Why Tohji Is the Most Important Rapper of the New Wave of J-Hip-Hop
Legends and GOATs are seen as deities in the world of hip-hop.
Mentors and pioneers are incredibly crucial to the culture, not only because innovation and competition are shared values, but also because they set the tone for the next chapter in music.
Hip-hop was created by African-Americans in the US, and a big portion of the biggest rappers and musicians of this genre, on a global scale, are of this ethnicity. Due to its popularity in the past decades, it expanded into all corners of the world, creating niches both virtually and locally.
Japan is no stranger to Western culture. Though it was somewhat late to catch onto hip-hop, this genre is becoming a favorite of the Japanese music industry and today, it definitely has its own universe. This phenomenon is especially seen in Tokyo, the birthplace of many eclectic subcultures and niches.
Right around the SoundCloud era that happened a few years ago, an underground rapper by the name of Tohji caught the attention of local hip-hop fans with his debut, precisely with tunes like “Veen Veeen!” Tohji stood out from his peers. Was it his futuristic appeal for the Y2K look pre-lockdown, or his introduction of the hyperpop and “drainer” sound to Japan before it was even popular? Needless to say, his fame ignited instantly. Europe’s cold coolness and pop culture’s trashiness were big foundations for Tohji - in a way, he managed to make his music have a “pop” and “rave” feeling without sounding like it. Drowning is the best way to describe his sound, and the metallic tinge of his voice amplifies the futuristic aspect of his artistry.
Tohji is one of the rare artists that can make marimba not sound corny, and autotune, classy. Since his mixtape “angel”, many rappers and artists have emulated him and his semi-androgynous, high-status but casually negligent style both in music and fashion.
About the Author:
Mizuki Khoury
Born in Montreal, based in Tokyo. Sabukaru’s senior writer and works as an artist under Exit Number Five.
