COMA-CHI’s Groundbreaking New Album ‘OTO’ Celebrates Tradition and Innovation Japanese Style!

Love and light, family! I hope all is well.

I’m thrilled to share some exciting news with you. COMA-CHI, the trailblazing icon of Japanese rap, has just dropped her latest masterpiece, “OTO,” and I’m honored to have been a part of it.  As some of you may know, I’ve had the privilege of producing the songs “Oteymoyan” and “Tokyo Ondo” on this incredible album. But this project means so much more to me than just a few songs on a record. It’s a culmination of a lifelong journey, rooted deeply in my heritage and family legacy.

CLICK HERE TO LISTEN TO ‘OTO’

I come from a lineage deeply entrenched in the spirit of bushido. Both my uncle and father were Kyokushin practitioners and the first wave of students to study Kyokushin Karate when it came to the United States in the 1960s. They are both exemplars of warrior ethos in their lives and I’m grateful to learn many life lessons from my dad as well as my uncle to date (I train with my uncle every weekend 😉).

(Me, my sister, & parents after my 1st Kyokushin tournament in Brooklyn)

(Me on the far right, my friends, training with my uncle)

So, to collaborate with a Japanese rap legend like COMA-CHI and team up with the talented Asuka Koto, infusing traditional Japanese instruments like the Koto and Shamisen into the music, feels like a profound full-circle moment for me. I have the experience of Japanese martial arts, I’ve visited Japan 8 times, and recently, I had the invaluable opportunity to delve into the realm of traditional Japanese Min’yō (民謡) music under the guidance of COMA-CHI. Her unwavering encouragement and trust in my creative instincts allowed me to tap in and really craft the perfect vibe for her to sing and rap on 😉

(Asuka Koto (L) and COMA-CHI (R))

Each track on “OTO” carries its own story and vibe. “Otemoyan” allowed me to channel my Caribbean roots, infusing Afrobeat rhythms with the beachside vibes of Okinawa and all that’s familiar to me visiting the Caribbean countless times in my life and swimming deep in the Caribbean Sea! In regards to “Tokyo Ondo“? Well, let’s just say it’s the anthem I’ve always wanted to create for those electrifying summer matsuri events, guaranteed to get you HYPE AF!!!!  I’m honored I got to work with both Asuka and Shiori Tanabe (who played the shakuhachi flute on this).

(COMA-CHI behind the scenes at Greg Germain’s studio in Tokyo)

Working alongside COMA-CHI, I was encouraged to bring my signature boom bap beatmaking style to the forefront, resulting in a fusion of sounds that’s both innovative and exhilarating.

But enough about me. This album is for everyone – music lovers, culture enthusiasts, and anyone in search of a fresh and stimulating auditory experience. As COMA-CHI herself puts it, “OTO” is about expressing our Japanese identity with pride, sharing a sound that resonates at a soul-deep level and transcends boundaries.

COMA-CHI’s new album, “OTO,” released on May 15th, marks a significant milestone in the fusion of traditional Japanese music and contemporary hip-hop. This album is not just a collection of songs but a cultural bridge, blending the ancient sounds of Japan with modern beats. Featuring heavyweight producers like SPIN MASTER A-1, Uyama Hiroto, and MeccaGodZilla, “OTO” transcends boundaries, offering a unique auditory experience.

 

COMA-CHI’s Commitment to Japanese Identity

COMA-CHI’s vision for “OTO” echoes her profound commitment to sharing the soul-stirring “sound” deeply rooted in Japanese identity. This album represents an experimental fusion of cultures, inviting listeners on an exhilarating journey of discovery. COMA-CHI has mastered the singing method of traditional Japanese Min’yō (folk songs), which adds to the album’s unique “neo folk songs” vibe. A pioneer of female rappers in Japan, she is known for her powerful lyrics and dynamic performance style. In “OTO,” she collaborates with traditional musicians, including koto player Asuka, shakuhachi players, and shamisen artists, to create a fresh sound and worldview. Her rap skills seamlessly transition between English and Japanese, enhancing the album’s innovative blend of traditional and contemporary elements.

 

Tracks like “Otemoyan” and “Tokyo Ondo,” which I had the honor of producing, exemplify this innovative fusion. “Otemoyan” brings together Afrobeat rhythms and the beachside vibes of Okinawa, while “Tokyo Ondo” is an anthem designed for summer festivals, capturing the electrifying energy of Japanese matsuri.

You can listen to the album right now on your favorite streaming platform:

LISTEN TO ‘OTO’ HERE

 

COMA-CHI’s Message

“We want to express our identity as Japanese people, which we are truly proud of. We want to send out to the world the ‘sound’ that shakes the soul, inherited at the DNA level. The album ‘OTO’ was produced with such thoughts. Japanese instruments and traditional music, and the club music that I have been facing myself. The attempt to fuse these two was by no means an easy one. Western music that emphasizes rhythm and Japanese music that values space. The process of connecting and weaving the distance between these two was experimental, creative and meaningful. I believe this sound is a fresh and stimulating piece for me, a person who lives undoubtedly as a Japanese person, for my comrades who share the same aspirations, and for music fans around the world who are drawn to this faraway, mysterious island nation. I hope that many people, regardless of age, gender, or gender, will enjoy it!”

Celebrate and Support

Friends, be sure to hit up COMA-CHI, follow her, and support all the musicians listed below. They are doing phenomenal work. And as for me, please just stream the album, save it on your playlists, and enjoy! COMA-CHI’s “OTO” awaits! ⛩️🐉🔥🎧

 

Special Shoutouts

Special shouts to @asuka_koto, @a1championsound, @uyamahiroto. @shiori_keizan_shakuhachi,  @oma.uk.  @rokuharukineya,  @einojou,  @hideyuki_horie,  @trainnovation_official,  @tsuyoshitorii, @mcmystie,  @seikousami, @o8marin8o, @juzmo, @hydrofunk_records, and @mixedbygreg.

 

Lastly, huge thanks to you all for being a part of this journey with me. Let me know what you think of “Otemoyan” and “Tokyo Ondo” once you have a listen.

Love and light y’all, MeccaGodZilla

COMA-CHI, おめでとう!! I’m so proud of you, sis!!!!