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Rip Slyme

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Rip Slyme (Music)
Rip Slyme (リップスライム) is a prominent Japanese hip-hop music group that has been influential in the Japanese music scene since its formation in 1994. Originally composed of three M Cs and one DJ, the group has evolved over the years, incorporating diverse musical styles and collaborating with various artists. The members of Rip Slyme have been recognized for their unique sound that blends elements of old-school hip-hop with a distinctly Japanese flair.

The group was founded in August 1994 by members RYO-Z, ILMARI, PES, DJ SHOJI, and DJ Shige in Tokyo. The name "Rip Slyme" cleverly combines the initials of RYO-Z, ILMARI, and PES with a playful nod to "slime," a popular children's toy at the time. Initially performing under names like "Gibinibanko" and "Twenty Four Seven," they built their reputation in local hip-hop scenes. Their breakthrough happened when they won the "Young M Cs in Town" competition in December 1994, which served as a launching pad for their career.

The group debuted with their indie album "Lip's Rhyme" in 1995, and they began to carve out a niche in the Japanese music scene. In 1996, following the departure of D Js SHOJI and Shige, DJ FUMIYA joined, solidifying the lineup to three M Cs and one DJ. They released their second album, "Talkin' Cheap," in 1998, which further established their presence.

In the years that followed, Rip Slyme gained traction, participating in influential events and collaborating with other artists. Their continued growth led them to sign with Warner Music Japan in 2000, a pivotal moment that set the stage for their mainstream success.

Their major debut was marked by the single "Stepper's Delight" released in March 2001, which quickly became popular. The subsequent album "FIVE," released later that year, showcased their signature sounds and lyrical prowess, affirming their place in hip-hop history. In 2002, they released "Tokyo Classic," which became Japan's first hip-hop album to reach a million copies sold, a monumental achievement that earned them multiple MTV Video Music Awards Japan, including Best Newcomer and Best Hip-Hop Group.

Throughout the 2000s, Rip Slyme released several successful albums, including "Time To Go" and "Masterpiece," each contributing to their legacy. They became known for their lively performances, notable collaborations, and the ability to tap into the zeitgeist of Japanese youth culture. Their sound often drew comparisons to western hip-hop icons, integrating catchy hooks with deep beats.

Rip Slyme wrote a new ending theme song for the Japanese version of SpongeBob SquarePants. You can find it here. "Good Times (Bad Times remix) by them is the Japanese theme song of Despicable Me 1. The theme song for the Japanese version of Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (2014) is "Secret de Onegaishimasu".

In 2017, internal issues began to surface when founding member SU took a hiatus from the group amidst personal controversies. The following year, on October 30, 2018, Rip Slyme announced a temporary suspension of all activities, citing the disruption caused by these events. The announcement was met with widespread disappointment from fans and led to the closure of their official website shortly thereafter.

PES had already distanced himself from the group earlier in November 2017, a fact that remained largely unnoticed until 2021 when he publicly explained his departure during a YouTube live stream. This revelations highlighted the tensions within the group, suggesting that the dynamics were challenging during the latter part of their career.

After four years without new music, Rip Slyme made a resurgence in April 2022, emerging as a trio with RYO-Z, ILMARI, and DJ FUMIYA reviving their careers. Their comeback began with a string of monthly singles, kicking off with "Human Nature," followed by "Gentleman" and "After the Rain." The revitalized group celebrated their roots while also looking toward the future, engaging fans through social media and streaming platforms.

As of 2023, the current members of Rip Slyme are:

  • RYO-Z (Ryouji Narita), born July 15, 1974, serves as the group's leader and a primary MC.
  • ILMARI (Keisuke Ogihara), born June 17, 1975, contributes as another MC.
  • DJ FUMIYA (Fumiya Takeuchi), born March 14, 1979, is the DJ and primary composer for the group.
Former members, including PES and SU, have undertaken their own projects, leaving behind a legacy filled with accomplishments and important contributions to Japanese hip-hop.

Indie Albums:

  • "Lip's Rhyme" (1995)
  • "Talkin' Cheap" (1998)
Major Albums:

  • "FIVE" (2001)
  • "Tokyo Classic" (2002)
  • "Masterpiece" (2004)
  • "Epoch" (2006)
  • "Funfair" (2007)
  • "Journey" (2009)
  • "Star" (2011)
  • "Golden Time" (2013)
  • "10" (2015)
The group has also released numerous singles, with many achieving commercial success, marking them as significant contributors to the evolution of hip-hop in Japan.

Rip Slyme's journey reflects the highs and lows of the music industry, showcasing their resilience and adaptability in a rapidly changing cultural landscape. With their unique blend of hip-hop influences and a commitment to creative expression, they continue to be a vibrant part of Japan's musical heritage and a beloved group among fans. Their ongoing projects and engagements signal a bright future for their legacy in hip-hop.

examples

  • A Good Name for a Rock Band: Rip Slyme's name is a play on the first initials of the group members' names, RYO-Z, ILMARI, and PES, with a nod to the popular children's toy "slime."
  • Breakup Breakout: The group's internal issues and eventual hiatus/suspension of activities in 2018 can be seen as an example of this trope.
  • Deadpan Snarker: RYO-Z's and ILMARI's often dry and witty commentary on life and hip-hop culture can be seen as a form of deadpan snarking.
  • Fandom Rivalry: The competitive nature of the Japanese music scene, particularly in hip-hop, often leads to fan rivalries and comparisons between groups like Rip Slyme and other influential acts.
  • Fish out of Water: Rip Slyme's blend of hip-hop with Japanese cultural influences often makes them stand out in the Western hip-hop scene, making them a fish out of water in terms of their genre-bending sound.
  • Follow the Leader: The group's history shows a pattern of following the vision and leadership of RYO-Z, who has been instrumental in shaping their sound and direction.
  • Heel Realization: PES's decision to leave the group and later explain his reasons publicly can be seen as a form of heel realization, where a character (or in this case, a member) begins to question their past actions and decisions.
  • Legacy Character: Rip Slyme's contributions to Japanese hip-hop and their enduring popularity make them a legacy character, with their music and influence continuing to inspire new generations of artists and fans.
  • Popularity Power: Rip Slyme started as a local sensation in Tokyo but eventually gained national recognition and acclaim in Japan, making them an example of this trope.
  • New Sound Album: Their sound often incorporates elements of old-school hip-hop with modern styles, making them an example of this trope.
  • Overshadowed by Controversy: The group's early years were marked by controversy and challenges, but they rose to fame through their hard work and dedication.
  • Signature Style: Rip Slyme's unique blend of hip-hop with Japanese flair has become a signature style that sets them apart from other artists in the genre.
  • The Plan: The group's history shows that their members' individual talents and personalities often preceded the formation of the group, with RYO-Z and ILMARI already making waves in the hip-hop scene before coming together to form Rip Slyme.
  • The Team Wannabe: RYO-Z's leadership role within the group makes him a tagonist wannabe, as he strives to lead the group forward while navigating his own personal ambitions.
  • Fear Song: The group's music often tackles themes that are considered taboo or uncomfortable, making certain songs or music videos unsettling to some listeners.

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