Yokohama hip-hop crew Back Street Blues releases first EP "Neighborhood Players"

Yokohama hip-hop crew Back Street Blues released their first EP, “Neighborhood Players,” today, Wednesday, July 31st.

Back Street Blues is a six-person group consisting of rappers ASAHI, Allen, Django, Navy Joe, QONN, and videographer SKYWALKER. They are active in the Tokyo scene. They have attracted attention from many quarters, such as members appearing on “Rap Star Birth” and having their songs selected for TuneCore Japan’s “WHO AM I?” project. They also announced that they have signed a partnership with “Believe” and “PLAYCODE,” major French music companies that support independent artists and labels.

The title track of the EP, “Neighborhood Players,” is about the members, who have different backgrounds and were all active as solo artists, but who, after forming a crew, overcome difficulties and mistakes in order to achieve their shared dreams and goals, grow together with trusted friends, and live life like a movie. It is a song with a message that gives the listener the courage to “be the protagonist, too, and push forward toward the person you want to be.”

Comments from each member have also been received regarding this work, which symbolizes the beginning of the second chapter.

[Django (Back Street Blues) Comments]

I believe this EP connects each person’s environment and past stories to the future, and I would be happy if this work can become the energy that helps each person live their own tomorrow.

[ASAHI (Back Street Blues) Comment]

After my second album, I witnessed many miracles and finally felt like I had emerged from a long tunnel. I think this album is like the first page of my journey from being an outcast at the bottom of the barrel who couldn’t fit in anywhere to stardom. I hope this album will be a source of support for those who have something they want to achieve but are at rock bottom, struggling, or about to give up.

[QONN (Back Street Blues) Comment]

What I want you to pay attention to about this new EP is that by expressing more of the inner parts of people’s hearts rather than the outer parts that everyone can see, I have created an EP that resonates with the listeners.

[Navy joe (Back Street Blues) comment]

The theme of this EP was the start of the next stage for me. In the lyrics, I wrote about my current situation and what I want to do in the future, and I was able to express what I wanted to say well, especially in the song BOSS UP. I have a lot of plans after the EP is released, so I will continue to show my efforts in a way that will not disappoint everyone.

[Allen (Back Street Blues) Comment]

This EP is full of songs that suit any scene. I hope that the songs will give courage and hope to many people. In the song Stray Doggs (Prod. Kaydy!) on the EP, I was in charge of the hook for the first time in a crew song, so I hope you will continue to enjoy new forms of music in the future.

【release information】

Back Street Blues 『Neighborhood Players』
Release Date：2024.07.31 (Wed.)
Label: Back Street Blues
Tracklist:
1. Stray Doggs (Prod. Kaydy!)
2. Boss Up (Prod. TheKidIsABeast)
3. 4REAL (Prod. DJ FRIP aka BeatLab)
4. Neighborhood Players (Prod. Jowoki)
5. Rainbow (Prod. Diamond Style)
6. WATCH ME (Prod. Young Fam)