Our December cover star, Japan’s OZworld is an extremely unique artist in the Japanese Hip Hop scene. He comes at Hip Hop from a different angle, even though he’s from one of the most Hip Hop places in Japan - Okinawa. The home of a huge US military base, Okinawa has always provided instant access to US music and Pop culture. OZworld has blended that knowledge with his own Okinawan and Japanese culture to create a futuristic and dark fantasy world, where his art lives. From his post-Goth look to his melodic rhyming style, OZworld has distinguished himself from the rest of his Okinawan Rap counterparts, like Awich, Tsubaki, Chico Carlito, and others.

OZworld is just as likely to be involved in a new clothing line or esports project as he is a big Hip Hop collaboration, but he’s also done plenty of those. Since his debut album OZWORLD in 2019, he’s been featured on countless tracks, provided soundtrack music for anime shows, and even made a theme song for the latest Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire movie. His recent track ‘UTAGE3.0,’ where he absolutely shreds his bars, is also the theme for a new Japanese digital service for live audiences.

LiFTED is super excited to sit down with this multifaceted force in the Japanese Hip Hop game. Let’s get it.

Hey, thanks for having me!

It was amazing! Performing in Thailand, a place I love, felt so good!

I have to say, seeing my fellow Japanese rappers like Awich and JP The Wavy perform on the Rolling Loud stage was a thrill!

Okinawa is home to Asia’s largest US military base, so this creates a unique blend of cultures from various countries - not only the US but also neighboring Asian countries. We’re exposed to a lot of different music growing up, including Hip Hop, of course. That makes it special.

No, but I’ve always enjoyed singing since I was a kid.

Japanese comes most naturally to me, especially when I’m rapping. As for the Okinawan Ryukyuan language, it’s also very close to me since I grew up with my Ojii [grandfather] and Obaa [grandmother] speaking it at home. English came from the proximity to the base and listening to US Hip Hop.

This track was actually inspired by going to Rolling Loud last year! I was so excited by everything that I went straight back to the hotel afterward and wrote it. With big international events like Rolling Loud coming to Asia now, I want to create music that can represent Japan and Asia well! I want to make a mark on the global stage.

I’ve worked with MIYACHI on a few tracks in the past, and I love his Rap style and personality. As for Jimmenusagi, I’ve admired his high-level skills as an artist for many years, and he’s also just a cool guy. I felt they were perfect for the theme of this track and remix, and they absolutely crushed it!

I don’t think it’s strictly speaking a protest track or a shout-out - but it might be both! The lyrics are from four artists who were born and raised in Okinawa, so we’re speaking from the heart about our home.

Not in OKI or TYO, I’m a UFO!

I’m working on my new album, which is scheduled for release in Spring 2025. Stay tuned!