Originally published on metropolis.co.jp on March 2014
Timid MC is in Tokyo by way of New York to perform a special gig with a live band made up of musicians this weekend. It is not only the moniker that sets him apart. He is one of the few hip-hoppers that stands out in the current sea of rappers who seem to know nothing but bling, bucks and b….es. Using his brains and a focus on the world at large, his lyrics are self-aware, get to the point and nothing but inspirational. The rapper is currently in Japan for the 6th time, promoting his new single “It’s That Time.” Metropolis took some time out to find out about the man behind the meek name.
We heard you enjoyed writing when you were younger. How exactly did that come to translate into rapping?
Well I also grew up listening to hip-hop and I was always a creative person. I was the kid that would take apart my toys to see how they worked then put them back together again. I liked to create and imagine. I would write short stories so I think naturally I tried to write raps too. The first one’s were horrible because I was trying to mimic what I was hearing. It wasn’t until I started writing with my own voice that it blossomed.
Your work is being distributed by Japan’s Handcuts records. How did that come about?
A few weeks before I was to be in Japan on a visit I did some research on some labels there and what they had released in regards to hip-hop. I reached out to some labels to set up some meetings. Handcuts was one of them. They asked for a package and they liked what they heard. I had a meeting with the CEO in Harajuku and it went from there.
Your lyrics are intelligent, thought provoking and relevant. Where does the inspiration come from? And the drive to keep going?
The inspiration for what I write usually comes from what I’m exposed to. So current events, things going on in my life, something I’ve studied all make it into my lyrics in different ways. I’m an observer and analyzer, like I said I like to understand how things work and with that analysis comes comes commentary. Usually when left alone to write, without any specific influence, my content leans towards socio-political commentary but I like to have fun so that comes out as well. Of my last 3 singles, two were commentaries: “It’s That Time” featuring Lin Que that celebrated change and the potential for growth and “I Want The Secret” that spoke on problems with college tuition and jobs. The third, “This Is The Way” featuring Edo G, was that classic hip-hop lyrical display with a side of braggadocio. I keep going because I enjoy making music, performing, and feel I have things to say.
Do Japanese fans understand your lyrics?
I’m not sure. I know they enjoy the shows. I try to be interactive when dealing with language barriers. My lyrics are wordy and complex at times but interaction with the crowd can overcome that because there is still music behind them. I make them come up to the stage to where I can reach out and shake someone’s hand. Don’t be afraid of the stage, come closer, let’s have some fun. At the last show in Tokyo I met a guy named Kentaro in the front row and just so happens a few people away was another guy named Kentaro. Then coincidence became funny and a few others jokingly said they had the same name too. It became a running joke. Everyone was Kentaro that night. Shout out to all the Kentaro’s out there. All Kentaro’s get a discount at the next show. I’ve also had some people who may not have gotten every word but understand enough to have an idea of what I’m talking about and they like the topics. Some people, especially core hip-hop fans, still expect and want it to have meaning and substance as well as be enjoyable.
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Yotsuya Lotus, Mar 23
