Contemporary artist Takashi Murakami and rapper JP THE WAVY have teamed up to form a unique collaborative unit called MNNK Bro. (Takashi Murakami & JP THE WAVY). Their first single, “Mononoke Kyoto,” was released today, July 10th (Wednesday).
This is Takashi Murakami’s first solo exhibition at a Japanese museum (Kyoto City Kyocera Museum of Art) in eight years.“Takashi Murakami: Monsters in Kyoto”MNNK Bro. (pronounced Mononoke Brothers) was born when JP THE WAVY was in charge of the theme song for the movie. The single “Mononoke Kyoto” is a theme song that could only be heard at solo exhibitions, and Takashi Murakami also participated in the songwriting and recording. Xansei and Snail’s House are credited for the composition.
The artwork was also done by Takashi Murakami, and features characters of Takashi Murakami and JP THE WAVY himself on top of cherry blossoms that evoke the image of Kyoto. A music video directed by Spikey John was also released. Not only can you enjoy Murakami’s work at the exhibition venue, but it is also a valuable work that was filmed in deep Kyoto at Gion Kobu Kaburenjo and Adashino Nenbutsu-ji Temple.
■MNNK Bro. (Takashi Murakami & JP THE WAVY) YouTube channel
Furthermore, a record of this song will be released on Saturday, August 3rd. The record will come with original versions of the trading cards that were released in May this year for the Murakami exhibition (12 designs, 3 randomly selected from 24 different designs in both Japanese and English).
【release information】
MNNK Bro. (Takashi Murakami & JP THE WAVY) “Mononoke Kyoto”
Release Date: 2024.07.10 (Wed.)
Label: Mononoke Records
Tracklist:
1. Mononoke Kyoto
Lyrics: JP THE WAVY, Takashi Murakami, Nvmbrr
Composer: Xansei, Snail’s House
==
MNNK Bro. (Takashi Murakami & JP THE WAVY) “Mononoke Kyoto”
Release Date：2024.08.03 (Sat.)
Price: ¥6,600 (Tax included)
Tracklist:
(SIDE A: MNNK Bro. (Takashi Murakami & JP THE WAVY))
01. Mononoke Kyoto
02. Mononoke Kyoto (Instrumental)
(SIDE B: Takashi Murakami Mononoke Kyoto)
01. Picture of the Four Symbols
02. Mononoke Kyoto – Spoken Lyrics by Niina –
*Sales stores and online stores: to be announced at a later date
*12-inch record / Comes with 3 original trading cards (24 types in total)
■MNNK Bro. (Takashi Murakami & JP THE WAVY):X (Twitter) / TikTok
