2 OF JAPAN’S MOST CUTTING EDGE ARTISTS TEAM UP FOR DEBUT RECORD, THE GRIFFIN TAPES
Beginning their collaborative ventures in 2021, it quickly became apparent that Japan’s creative duo of multi platinum award winning Producer/Artist Taka Perry and Hip-Hop/Rap heavyweight Leon Fanourakis share a musical vision; and that it was only a matter of time before a full-length joint venture project from the two finally surfaced.
Now that time has come, with the release of THE GRIFFIN TAPES – a debut record that is ready to be unleashed.
In addition to the duo’s unquestionable talents, the gold tier level of international feature artists across THE GRIFFIN TAPES attests to the EP’s overall creative diversity. Although standing proudly under the Hip-Hop banner, the handpicked selection of global artists have each brought their own creative and cultural side to the project. Switching between the likes of Indonesia’s RAMENGVRL, Japan’s SEEDA, China’s BENZO, Australia’s YNG Martyr and South Korea’s sokodomo, the border crossing EP reaches far beyond the traditional genre parameters of Hip-Hop.
“Japan’s hip hop scene is one of the strongest in the world, we really wanted to shine a light on that and take it to as many regions as possible, by involving some of our favourite artists from around the globe. Stylistically, Leon and I wanted to make sure this record felt fresh and continually pushed boundaries on what a hip hop record can sound like in 2024.” – Taka Perry
Having already teased us with THE GRIFFIN TAPES massive first single EXPRESS and blistering follow up track BELIEVE ft. RAMENGVRL, sokodomo, YNG Martyr, the EP’s release is additionally celebrated through the third single and focus track, FLY and its mind-bending music video that, once again, showcases the versatility of each musician.
FLY and the accompanying music video both begin with a psychedelic influence, with Taka’s production of wavy guitar riffs and a classic boom-bap beat. Directed once again by Red Moon Studios, the MV follows Leon on a feel good trip around Tokyo, running into some pretty visually colourful characters, including Taka (who has morphed into a lion).
It’s a track bouncing with house party energy, upbeat and fused with Leon’s hyperspeed trademark raps.
Offering a truly invigorating adaptation to the already flourishing Japanese Hip-Hop scene, the long awaited release of THE GRIFFIN TAPES is a triumphant acknowledgement of Taka and Leon’s individual and joint skills; showcasing the prowess of Taka as a Producer and Artist and Leon’s versatile, categorically individual vocals and sharp, staunch lyrics.
THE GRIFFIN TAPES has received funding from the Australia-Japan Foundation of the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade.
