Title Photo By Manu Pillai
Aaronwaxwell “Side B (Excerpt From Cops Tape)”(2012)
“He (Aaronmaxwell) is one of my favorite producers. I was very excited and suprised when Illsugi showed me this beat for the first time. I had never heard a style like his before. If you are interested, I would recommend downloading his free album (unbelievable!)”
Fishmans “いかれたBaby (IKARETA BABY)” (1993)
“They are a Japanese Dub band. Sometimes they make other music like Electronica, Rocksteady, Rock, Funk and Hip Hop. The song title means “I love her madly”. When I’m driving or hanging out with my friends at home (Fukuoka) I always enjoy listening to their music. It makes me happy and relaxed. He (Lead Singer) died in 1999, but his message remains in my heart forever”.
“They (MONJU) are a Tokyo-based hip hop crew. There are 4 members (ISSUGI, SENNINSHO, Mr PUG and 16Flip) but only 3 members appear in the video!! Nobody knows about 16flip, knows what he looks like or who he is?? He is like a rumor. I like this song because it is so cool and breathes Tokyo. If you listen to this song you will want to go to Tokyo! I also want to go to Tokyo! Issugi is also in the “SICK TEAM” crew. The crew consists of ISSUGI, 5lack and BUDAMUNK. Their sound is smooth and stylish! I am looking forward to hearing their new album”.
Yagi and Illsugi “Trane” (2012)
“Finally I want to recommend Yagi and Illsugi. They are also Tokyo-based producers. When I hear their beats I feel inspired. I met them both at Yagi’s “Trane” Hip Hop night. Yagi ended the event recently but has gone on to organize other great parties. They are very cool dudes and this song is definitely worth checking out! If you’re visiting Japan you need to be hitting the Hip Hop party scene”.
Bio: Born (Kenji Shibata) March 1991, Cram is an emerging talent out of Fukuoka City (Fukuoka Prefecture). With production influences ranging from Madlib to Elaquent, he continuously strives to perfect and hone his beat style. Musical peers include artists like: Bugseed, Yagi, Repeat Pattern, Aru-2, and Ill Sugi. Many of whom he’s found himself performing with at live beat events across Japan. The diligent beatsmith is part of the group, Bitter Source comprising of himself and rapper, Teezy; while also having done work with DJ YMG on the Black Mix Juice Label. Using an SP-303 and 404, he often utilizes soulful, rhode ridden samples with distinctly composed basslines. His drums are fomulated with precision and he will sometimes glitch short sections of songs to keep listeners attentive.
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