I was incredibly fortunate enough to kick it with one of my favorite artists in the world, Yasushi Matsui aka Noa-. Years ago in San Francisco, CA, I met him through mutual friends. At Space Gallery (RIP) in SF’s Tenderloin, Matsui was a member of the first incarnation of TMG when it was a showcase of writers and artists. On wood panel clamped to an easal, Matsui came through and got busy with artists Aaron Lawrence and Nolan Yelonek. Matsui …
Category: tokyo
At the top of 2019 rapper, producer, and artist Rhyming Gaijin made a pledge to make a beat, write a verse, and record a track for everyday of the year. He called it the 365-Day Challenge. When I first wrote about it, he was 54 days out and showed little sign of stopping. Rhyming is something of a unique figure within Tokyo, Japan’s music scene. Very few artists put themselves out there in the way that he does. Rhyming’s music …
I talked to vlogger and fashion designer, Reggie Casual for Tokyo Weekender, read it here. Reggie’s videos are a gulf of information and insight into Japanese fashion. While I enjoyed watching them and I think The Casual is one of the most unique vlogs in Japan, I couldn’t get away from the obvious influence of the black aesthetic on this country’s pop culture. Granted, The Casual is about Japanese fashion, but for him to not address the obvious is what …
Prolific rapper and producer Paulie Rhyme is from Cleveland, Ohio. He’s has been spitting way before Lil’ Dicks was mumbling. He’s worked with Prince Po (Organized Konfusion), Rasco (Cali Agents), Blueprint, Raashan Ahmad, and a host of others. Just recently he toured China with Japanese producer Nomak. Towards the end of the year they will be releasing a much anticipated project. With his wife and daughter, Paulie calls Nagoya, Japan, home. On this side of the moon he’s an ambassador …
freeform jazz by uyama hiroto …
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