Ryofu Karma (呂布カルマ), born January 7, 1983) is a Japanese rapper. He also works as a critic, television personality, and actor. He was born in Nishinomiya City, Hyogo Prefecture and currently resides in Nagoya City, Aichi Prefecture. He is a father of one son and one daughter.[1]
Ryofu Karma 呂布カルマ | |
|---|---|
| Birth name | Yuya Mishima |
| Born | January 7, 1983 |
| Origin | Japan |
| Genres | hip hop,J-pop |
| Occupation | rapper |
| Labels | JET CITY PEOPLE |
Rap Style
editRhyming
editHe rarely rhymes in rap battles.[2] He competes based on the content of his lyrics. His lyrics accurately satirize his opponents.[3]
When he started rapping, rhyming was important in Japanese rap, so he also placed great importance on rhymes. However, one day he heard an improvised rap by rapper FORK. FORK's rhyming was excellent. Ryohu gave up competing with rhymes in rap battles.[4]
Rapping without rhymes was risky in Japan in the 2000s, but he continued with this style. Over time, his unique approach gained public support.[5]
In contrast, in his recorded tracks, he often uses rhymes. He praises rappers such as "FORK", "Rated R (R-Shitei)", and "Shinpeita" for their heavy use of rhymes in recordings.[6][2][7]
Flow (Intonation and Vocal Style)
editHe performs in a calm, low tone. His rap style is unique and famous in Japan. He also appeared in a Snickers candy commercial. The ad states, "When this boy gets hungry, he turns into Ryofu Karma." A high school student raps like Ryofu Karma in the commercial. His style has become so well known that it was featured in the advertisement.[8]
When asked why he raps this way, he explained, "I can't rap with the free intonation like rapper Chinza-Dopeness. I can't do passionate live performances like rapper Hannya." He realized he couldn't imitate these two rappers and decided to explore the opposite style of both.[9]
Lyrics (Songwriting)
editHis approach to songwriting is: "What I write in lyrics becomes reality." He has had many experiences where the things he wrote in his lyrics materialized. That's why he always writes lyrics with positive content.[10] He does not lyrically talk about his upbringing. His current goal is to create a national hit song.[11]
Evaluation
editEvaluation as a Rapper
editHe is regarded as the "strongest" in rap battles. Many newspapers, TV programs, and magazines have evaluated him as the strongest. The table below summarizes his evaluations by various media outlets.
| Media | Description |
|---|---|
| Fuji-TV | The strongest rapper, Ryofu Karma[12] |
| HOCHI Sports Newspaper | The strongest rapper, Ryofu Karma[13] |
| Forbes JAPAN | Known as the strongest rapper[14] |
| Tokai-TV | Japan's strongest rapper, Ryofu Karma[1] |
| Fuji-TV ‘Mezamashi 8’ | Ryofu Karma, active as one of Japan's leading rappers[15] |
| AbemaTV ‘Freestyle Unification of Japan’ | The strongest active rapper[16] |
| Tokyo-TV | King of rappers Ryofu Karma[17] |
| Da Vinci Web | One of the strongest active rappers boasting unparalleled strength in battles.[18] |
| Town News | Japan's leading rapper[19] |
| Real Sound | The strongest active rapper, Ryofu Karma[20] |
| BOOK Watch | One of Japan's representative rappers, Ryofu Karma[21] |
| News Crunch | One of the rappers representing Japanese hip-hop[22] |
| UNIVERSITY of CREATIVITY (Hakuhodo) | Japan's representative rapper, Ryofu Karma[23] |
| SPORTS BULL | Known as the strongest active battle rapper[24] |
The "Nikkei MJ" series by Japan Economic Newspaper (Nihon Keizai Shimbun) featured the achievements of Japanese rappers. The feature stated: "Charismatic rappers like R-Shitei and Ryofu Karma have started to appear frequently in the media.".[25]
Rapper SKRYU has won multiple competitions, including ‘SENGOKU MC BATTLE’. In an interview with a women's weekly magazine, SKRYU said: "In the future, I want to become a TV star like R-Shitei and Ryofu Karma.".[26]
Live Performances
editMajor Live and Festival Appearances
editHe participated in Japan's first event that collaborated a symphony orchestra with a rapper.[27] He also performed at "MusicUnity2022," the first music festival held at an airport in Japan.[28]
He also performed at "A-Nation 2024", Japan's leading music festival. He has also held one-on-one live performances with SKY-HI, a famous musician and rapper in Japan.
He also appears at events for the professional baseball team Hanshin Tigers(阪神タイガース).
References
edit- ^ a b "Fearless of controversy, with no taboos in expression... Japan's strongest rapper Ryofu Karma: "There's no value in an artist without individuality."". FNN Prime Online.
- ^ a b "DJ Matsunaga: "Going to the club in sandals and DJing barefoot" reflecting on meeting Ryohu Karma". Creepy Nuts' All Night Nippon 0 (Broadcast on December 14). Nippon Broadcasting. 2021-12-21.
- ^ "The rapper who doesn't diss but gained attention with "tolerant rap": Who is Ryohu Karma?". Forbes JAPAN. 2020-01-01.
- ^ The Man who doesn't waver p.111
- ^ "Ryofu 000 Karma harvest! Gravure Digger Dig51". Yanmaga Web. 2021-07-10.
- ^ "R-Shitei praises FORK's rhyming, calling it one of the best in Japan's rap history". Official YouTube of "Gekito! Rap Koshien". Google LLC. 2022-10-31.
- ^ "Ryohu Karma VS Shinpeita debate face-off discussing rap philosophies: "I don't prioritize rhymes"". ABEMA TIMES. AbemaTV. 2022-11-23.
- ^ "Subaru Kimura, Ryofu Karma, and Akko Gorilla rap in Snickers commercial showing three unique styles". KAI-YOU. 2021-03-08.
- ^ The Man who doesn't waver p.80
- ^ The Man who doesn't waver p.156
- ^ "Ryofu Karma: "One day I want to make a nationwide hit. My past and future as a rapper."". Livedoor News. 2023-09-07.
- ^ ""Never lost an argument" The strongest rapper Ryofu Karma in a battle". FOD. Fuji TV.
- ^ "The strongest rapper Ryofu Karma, who made headlines by debating Hiroyuki, is rising in popularity! His sharp eyebrows are natural, surprising many". HOCHI Sports.
- ^ Akari, Kata. "Ryofu Karma: The rapper gaining attention with his "tolerant rap" that doesn't diss others". Forbes JAPAN.
- ^ "【Controversy】Ryofu Karma posts about "Pink-colored" Koi-Yamagata Station on X, Tottori Governor says "You got fooled"". Mezamashi Media. Fuji TV.
- ^ "Finally decided! Who will achieve unification of Japan!? TEAM Kanagawa vs TEAM Tokai (Final) / Freestyle Unification of Japan 【#23】". ABEMA HIPHOP Official Channel.
- ^ "A close look at Ryofu Karma! The show "Karuma no Ki" shows his true self". TV Tokyo Plus.
- ^ "Ryofu Karma cried!? Active rapper talks about the appeal of the popular rap battle novel "Represent Mom"!". Da Vinci Web.
- ^ "Micra Okan (real name: Mayosei Shimosaki) wins the Ryofu Karma Award at "NIKKEI RAP LIVE VOICE"". Town News.
- ^ ""Freestyle Unification of Japan" #14 – The unexpected judgment in the debut of the strongest active rapper Ryofu Karma". Real Sound.
- ^ "The manga that rapper Ryofu Karma praises as "the best out of everything I saw last year"". BOOK Watch. J-CAST.
- ^ "Ryofu Karma became a rapper, finding a place to compete in what he excels at". News Crunch.
- ^ "AI Rapper｜Projects". UNIVERSITY of CREATIVITY.
- ^ ""Rap × Breaking" two HIP HOP styles intersect in an impromptu live session! The first session of "Hiphop Crossing" features a collaboration video by Ryofu Karma and Shigekix!". SPORTS BULL. Sports Communication Inc.
- ^ Yuki, Keshiba. "PTA lectures, publishing novels... rap skills are now proudly showcased". Nikkei MJ. Nihon Keizai Shimbun.
- ^ "Rapper SKRYU releases new EP "MUNASAWAGI", reflecting on days of being troubled by debt! His next goal is to become like R-Shitei and Ryofu Karma!?". Shukan Josei PRIME.
- ^ "Dangerous combination!? The fusion of classical music and rap in a concert arranged by Reiko Yuyama". BRUTUS. 2024-07-01.
- ^ "Japan's first-ever music festival at an airport!? Learn about "MusicUnity2022" from DJmix". TBS Radio. 2022-05-17.
Further reading
edit- Ryofu Karma『The Man who doesn't waver(ブレん人)』2023.Cosmic Publishing ISBN-13 978–4774792873
- 『Ryofu Karma 1st Photobook』2023.One Publishing. ISBN-13 978–4651204123.