Shota Tsutsuura
In a new conversation for Billboard Japan’s Monthly Feature series, veteran pop-rap collective RIP SLYME reflected on their career and future ambitions. Fans erupted in celebration when the group revealed this April that its original five-member lineup would reunite after eight years to mark their 25th anniversary.
Since forming in 1994 and breaking through with their 2001 major-label debut, RIP SLYME shaped Japan’s mainstream hip-hop landscape of the early 2000s with inventive rhythms and dynamic mic relays among its charismatic MCs. Their repertoire includes enduring anthems like “Rakuen Baby,” “Nettaiya,” “FUNKASTIC,” and “JOINT.” Following a 2018 hiatus and a brief return as a trio, the classic ensemble—rappers RYO-Z, ILMARI, PES, SU, and DJ FUMIYA—reassembled this April. They’ll perform together through March 22, 2026, and have shared candid insights about their eagerly awaited comeback and current creative outlook.
Reactions to the Reunion
RYO-Z: We’ve been saying, “Thank you for waiting.” Social media buzzed with “I’ve been looking forward to this” and “Welcome back.” We’ve also seen new fans discovering us for the first time. Friends and colleagues sent congratulations like, “It’s amazing to see all five of you together again.” Playing festivals and live shows has made it clear: “This is the beginning of something exciting.”
SU: Hearing that people are relieved and excited for my return drives me to give my absolute best.
PES: The feedback has been overwhelmingly positive, and we’re all thrilled we made this decision.
FUMIYA: Watching our video view counts climb reminds me just how eager our fans have been.
ILMARI: We’ve prepared for this moment for so long, and it feels fantastic to finally be in full swing.
Choosing “Do ON” as the Comeback Single
FUMIYA: We weighed “Do ON” against “Wacha Wacha” and opted for “Do ON” because of its straightforward, nostalgic energy—simple sampling and minimal layering, much like our earliest tracks.
PES: I wanted lyrics that captured our reunion from an overarching, self-aware vantage point. “Do ON,” a phrase I use to express deep enthusiasm, felt perfectly suited to this chapter of RIP SLYME.
Reconnecting with Classic Mic Relays
ILMARI: The song’s structure—opening with PES and SU before passing to me and RYO-Z—echoes our signature mic-relay style, marking a deliberate return to our roots.
Behind “Wacha Wacha”
PES: Fans often describe us as “wacha wacha”—bustling and lively. That phrase captured the track’s essence, and with FUMIYA’s input, it blossomed into a festive anthem.
A Softer Side: “Kekkaron”
FUMIYA: After two upbeat singles, we wanted to introduce a mellower tune to showcase a different facet of our sound.
PES: We envisioned a nostalgic pop-kayōkyoku vibe. “Kekkaron,” meaning “wisdom of hindsight,” reflects on our journey—acknowledging our prime and embracing sentiments we once found too vulnerable to share.
International Resurgence
RYO-Z: I was astonished to see HALCALI’s 2003 hit “Otsukare SUMMER,” which FUMIYA and I produced as O.T.F, gaining traction overseas. Although Tomoyuki Tanaka of FPM originally produced the track, I’m thrilled that its revival may lead new listeners to explore our broader O.T.F catalog.
Everlasting Hits in the Digital Age
ILMARI: Today’s music landscape allows tracks to find fresh audiences unpredictably. TERIYAKI BOYZ®️’s 2006 single “TOKYO DRIFT” still charts globally, demonstrating how music can resurface years after its release—something unimaginable when we debuted.
ILMARI: Covers and remixes by artists like Awich, JP THE WAVY, and Satomi Shigemori highlight this evolving culture. It’s exhilarating to witness a song’s continued life long after its initial launch.
Generational Influence
ILMARI: The buzz around songs like KOMOREBI’s “Giri Giri,” produced by PES, further underscores the vibrant online resonance our musical family enjoys.
This interview by Tomonori Shiba originally appeared on Billboard Japan.
