up DJ Muro's favorite record spot in Kobe and the Nujabes record store in Shibuya. Even got to meet with theRon Jeremyof Japan (see pic above). With that, here are a few finds that I picked up while I was out there.
