Scha Dara Parr (S.D.P)
These guys are still kind of underground, they have an "in" with american artists such as De La Soul, Pete Rock, Beastie Boys, etc. My personal favorite's from Yokohama. Theyre good friends with BAPE'sta General Nigo as well as hippster/songwriter Cornelius.Afra (Human Beatbox)
Originally from Osaka-lived abroad in NYC where he hada chance encounter with The Roots beatboxer Rahzel-he has a couple of cds out the last in which was produced by WARP recording artist Prefuse/73-you can see him everywhere from Relax Magazine to doing commercials on Japanese TV. Seen on hiphop documentaries such as SCRATCH and BREATH CONTROL. He now tours with other Beatboxers as a "band" playing from Japan to Spain.
Takagi Khan
Hes old school on the Japanese hiphop charts...respect. If there wasnt him-Japanese hiphop would be years behind.
Buddha Brand
Dont know much about these guys, but they come with the hardcore sound. I like some of their tracks.
Dj.Muro
Japans underground mixtape king-held in high regards from all over the world as a professional in the deejay/mixtape realm-a real crate digger.
Dj.Krush
Probably the most well known hiphop deejay from japan who has worked with almost every well known underground hiphoppa-Mos Def, De La Soul, Pete Rock, Dj.Shadow, El P, Mr. Lif, Aesop Rock, The Roots. Supposedly in his early days he was involved with Yakuza but got out early just in time-leaving with all ten digits completely intact.
Honorable mentions...
Shingo2 -located in california-he spits in Japanese and English...often working with Nujabes, Living Legends crew. If you watch Samurai Champloo (English) he spits the verses on "Battlecry".
Lyrics Born-half Japanese Quannum Projects [home of Blackalicious,Dj.Shadow,Lifesavas, Latyrx] spitter,probably the BEST showman ive seen on stage-has a raspy voice and is funnier than hell-although I dont think hes ever spit a verse in Japanese-at least on tape that is. Im sure youve heard his voice and song "Callin Out" on Coke commercials over the past year and a half.
