(Cover image credit: Awich official Instagram account)
Often described as the “Queen of Japanese Hip-Hop”, Awich’s impact on the scene cannot be denied. Awich has continuously been expanding her prescence beyond Japan and Asia into the U.S. with last year’s brilliant Coachella performance (as well as a pre-festival special appearance in L.A. for the most dedicated fans), and most recently with a surprise appearance at yesterday’s Flo Fest curated by FERG in Harlem.
During an interview with HOT 97 just a day prior, Awich confirmed that she would be taking part in this year’s SummerStage in New York City on Sunday, September 14. Awich will be curating a showcase of Japanese hip-hop artists, some based in Japan and some based in New York City, as well as performaning as a headliner herself.
Awich’s most recent works have been the result of deep cross-cultural collatoration. “Asian State of Mind” is underpinned by the unity and strength of the Asian hip-hop scene and features an all-star lineup of rappers from across Asia, including South Korea’s Jay Park, India’s KR$NA, China’s Masiwei of Higher Brothers, and Cambodia’s VannDa. “Butcher Shop” and “Wax On Wax Off” are transpacific collaborative works featuring New York rap icon FERG, production by the legendary RZA of the Wu-Tang Clan, as well as an appearance by Lupe Fiasco on the latter track.
This upcoming showcase will be an exciting outlet for Awich to share Japanese hip-hop culture with America, and for continuing to strive toward unity through hip-hop.
(Image credit: Awich official Instagram account)