Showing posts with label Japan. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Japan. Show all posts
Monday, April 19, 2010
DJ Krush: Japanese DJ 2 Part Video Interview
Part 2 - DJ Krush Interview
Spin Earth gives us an in-depth interview with Japan's DJ Krush recorded back in January 2009.
Tuesday, March 9, 2010
DJ Krush London, UK Date Announced
via the press release
The Sensai returns to London for a solo show set to expand the minds of anyone in the vicinity of the Electric Ballroom, following on from the battle with his protege Kentaro in October where to most present he maintained his place on the top of the turntablist ladder. With some exclusive tracks from the forthcoming new LP (out late 2010) this is a not-to-be-missed show for any fans of hip-hop, turntablism and musical progression!
DJ Krush is arguably the most gifted producer & DJ in the world with a superb sense in mixing and composing who's been lauded for years by both his domestic and the international audience. Probably the most revered and renowned Japanese musician alive; the very fact of this unprecedented esteem goes some way toward justifying his laurels alone.
Krush's introduction to hip-hop came like that of so many others, through the movie Wildstyle. But unlike most of us this single event inspired the young Krush to form a posse which immediately became the greatest in Japan where it remained until Krush went solo in '92, and on to even greater prestige.
He was also the first DJ to use turntables as live instruments, doing free sessions with live musicians on stage and comes at you in '08 as the battle hardened veteran of dance floor killing shows from here to Burkina Faso. Expect a live turntablism display unlike anything you have seen before.
For tickets, go here:
DJ Krush @ The Electric Ballroom
Friday, February 26, 2010
Spragga Benz: Nesta Brand Apparel Celebrates 10th Anniversary Show In Japan
Not necessarily new, but news worthy on a Reggae/dancehall/hip hop/Japanese cultural level. Spragga Benz performed back in November in Japan for Nesta Brand 10th Anniversary. Apparently, Nesta does big business in Japan as a apparel company and Spragga personally came to solidify Nesta's status there.
More photos:
Nesta Japan Blog
(video courtesy of redsq123)
Thursday, February 18, 2010
DJ Krush: Famed Japanese Hip Hop DJ, Producer Japan Times Interview
Japan Times: What do you feel has been your greatest achievement over the course of your 20-year career?
DJ Krush: There were a lot of difficulties, but I think the greatest achievement is that I've actually continued! I've never been able to speak English, but using my music there are people all over the world that are waiting for me. That is truly something incredible. In this way, I feel there are no boundaries — that there is a common empathy. And when I go to a country and my fans tell me, "We were waiting!" — when I hear this — I'm really glad that I'm doing this.
Japan Times: What exactly inspired you when you first saw "Wild Style"?
DJ Krush: I really liked music, and was in a band in junior high school, but I couldn't find the type of music I really wanted to do. In "Wild Style," things are utilized that you can find at home, like a turntable and records, and my father had records, so it seemed like something I could do straight away. And also, I could get a real feeling of the street off it.
Japan Times: How did you "become" a DJ? Obviously you weren't taught . . .
DJ Krush: There was absolutely no information in those days, and now there are things like DJ school! There was nothing like that back then, so I bought the video and watched a DJ scratching on repeat. I tried to figure it out like that and that was how I learned. At the time you couldn't buy the kind of mixers that they were using in the film, so I ended up buying a totally different mixer, which I remember really struggling with.
Japan Times: And were you doing hip-hop from the start?
DJ Krush: I was listening to 1970s and '80s funk and rock, and then slowly incorporating hip-hop.
Japan Times: How long did it take for you to develop your own DJing style?
DJ Krush: I'm still looking for it, even though I've been DJing for 20 years now.
Japan Times: How has the Japanese hip-hop scene developed over the years?
DJ Krush: I'm not really all that interested in the mainstream scene which is saturated with commercialism, but I really get the impression that there has been an increase in DJs and talented young people who want to manifest their own individuality and who have developed their own originality. Initially, hip-hop was a culture that was born in America, right? So the scene was imitating that. As the years went on, people started developing a sense of originality, an individuality that only they had. Not only DJs, but also rappers who were rapping in Japanese. I saw an increase in young people reflecting on things that were actually happening in their own country, not just copying gangs with guns.
Japan Times: You tour a lot with DJ Kentaro, but who are the other notable up-and-coming DJs in Japan.
DJ Krush: Oh, there are many now, but Kentaro won the DMC DJ championships (in 2002, aged 20), so I really think he has a certain groove that only he is capable of. I think Japanese are quite talented, so I really hope from now on that there are young people who want to participate on an international level.
Japan Times: Is your music more popular overseas than locally?
DJ Krush: I go overseas a lot, so maybe the level of recognition is higher overseas.
Japan Times: Why is that?
DJ Krush: I really feel the way that the crowd that accepts you abroad is slightly different than in Japan. They decide what they like and what they think is good for themselves, whereas in Japan, they don't make their own decisions; it's more like someone tells them it's good. If it's on TV that a CD is good, or if everyone says that it's good, they go out and buy it; they don't make their own selections.
Japan Times: People who meet you say you are really modest. Is it important to keep a humble attitude?
DJ Krush: Yeah, I don't really like the "me, me" attitude, and I can't really understand it. I wonder why people end up like that? Before that happens, I really think I have so much to do because people are really watching. I just think that I have a long way to go and that I haven't become the king yet.
Japan Times: Is it necessary to not feel satisfied as an artist?
DJ Krush: I really feel grateful to a lot of people that I have been able to come this far. For me to be able to go all over the world is really something I'm happy about, and there is more depth to music — it's so vast and free. So there is still a lot to pursue.
Read the full DJ Krush Interview here:
Japan Times - DJ Krush spins some tales
Thursday, January 21, 2010
Japanese Buddhist Monks Use Hip Hop & Alcohol To Recruit New Members
Tokyo, Japan (CNN) -- The Buddhist religion has largely remained the same over the past few centuries, but a group of monks in Japan are spicing things up by turning to alcohol and rap music to lure in followers.
The monks are calling it Buddhism 2010.
Kansho Tagai, who is a Buddhist monk, believes it's time to change for the future and doesn't mind if it means dropping the chants and bringing on the rap music.
Tagai also prefers to go by his street name -- Mr. Happiness.
Will religion soon be a thing of the past?
Many argue that the Buddhist mantra is hard to understand, but if it's interpreted in a modern way sung as a rap, then more young people might accept the Buddhist faith, according to Tagai.
"Getting the young people back to religion is key to Buddhism's survival," Tagai told CNN.
"In Japan, it's a religion in crisis."
Each year, hundreds of temples close in Japan and it's a similar struggle seen by other religions around the world.
The number of Christians in the U.S. fell by 11 percent in the course of one generation.
Another idea that monks hope will help get more young people involved is mixing faith with fun at something called the Monk Bar.
This modern day bar serves up alcoholic drinks while teaching the Buddhist mantra, according to Zenshin Fujioka.
"This is closer to what Buddhism was intended to be," Zenshin said.
"Today's temples are disconnected from the ordinary person."
Like most monks, Zenshin is trained in an ancient language most Japanese don't quite understand, but in a modern bar setting, the monks say the faithful talk at ease about their problems.
While many traditionalists may criticize both the Monk Bar and hip hop rapping styles, it seems their ideas are paying off.
"Twice as many people, especially the young, are now visiting the temple," Tagai said.
"Other monks are even calling me up for advice."
Sunday, January 17, 2010
Friday, January 15, 2010
Trey Songz Live In Tokyo
Trey Songz performed in Japan recently and the above footage is from his show at Yokohama Bay Hall in Tokyo, Japan Saturday November 7.
(video courtesy of Commitin)
Alicia Keys Japanese TV Show Appearance
Alicia Keys currently doing a promotional sweep through Asia for her latest album 'The Element Of Freedom'
Photos of Alicia Keys in Tokyo:
Getty Images
Rex Features
Wire Image
Friday, January 8, 2010
Too Short: What's My Favorite Word? Translated In Japanese
From Julia Beverly's Twitvid page, taken on E-40 & Too Short's Japanese tour back in December.
Related:
E-40 & Too Short Live In Tokyo, Japan
Sunday, January 3, 2010
J. Holiday New Year's Eve Live In Tokyo, Japan
J. Holiday ushered in the 2010 New Year in Tokyo, Japan at Yokohama Bay Hall.
(video courtesy of dillyyo25 & SheLLiBeLLi925)
Monday, December 21, 2009
Sunday, December 13, 2009
Red Cafe & DJ Envy Live In Tokyo
Live in Tokyo September 23, 2009 on their recent tour of the Land of the Rising Sun.
Monday, December 7, 2009
E-40 & Too Short Live In Tokyo, Japan
Saturday night (Dec. 5) E-40 & Too Short both performed on the same bill and brought the Yay Area to Yokohama Bay Hall in Tokyo, Japan.
PHOTOS:
Ozone Magazine
Saturday, November 7, 2009
Maino Performance In Osaka, Japan
On Maino's recent trip to Japan, seen here performing in Osaka back in October.
Thursday, October 15, 2009
Mos Def Wants Blackstar Reunion To Be Just Right
Part of Current Music's Embedded Music Series 'Embedded Outtake' taken on Mos Def's recent Japan visit.
Check out Mos Def's full coverage in Japan with interview, live footage etc. here:
Current Music's Embedded Music Series can also been seen on Hulu.
Monday, October 12, 2009
Thursday, August 20, 2009
Lord Finesse Live In Tokyo Video Posted
Lord Finesse visited the "Land of the Rising Sun" back in March of 2009 and is seen here in concert at Billboard Live in Tokyo, then doing an in-store performance at Manhattan Records in the Shibuya district of Tokyo during his stay.
Sunday, July 19, 2009
Bathing Ape London Grand Opening Party Photos Posted Online
The Bathing Ape London Grand Opening Party took place at 24 Nightclub in London's Soho district near Oxford Circus on Friday July 17. Guests included super model Jasmine Leonard, singer Remi Nicole, DJ Mark Ronson and Pharrell Williams. Judging by the pictures, Bathing Ape's Nigo didn't make the event.
Check out the party photos here:
Startraks Photo
Rex Features
Film Magic
Bathing Ape London Store Preview Here:
Hypebeast
Bathing Ape London officially opened Saturday July 18.
Tuesday, July 14, 2009
Q-Tip interviewed on Japanese TV
Also for people in NYC and the metropolitan area, Q-Tip will be headlining Central Park SummerStage this Saturday July 18.
Q-Tip "The Renaissance" in stores now.
Sunday, June 28, 2009
Lil Jon brings Crunk Rock to Tokyo
Recorded at the BMO Music Fest 09 which took place at the Zepp in Tokyo Japan Thursday June 18, Lil Jon shows the Japanese fans how to get 'crunk wit it'. Other artist on the bill included Sean Kingston, Shaggy, Omarion, J. Holiday, T.O.K. and others. Lil Jon is seen here performing with fellow cohort Pitbull who also appeared at the festival.
after party:
Lil Jon 'Crunk Rock' out before the end of 2009
after party:
Lil Jon 'Crunk Rock' out before the end of 2009
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