Emerging from the gritty streets of Tokyo’s Oji neighborhood, Japanese rapper Yuki Chiba has transformed from local underground artist to global phenomenon, enchanting audiences worldwide with his raw lyricism and genre-defying sound. Raised by a single mother alongside his brother Lil KOHH, also a rapper, Chiba’s turbulent upbringing, marked by his Korean-descent father’s suicide and his mother’s methamphetamine struggles, profoundly shaped his artistic voice.
Rising from Tokyo’s shadows, Yuki Chiba’s raw artistry transcends borders, his troubled past fueling an authentic voice that resonates globally.
At 18, Chiba began producing music as an escape from his challenging environment, releasing his first mixtape “Tokyo Streets” in 2014 under the stage name KOHH. His early collaboration with producer 318 under GUNSMITH PRODUCTION provided essential support, while producing his brother’s track “Young Forever” catapulted him into Japan’s hip-hop spotlight.
The 2014 release of his second studio album *MONOCHROME* solidified his domestic reputation, but it was his verse on the 2015 cross-Asian hit “잊지마” (It G Ma) with Keith Ape that first garnered international attention. His single “I don’t mind if I’m poor” from this album gained significant YouTube views, establishing his growing digital presence.
Chiba’s discography expanded with albums including *Kuchinashi*, *Dirt II*, and *Worst*, many available internationally through iTunes. Around 2020, he retired the KOHH moniker, performing under his legal name while continuing to release singles like “Team Tomodachi” and game-linked tracks such as “Shinpai Muyou.” He strategically claimed his artist profiles across major streaming platforms to better connect with international fans and leverage powerful analytics tools. Beyond streaming, Chiba has diversified his income through sync deals with several high-profile video games, providing an additional revenue stream while expanding his global reach.
His international breakthrough accelerated through strategic collaborations, including a notable feature on Frank Ocean’s “Nikes” from the acclaimed album *Blonde*. Most recently, Chiba’s collaboration with Megan Thee Stallion on “Mamushi” propelled him to new heights of global recognition, culminating in a sold-out performance at London’s O2 Arena. His musical style has captivated audiences with its fusion of genres including hip-hop, trap, J-pop, and R&B.
Throughout his evolution, Chiba has maintained unflinching authenticity in his lyrics, addressing drug use, violence, and social marginalization—topics often considered taboo in Japanese society.
