National / Media | Japan Pulse Sep 10, 2021
Hip-hop is getting a bad rap this summer
by Patrick St. Michel
After footage of unmasked, crowded rap fans at a festival spread online, mainstream news outlets zeroed in on hip-hop itself.
Music Sep 9, 2021
How 88rising crafted an evocative soundtrack for Marvel’s ‘Shang-Chi’
by Jeremy Gordon
The Asian arts collective worked closely with the director Destin Daniel Cretton to put its imprint on the anticipated movie.
Music Aug 30, 2021
Aichi hip-hop event organizer slammed for lax coronavirus steps
Namimonogatari2021 festival defied live concert industry guidelines on alcohol and ticket sales, as well as social distancing, says Aichi Gov. Hideaki Omura.
Asia Pacific Aug 8, 2021
Hip-hop dream thrives in India's largest slum
by Ammu Kannampilly
Residents of the Dharavi slum came together to fight the stigma attached to their corner of Mumbai.
People Jun 6, 2021
Ash Hudson: From outfitting hip-hop's icons to finding new inspiration in Japan
by Matt Kaufman
Albion "Ash" Hudson's Conart streetwear brand defined the fashion of many rappers in the 1990s. His designs are now popping up on new acts such as Travis Scott and BTS.
Music May 21, 2021
by Patrick St. Michel
Japanese rappers are beginning to share more about their own experiences in their tracks, an approach Daichi Yamamoto says is upping the standards for domestic hip-hop.
Lifestyle | CHILD'S PLAY Nov 15, 2020
Upgrade your kids’ home dance parties with a class at Studio Tron
by Danielle Demetriou
For dance-loving children, Studio Tron is the stuff of dreams, with feel-good pop, floor-to-ceiling mirrors and kind, professional teachers.
Music Sep 4, 2020
Okinawan rapper Awich rejects your constructs
by Dan Buyanovsky
As a young girl, Awich would sit in awe at her father's tales of war on Okinawa. Little did she know it would inspire her to tell her own tales as a successful rapper.
Music Aug 28, 2020
Chelmico breezes through 2020 with optimistic music for somber times
by Patrick St. Michel
The rap duo’s upbeat new album, “Maze,” kicks off with a topsy-turvy track that’s the opening theme of a popular anime and has inspired a dance meme.
Music / CD Reviews | LISTENING POST Aug 6, 2020
‘Dos Siki’: Dos Monos cuts the fat and ups the ante
by James Hadfield
Tokyo-based trio Dos Monos’ second album is an EP-length explosion of energy and confidence.
Music Jul 24, 2020
JP The Wavy: 'The culture of hip-hop unites us'
by Ronald Taylor
The prevalence of hip-hop on social media has thrust rapper JP The Wavy at the forefront of Asia’s changing millennial culture.
Stage Sep 19, 2019
by Chisato Tanaka
Hip-hop dancer Reina has dispensed with school in favor of dedicating her life to her art, and regularly travels across Asia to deliver dance classes and workshops