Mega Late Show

Another year, another bunch of drops in your podcast feed. Thank you to all the listeners, old & new, stumble-uponers and day-ones, you are all appreciated! Saying goodbye and sayonara forever to 2020 and hoping for only the brightest of blessings in the big 2-1!! As we get back to our regular schedule in the new year, please enjoy this convo with the guy Harry of Harry's Sandwich Company. One of the earliest supporters of the podcast, this convo was done a couple months back just to see how the man has been holding up. He's been mentioned many times, but this is his MLS debut. Pls enjoy the premo content. You are all Tanaka's '21,

Me and Late grabbed the phone to discuss our favorite albums, artists, songs and everything else about the hip-hop music we listened to in 2020. Thank you to everyone thats recorded with us and a special thanks to the listeners!

It's the return of Young Cal Combs! Here's a convo that was recorded awhile back with a show favorite. Cal Combs has appeared on multiple episodes and is one of the best people in general, period. He's been in America for a couple years now, so you can hear about his experiences since he returned from Japan. Teaching in NY, staying focused as an artist, and being out in the streets in the middle of protests all get touched on. Cal's albums are available to stream on all platforms, so go play that! Ya'll stay safe these holidays aand be smart IMMUNIZE YOUR MIND 2021

Part two with Kraftykid and A Valley of the Hilt Check part one for a little more information on KraftyKid and how they came to work on their new project Dream Gang. Here we share a bunch of their music including one unreleased single and also discuss their upcoming work with Ghostpops of Tokyo Dope City Studio. We also play a grip of new tokyo shit from Ill Sugi, Wez Atlas, VivaOla, Seeda & Ghostpops, Sirius B w/ G-Rillah, Jansport J and Benny, and finally some Sault. We finish up with some projects in our top 20 of the year and Black super hero powers activating. Outro track: Deza - Out of Sight @kraftykid_ @Mcgaburi @zehilt @illsugi

Yo approaching the end of the year and weve almost collected all the Hilt Infinity Gems! KraftyKid aka McGaburi is an emcee, producer, songwriter and also an illustrator. He's one of the newest members of the Tokyo based hip-hop collective, the Hilt. We've almost had all members of the hilt on the pod and joining us as guest co-host is A Valley. KraftyKid and Valley are combining as Dream Gang and releasing an EP soon. We get into how KraftyKid joined the Hilt and how their music has developed. We also talk about: - Lil Wayne being dope at rapping but goofy with everything else - the developing Tokyo rap community and resurgence of lyricism - growing up in London with Guyanese and Nigerian parents - Starting making music young - Before Type beats, Mike and Earl Sweatshirt, Tyler - Why and how we listen to or assess the quality of music. - their creative process & how they write raps - living in Ikebukuro PSA - @MottoNice 20 Not Top 20 Upcoming show: Namboku Records at Battica on 12/26 @nambokurec

Still droppin these phone convo bombs. This episode is with Magic Mike, dancer slash MC extraordinaire. A lot has happened since he first appeared on the podcast a couple years ago. We talk about how he's been dealing with the pandemic in Shanghai. He saw it all go down as it happened and provides some insight on the response. He also is used to traveling for work so we get into how all of this has been effected by the various lockdowns and cancellations. We also get into how things have been going in Hong Kong, when he plans to get back to Japan, and preparing for life in the post-times. We're almost at the end of the tunnel, bb's. Can you see the light? @mikemagik83

Part two with Ro and Deza!!! Because my tremendous mistake in deleting the entire episode while resetting the language settings on my new laptop, I couldn't edit this episode. So the music is a little loud at times and stuff that I mention would remove, is there. But it's still dope and part two!! Where we share music and such! We play some of their tracks from Deza and Ro's new collaborative ep, Pick. Also discussing the topics, inspirations and approach. It's the end of the year so we share a few of our favorites. Limbo by Amine, Kota the Friend, Andy by Raleigh Ritchie, Zeal & Ardor, Crack Cloud, - Deza being of Somali descent and Black America's vaguely West African DNA - the Grammys, melodic rap and "Neo Boom Bap" - Quelle Chris, Chris Keys and Kiefer - Ro and Deza's top five favorite emcees - and we discuss getting super powers on December 21st! Remember: telepathy is for fckn cops! And never trust someone that picks Stryker in Mortal Kombat PSA: 19 year anniversary of the Cold Vein by Can

Universal greetings! Deza and Ro Morikawa are two of the newer faces in Tokyo music community. Both of them moved to Tokyo a little over a year ago and met through their English company. Deza is an emcee/ producer and Ro is pianist/ vocalist and producer. After a series of serendipitous events, they both found out that each other made music. So they decided come together, make some music and release the Pick EP. Go check that out all the streaming joints and also on fridays episode. Here on part one we take sometime to find out how they met and how they came together to make music. Also... - Ottawa and Virginia - Moving to Tokyo right before corona times - Poetry, Burroughs, the cut up method - Connecting with people in Tokyo - Normalizing complimenting men - What is hip-hop culture? Taking classes, defining it. @Rhythmcafe Nombe Dojo Musical Bed by Soul.dope.95 @jetaxel @morikawarollin @dezatoosweet @soul.dope.95 Outro : Nair B featuring Mj the Sensei & Hondo Felder - Earth's Children

Back with another one! The homey Mega Ran hopped on the line and to talk about what's been going on with him. We get into politics, surviving and growing during a pandemic, plans that had to be delayed due to the pandemic, and Twitch'ing for 3 hours every day!(!!) And, we speak on his project with Slum Village member Young RJ, 2 Hands Up. 2 Hands Up dropped earlier this year and has proven to be one of the best projects released in 2020. With it's tone and subject matter, it proved to be as timely as it was powerful. I can't praise and talk it up enough, so if you haven't listened to it yet, go peep that!! Ran also details how the project came together and what the future holds for him and 2 Hands Up, which he refers to as "a poor man's Run The Jewels". Speaking of jewels, there are many dropped also throughout this convo especially as far as moves independent artists should make to evolve their grind. Listen & do your googles. It's been a ＨＥＬＬＡＣＩＯＵＳ year, but the finish line is in sight! Big shouts to the

Back with part two of our conversation with Stash Cairo and DJ L-Spade of Tokyo Stash and Spade We come in hot, pulling no punches in our Christmas song convo. We discuss what components does a song need to be considered a Christmas songs. - React to Xmas Tree by Deerhoof - Discuss Outkast "Players Ball" being a - Christmas song - If we like Radiohead - was Kurt Cobain the last great rock star - Kanyes living album, altering work after it's been completed, star wars restoration, and Mozart getting paid. A bunch of other shit the we end talking about delivery health service, love hotels and JAV stars All beats by Pigeondust! Check out Tokyo Stash and Spade on YouTube @djlspade @displacedmedia

Peace!! Episode 134 features the YouTube content creator duo, Stash Cairo and Dj L-Spade. Together as Tokyo Stash and Spade, they share and discuss music and Tokyo. They're a seemingly unlikely combo. Stash being slightly older, from Canada, and without much substantial hip-hop knowledge; and L-Spade being from the American South and very much a hip-hop head. Some points of discussion: - the unlikely pairing and starting their channel - coming to Tokyo and why - Making reaction videos that aren't reaction videos - producing quality content and L-Spades production company Displaced Media - how their musical tastes have changed from sharing and discussing with each other. - Genres and useful distinctions - bad singers and good music - the downfall of the radio - neo Boom Bap There's also video on their page of the whole recording but without any of the musical bed. Check it out! Tokyo Spotlight: X-Bar and Antenna America in Ginza All beats by Pigeondust! Tokyo Stash & Spade on YouTube @djlspade @displ

Hello? Checking in again; got unofficial MLS member #13 afroDYTY this time. For this chat we leaned in heavy into American politics and the recent elections there. We reflect on the results then touch on the changing demographics and empathizing with those that are different from you. We also get into how lockdowns are affecting creatives, working with children during a pandemic, and afroDYTY's future music and career plans. DISCLAIMER: We are not political analysts nor doctors, so any advice given or otherwise inferred should be taken with a heavy dose of salt... Please proceed, @afrodyty88

Part two of our conversation with recording artists, Wez Atlas and Tommi Crane of the Solgasa Collective. Check out part one for more information about them starting to make music, forming the collective and details about their approach to music. Here we get into some of the specifics of their music, inspirations and a variety of other things that i didnt take the time to make notes about. Joining in as guest host is emcee, and member of the Hilt, A Valley. Hell be back later this month with Krafty Kid. Some of the topics we discuss: - G Yamazawa and mega being a fukin hater - New music video for Wez Atlas' song, "Overthinking" - J. Cole as a dope emcee and inspiration for a generation - Tommi Crane's "Overgrown" - VivaOla, Solgasa Talks, and friendship - Jazz music. Chet Baker, Travis Scott, and the best Kanye - BMXing - Our favorite albums of 2020 - Amine, Big Sean, Jay Elec and more Thanks for tuning in. Follow These guys on instagram. Support local and independent art! @wezzyatlas @tommic

Ayyyoo!! Very hyped to share this weeks guests. We've got two rising artists of the Solgasa Collective, Tommi Crane and Wez Atlas! They both grew-up in and outside of Japan, met in college, and have been spending the last few years cultivating their sound. Im a huge fan of all the music they've been dropping, so definitely tune in. Joining in as guest host is my blood cousin, emcee, and member of the Hilt, A Valley. Here are some of the topics we discuss: - their start as musicians and approach to the craft - the formation of Solgasa and the other members, VivaOla and Michel Ko - Writing lyrics in English and Japanese & hella much more The musical bed is all beats by Jansport J. Peep his newest project Any Weather! PSA: PSA by Tommi Crane and Wez Atlas Show focus: Tight at Club Asia on December 5th featuring Dj Krush. Namboku showcase "Lofi Improv" at Battica on December 26th. Don't miss it. Spotlight : hipland friendship Sophia Refugee Support Group @sophia_srsg Outro track: "Ajisai" by Da

Yo, back with another one! This time we have the god Eloh Kush back to talk about his follow-up project, Fly Emperor 2. It's his 2nd collaboration with BudaMunk, and it was only right that we got together again to politick. We talked to Eloh & Buda waaaaaay back on episode 13(!!!) for release of their first installment. Make sure to go check that out to do the knowledge on their history together and how the whole thing came together. John Robinson a.k.a. Lil' Sci of Scienz of Life also makes an appearance as he was with them for their promotional tour. For this convo we talk about the evolution of Fly Emperor, how Fly Emperor 2 started while Eloh was in Japan for the tour, the links between histories & cultures of the west and the east, being an artist during the pandemic, Eloh's other projects such as Valor and Ebony Ronin, and his plans for the future. Make sure to check out elohkush.com to cop Fly Emperor 2, also available physically even in Japan at locations such as Jazzy Sport! And shout-out to the

"We're emerging" Now with more open window vibes! Part two of our episode with Tahirih Walker! Go and check out part one for more about Tahirih's journey as an artist. One part two we tend to discuss the specifics of what music and art we like. Guest hosting are the good homies Maya Hatch and Ramses of the Sugar Shack Some topics: - Fussa and Ikebukuro hoods - Classic R&B vibes and Bonnie Raitt - Singing for Jay-Z "In My Lifetime" - Sonic adventures - Giant Swing - Working with the legendary, Phillip Woo - Peejay and K-pop And for the last half of the podcast we discuss K-Pop, what is authenticity in music, and what it means to us. Music as art or product and those differences. All background music by SoulDope95 unless otherwise stated! Intro music is a new track "Plygrnd" Thanks for tuning in! Like, share, and subscribe! @mayahatch @ramses_tokyo @sugarshaketokyo @iamtahirihwalker @brooklyngirlpresents Bklyngp.com @Soul.dope.95

The incredible Tahirih Walker! Singer, songwriter, entrepreneur, and self described "put-er on-er." She grew up in Brooklyn during the golden age of hip-hop. Having a father that managed Jazz and rap artists and a sister pioneering global hip-hop fashion, she was thrown the world of art at a young age. Here she shares some of her experiences growing up with some of hip-hops greatest acts like Jay-Z and Guru. And what it's been like living and working in Japan for the last 20 years. We barely scratch the surface of her amazing life and career but I'm certain she'll be joint us again soon. Guest hosting are the good homies Maya Hatch and Ramses of the Sugar Shack Some topics discussed: - Her father managing jazz and rap artists - Her sister, April Walker, pioneer fashion designer and found of Walker Wear - Starting her singing career and eciding between music administration or artistry - Recording with D-Train, Run Dmc, Jay-Z and more - Growing up in Brooklyn during hip-hops golden age - Falling in lov

Part two! Back again with the encyclopedic mind of Jet Axel. Real name! Check out part one to hear about Jets experiences in modeling and his upcoming show with the Tokyo Music Channel. Here Jet and I talk almost exclusively about music. We start off with some hip-hop talk and then jet introduces me to several Japanese artists. My dumbass forgot to get him to play some of his own music but he should be back sometime next month. So pay attention. Here are some of the artist and things we discuss: Aesop rock, R.A.P Ferriera fka Milo, Aaron Choulai, Dos Monos, Otoboke Beaver, Daaljub Step Club, Shiina Ringo, Penguin Rush and Crack/lack We mention friend of the show/ writer Patrick St Michel and jet also talks about finding the avant garde music scene in Tokyo Thanks for checking! Follow us on instagram, Facebook and Twitter Final song: Zazen Boys Tengu All background music from Soul.Dope.95!! @jetaxel Japan Alternative sessions pod Tky03.jp @jetaxel @lesteze @soundgiggy @soul.dope.95 @megalateshow

Jet Axel is his real name and hes a Tokyo-based model by way of the UK. He's also a Japanese music aficionado who developed his knowledge of Japanese music on his former podcast, Japan Alternative Sessions. He'll be using that knowledge as one of the new hosts of TKY03 for the Tokyo Music Channel. The show is tentatively launching in January and Jet will be co-hosting alongside Zucca of Wild Stomp. TkY03 will be focusing on interviewing artists in Japans thriving music sub-cultures. Offering interviews with Japanese and English subtitles. Joining as guest host is actor, director, sound technician, and Mega Late Show founder, Steve "Steze" Lefever. - Stezes new documentary about Guam's Koko bird - Jets early interest in non-mainstream music leading into hosting a Japanese Music podcast - Serendipitous encounters in Tokyo - Japanese music and it's subcultures - Performing music in the japan - Jet working with, Zucca, the lead singer of Wild Stomp and their upcoming show "TKY03" with the Tokyo Music Chan

Welcome to the first episode of THIS IS NOT INFORMATION! This Is Not Information is a rebranding and quasi-relaunch of The Fire This Time live video podcast originally created by Tracy Jones. THIS IS NOT INFORMATION is Paulie, Bernie, Krystan, Maurice, and Mega. Here we discuss a variety of topics centered around our experiences, philosophies, and politics as people of different ages and from different parts of the United States. The common thread being our Blackness and Japan. We will be live streaming every other Tuesday with the video hosted on Youtube. And for the audio version, we will have our own podcast hosting site soon. Search for us on YouTube: This Is Not Information Peace!