Japan’s Biggest Living Legend: KOHH
KOHH broke the Internet in 2015 with his appearance on the viral Korean and Japanese trap track It G Ma. Ever since, with his indispensable presence in Japan’s hip-hop scene, he’s been climbing up the ranks and is today considered a legend.
Born in 1990 as Yuki Chiba, the rap star did not have the easiest upbringing. He grew up with his mother and grandparents in the projects of Kita, Tokyo, as his father unfortunately succumbed to suicide when he was a toddler. KOHH was initiated to drugs at 15 years old by his mother, which he recalls in a few of his songs. At 18, he started making music and took on the name KOHH to honor his late father’s name. In 2014, his first album MONOCHROME had a massively positive reception within Japan’s underground music scene, which draws inspiration from the artist’s troubling experiences, as well as modern artists like Magritte and Duchamp. By 2016, KOHH was hosting concerts in Europe.
One thing that strikes out from his music is the depth of his lyrics; from exploring philosophical questions to life lessons, KOHH shares his wisdom with his listeners. This leads us to believe that, perhaps if the Japanese language was more wide-spread, people from outside the country would be more attached to him. Nonetheless, he is incomparably the most popular Japanese rapper in the entire globe. Tracks like Dirt Boys and Fuck Swag have shaped the industry of the country and introduced Japanese hip-hop to the world.
KOHH is remarkably humble and honest, keeping a low profile on social media and avoiding the spotlight. His signature fashion and hairstyles are incessantly copied, as well as his tattoos, and having swiftly escaped the mercilessness of fame and the sharks of the entertainment industry, the artist prioritizes his chosen family and his own art. KOHH is timeless and irrevocably unique as he sources inspiration from modern and contemporary art, as well as the best of Japanese and foreign rock and punk.
Simply put, KOHH is undeniably ahead of his time and pure genius. His talent expands to his reputable fashion label Dogs, and he also worked with Mariah Carey, Utada Hikaru, Higher Brothers, Versace, and more.
About the Author:
Mizuki Khoury
Born in Montreal, based in Tokyo. Sabukaru’s senior writer and works as an artist under Exit Number Five.
