Verbal (rapper)
Encyclopedia
Verbal is a Japanese third generation Zainichi Korean hip-hop MC
, who debuted in 1998 as a member of the J-Pop
hip-hop duo m-flo
.
m-flo's hits in the early 2000s
, such as "How You Like Me Now?" and "Come Again" led to Verbal rapping and producing a wide range of acts in Japan such as Crystal Kay
, BoA
and Namie Amuro
. Verbal considers his role in m-flo as a "host" than a rapper or producer, though their success and critical acclaim established them as an iconic and influential hiphop production team throughout Asia
Verbal is also a member of other hip-hop groups such as Mic Banditz and Teriyaki Boyz
and has worked with Kanye West
, Pharrell and Kylie Minogue
amongst many others.
Verbal is also the chairman of music label Espionage Records (an imprint of Rhythm Zone
under Avex Group), production agency Kozm and has a fashion brand called Ambush, co-founded with his wife Yoon.
He launched his solo career in March 2011 with the album "Visionair".
in the United States
for work. When at a YMCA
summer camp, Verbal was first exposed to hip-hop music, in the form of Run–D.M.C.'s "It's Tricky
" when the other children sung the song on the bus for the camp. He was impressed and influenced by the hip-hop culture of New York
, and at 14 years old he started writing lyrics in English. His parents moved back to Tokyo, and Verbal attended St. Mary's International School
. He met Taku Takahashi
there, and the pair formed a rap rock
band called N.M.D. in 1992. The band received many offers from major record labels after their live performances, however as Verbal did not see being a rapper as a practical career, he turned down these offers.
Verbal returned to the United States, to study philosophy and marketing at Boston College
. In his first year of university, he abandoned these plans after a great romantic disappointment, converting to protestantism
and deciding to study for a masters if divinity at Gordon–Conwell Theological Seminary to become a pastor.
Verbal has said that his influences began with gangster rap groups like NWA
. After he mistakenly purchased a Gang Starr
album, he became interested in East coast hip hop
including De La Soul
and Pete Rock & CL Smooth
.
's "The Way We Were
" that Takahashi was producing. Masaji Asakawa from the DJ group GTS, a contact of Takahashi's, believed the song was very high quality. M-Flo was then officially formed, with Verbal and Takahashi recording many songs together. Asakawa believed one of these songs, "Been So Long," featuring vocals from a mutual friend of both Verbal and Takahashi, Lisa
, was high enough quality for him to try to convince Verbal to become a full-lime musician. He was convinced, and the group debuted as a three person group (with vocalist Lisa) in 1999 with "The Tripod E.P.," which debuted in the top 10 on the Japanese singles chart.
The group achieved great success in 2000 and 2001 with the songs "How You Like Me Now?" and "Come Again," with the former selling more than 220,000 copies, and the latter approximately 390,000 copies. The band's second album, Expo Expo
, debuted at #4 on the charts. During the group's first two albums, Verbal was travelling back and forth between Japan and America to finish his studies. During these initial years, Verbal had collaborated with a great number of Japanese artists already, including producing the female rap unit Heartsdales
.
In 2002, Lisa left M-Flo following a disagreement to pursue a solo career. During this time, Verbal and Takahashi's solo works intensified, with Verbal taking a major part in two different hip-hop supergroups, Mic Banditz and Suite Chic
.
In 2003, M-Flo returned from hiatus, but instead of using a new full-time vocalist, the band featured a different famous musician on each of their songs.
's pop
-influenced sound. They released two full-length albums of majority Japanese-language rap, 2003's Sixth Sense and 2004's Johnny Astro & the Diamond Crooks, and collaborated with Japanese R'n'B singer Emi Hinouchi
, who was at the time signed to fellow M-flo member Taku Takahashi's Tachytelic Records imprint. The group have been on hiatus since 2005.
. The group has collaborated with many famous Western hip-hop musicians, such as The Neptunes
, The Beastie Boys, Kanye West
and Pharrell Williams
. The group came to the most prominence in the West with the eponymous theme song for the film The Fast and the Furious: Tokyo Drift
in 2006.
In 2007, M-Flo released their final album featuring different vocalists, Cosmicolor
. After this point, the group have released sporadically, with a succession of different compilation albums. Verbal has consistently been working with other artists since then, producing songs for such artists as BoA
and Halcali
. Some of his biggest collaborations since then have been a cover of Godiego
's song "The Galaxy Express 999
" with Exile, which has been certified as double platinum for cellphone downloads by the RIAJ, and a collaboration with Kana Nishino
, "Kimi no Koe o," which has been certified gold for cellphone downloads. In 2010, Verbal directed his first music video, Minmi
's "Pa to Hanasaku," which also features Verbal.
and selling custom pieces to celebrities including Teriyaki Boyz collaborator Kanye West
.
On March 16, 2011, Verbal released his debut solo album Visionair, though the March 11 Tōhoku earthquake and tsunami overshadowed the release, causing cancellation of its promotion.
Verbal appeared as the opening act for the tour of Kylie Minogue
to Japan in April, and the two recorded a charity song titled "We Are One" to raise awareness and encourage donations to unicef.
Visionair featured collaborations with international acts Nicki Minaj
, Jermaine Dupri
, Swizz Beatz
and Lil' Wayne, as well as Japan's Namie Amuro
.
The first single from the album, "Fall Out feat. Shunya," is the opening theme song for the drama Perfect Report, and was released digitally in December.
May 2011 saw Verbal take Visionair out on the road with the "Angree Yung Robotz" tour alongside electro DJ Mademoiselle Yulia.
underwear if he need lots of energy or is going to close a big deal.
' first two albums.
Master of Ceremonies
A Master of Ceremonies , or compere, is the host of a staged event or similar performance.An MC usually presents performers, speaks to the audience, and generally keeps the event moving....
, who debuted in 1998 as a member of the J-Pop
J-pop
, an abbreviation for Japanese pop, is a musical genre that entered the musical mainstream of Japan in the 1990s. Modern J-pop has its roots in 1960s music, such as The Beatles, and replaced kayōkyoku in the Japanese music scene...
hip-hop duo m-flo
M-flo
is a Japanese hip hop group consisting of producer and DJ Taku Takahashi and emcee Verbal.Former member Lisa left the group in 2002 to pursue a solo career, and the remaining members then started the M-Flo Loves... project working different vocalists for each song over three albums, including the...
.
m-flo's hits in the early 2000s
2000s in music
For music from a year in the 2000s, go to 00 | 01 | 02 | 03 | 04 | 05 | 06 | 07 | 08 | 09This article includes an overview of the major events and trends in popular music in the 2000s....
, such as "How You Like Me Now?" and "Come Again" led to Verbal rapping and producing a wide range of acts in Japan such as Crystal Kay
Crystal Kay
Crystal Kay Williams , known by her stage name Crystal Kay, is a singer and songwriter from Yokohama, Kanagawa, Japan...
, BoA
BoA
Boa Kwon , commonly stylized and known by her stage name BoA, which is a backronym for Beat of Angel, is a Korean singer, active in South Korea, Japan, and the United States and sometimes referred to as the "Queen of Korean Pop Music"....
and Namie Amuro
Namie Amuro
is a Japanese R&B and pop singer, entertainer, and former actress who at the height of her popularity was referred to as the "Teen Queen" and the title "Queen of Japanese Pop Music". Born in Naha, Okinawa, Amuro debuted at the age of 14 as an idol in the girl group Super Monkey's...
. Verbal considers his role in m-flo as a "host" than a rapper or producer, though their success and critical acclaim established them as an iconic and influential hiphop production team throughout Asia
Verbal is also a member of other hip-hop groups such as Mic Banditz and Teriyaki Boyz
Teriyaki Boyz
Teriyaki Boyz is a Japanese hip hop group from Tokyo, Japan. The group consists of Ilmari and Ryo-Z from Rip Slyme, Verbal from M-Flo, rapper Wise and Nigo, the DJ and founder of the popular Japanese streetwear brand A Bathing Ape...
and has worked with Kanye West
Kanye West
Kanye Omari West is an American rapper, singer, and record producer. West first rose to fame as a producer for Roc-A-Fella Records, where he eventually achieved recognition for his work on Jay-Z's album The Blueprint, as well as hit singles for musical artists including Alicia Keys, Ludacris, and...
, Pharrell and Kylie Minogue
Kylie Minogue
Kylie Ann Minogue, OBE - often known simply as Kylie - is an Australian singer, recording artist, songwriter, and actress. After beginning her career as a child actress on Australian television, she achieved recognition through her role in the television soap opera Neighbours, before commencing...
amongst many others.
Verbal is also the chairman of music label Espionage Records (an imprint of Rhythm Zone
Rhythm Zone
is a record label in the Avex Records Group which releases all kinds of urban contemporary Japanese music.-History:The label was founded in 1999 by Max Matsuura to address the need for a new urban music label, signing M-Flo as its first artist, then followed by Exile.In 2000, Koda Kumi was signed...
under Avex Group), production agency Kozm and has a fashion brand called Ambush, co-founded with his wife Yoon.
He launched his solo career in March 2011 with the album "Visionair".
Biography
Verbal was born in Tokyo in 1975. In 1985, his parents moved to BostonBoston
Boston is the capital of and largest city in Massachusetts, and is one of the oldest cities in the United States. The largest city in New England, Boston is regarded as the unofficial "Capital of New England" for its economic and cultural impact on the entire New England region. The city proper had...
in the United States
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
for work. When at a YMCA
YMCA
The Young Men's Christian Association is a worldwide organization of more than 45 million members from 125 national federations affiliated through the World Alliance of YMCAs...
summer camp, Verbal was first exposed to hip-hop music, in the form of Run–D.M.C.'s "It's Tricky
It's Tricky
"It's Tricky" is the final single released from Run-D.M.C.'s third album, Raising Hell. It was released late in 1987 through Profile Records and was co-produced by Rick Rubin and the group themselves. The song peaked at No. 57 on the Billboard Hot 100 and No. 21 on the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs. Two...
" when the other children sung the song on the bus for the camp. He was impressed and influenced by the hip-hop culture of New York
New York
New York is a state in the Northeastern region of the United States. It is the nation's third most populous state. New York is bordered by New Jersey and Pennsylvania to the south, and by Connecticut, Massachusetts and Vermont to the east...
, and at 14 years old he started writing lyrics in English. His parents moved back to Tokyo, and Verbal attended St. Mary's International School
St. Mary's International School
St. Mary's International School is a Catholic school for boys located in the Setagaya ward of Tokyo, Japan. The primary language of instruction is English. It offers the International Baccalaureate program.-History:...
. He met Taku Takahashi
Taku Takahashi
is a Japanese DJ and record producer, who debuted in 1998 as a member of the group M-Flo. The group rose to prominence in the early 2000s, with hit singles such as "How You Like Me Now?" and "Come Again." Takahashi was also a member of Avex's 20th anniversary dance music project Ravex, and has...
there, and the pair formed a rap rock
Rap rock
Rap rock is a cross-genre fusing vocal and instrumental elements of hip hop with various forms of rock. Rap rock is often confused with rap metal and rapcore, subgenres that include heavy metal-oriented and hardcore punk-oriented bands, respectively....
band called N.M.D. in 1992. The band received many offers from major record labels after their live performances, however as Verbal did not see being a rapper as a practical career, he turned down these offers.
Verbal returned to the United States, to study philosophy and marketing at Boston College
Boston College
Boston College is a private Jesuit research university located in the village of Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts, USA. The main campus is bisected by the border between the cities of Boston and Newton. It has 9,200 full-time undergraduates and 4,000 graduate students. Its name reflects its early...
. In his first year of university, he abandoned these plans after a great romantic disappointment, converting to protestantism
Protestantism
Protestantism is one of the three major groupings within Christianity. It is a movement that began in Germany in the early 16th century as a reaction against medieval Roman Catholic doctrines and practices, especially in regards to salvation, justification, and ecclesiology.The doctrines of the...
and deciding to study for a masters if divinity at Gordon–Conwell Theological Seminary to become a pastor.
Verbal has said that his influences began with gangster rap groups like NWA
NWA
-Nwa:*Nwa, Kale, a village in Burma*Nwa, Cameroon, a commune in the Nord-Ouest region of Cameroon-Groups or organizations:* Northwest Airlines, a defunct U.S...
. After he mistakenly purchased a Gang Starr
Gang Starr
Gang Starr was an influential East Coast hip hop duo that consisted of the late MC Guru and DJ/producer DJ Premier. Their style combined elements of New York jazz and hip hop.-Background:...
album, he became interested in East coast hip hop
East Coast hip hop
East Coast hip hop is a regional subgenre of hip hop music that originated in New York City, USA during the 1970s. Hip hop is recognized to have originated and evolved first in the East Coast...
including De La Soul
De La Soul
De La Soul is an American hip hop trio formed in 1987 on Long Island, New York. The band is best known for their eclectic sampling, quirky lyrics, and their contributions to the evolution of the jazz rap and alternative hip hop subgenres...
and Pete Rock & CL Smooth
Pete Rock & CL Smooth
Pete Rock & C.L. Smooth are a hip-hop duo from Mount Vernon, New York. They made their debut with their 1991 EP, All Souled Out and followed with 1992's Mecca and the Soul Brother LP.-The Golden Age :...
.
m-flo
In 1998, Verbal returned for winter break to Japan. During this time, he recorded a rap for a cover of Barbra StreisandBarbra Streisand
Barbra Joan Streisand is an American singer, actress, film producer and director. She has won two Academy Awards, eight Grammy Awards, four Emmy Awards, a Special Tony Award, an American Film Institute award, a Peabody Award, and is one of the few entertainers who have won an Oscar, Emmy, Grammy,...
's "The Way We Were
The Way We Were (song)
"The Way We Were" is the title song to the 1973 movie The Way We Were, starring Barbra Streisand and Robert Redford. The song was written by Alan Bergman and Marilyn Bergman, scored by Marvin Hamlisch and performed by Streisand...
" that Takahashi was producing. Masaji Asakawa from the DJ group GTS, a contact of Takahashi's, believed the song was very high quality. M-Flo was then officially formed, with Verbal and Takahashi recording many songs together. Asakawa believed one of these songs, "Been So Long," featuring vocals from a mutual friend of both Verbal and Takahashi, Lisa
LISA (musician)
is a Japanese-Colombian singer and producer better known as LISA. In 1999 she formed the Japanese urban contemporary group M-Flo with Verbal and Taku Takahashi. Daughter of a Japanese father and Afro-Colombian mother, LISA met her fellow band members while attending international school in Tokyo...
, was high enough quality for him to try to convince Verbal to become a full-lime musician. He was convinced, and the group debuted as a three person group (with vocalist Lisa) in 1999 with "The Tripod E.P.," which debuted in the top 10 on the Japanese singles chart.
The group achieved great success in 2000 and 2001 with the songs "How You Like Me Now?" and "Come Again," with the former selling more than 220,000 copies, and the latter approximately 390,000 copies. The band's second album, Expo Expo
Expo Expo
Expo Expo is the second studio album from the Japanese hip-hop group M-Flo. Remixes of songs from this album were released as Expo Bouei Robot Gran Sonik.- Track listing :#正門 #Prism#東門...
, debuted at #4 on the charts. During the group's first two albums, Verbal was travelling back and forth between Japan and America to finish his studies. During these initial years, Verbal had collaborated with a great number of Japanese artists already, including producing the female rap unit Heartsdales
Heartsdales
Heartsdales was a Japanese hip hop group composed of sisters and , known by their stage names Rum and Jewels, respectively.Yumi was born on December 17, 1981, and Emi on December 4, 1976 in Tokyo, Japan. Their family moved to the Yonkers area of New York right after Yumi was born, due to their...
.
In 2002, Lisa left M-Flo following a disagreement to pursue a solo career. During this time, Verbal and Takahashi's solo works intensified, with Verbal taking a major part in two different hip-hop supergroups, Mic Banditz and Suite Chic
SUITE CHIC
Suite Chic was a collaborative project between some of Japan's top and up-and-coming R&B and Hip-Hop artists, writers, and producers, which debuted on December 18, 2002....
.
In 2003, M-Flo returned from hiatus, but instead of using a new full-time vocalist, the band featured a different famous musician on each of their songs.
Mic Banditz
In 2002, Verbal formed the Japanese hip-hop supergroup Mic Banditz on his Espionage Records label imprint. The group comprised rappers Verbal, Arkitec, 51-Goichi-, Coyass, and Clench and Mr. Blistah of the duo Clench & Blistah. The group represented a more traditional hip-hop sound in contrast to M-floM-flo
is a Japanese hip hop group consisting of producer and DJ Taku Takahashi and emcee Verbal.Former member Lisa left the group in 2002 to pursue a solo career, and the remaining members then started the M-Flo Loves... project working different vocalists for each song over three albums, including the...
's pop
Pop music
Pop music is usually understood to be commercially recorded music, often oriented toward a youth market, usually consisting of relatively short, simple songs utilizing technological innovations to produce new variations on existing themes.- Definitions :David Hatch and Stephen Millward define pop...
-influenced sound. They released two full-length albums of majority Japanese-language rap, 2003's Sixth Sense and 2004's Johnny Astro & the Diamond Crooks, and collaborated with Japanese R'n'B singer Emi Hinouchi
Emi Hinouchi
is a Japanese urban music singer-songwriter. She was formerly signed under King Records' sub-label Venus-B and Taku Takahashi's Tachytelic Records. She is best known for writing songs for Heartsdales and for her collaborations with M-Flo....
, who was at the time signed to fellow M-flo member Taku Takahashi's Tachytelic Records imprint. The group have been on hiatus since 2005.
Teriyaki Boyz
In 2005, Verbal became a member of another hip-hop supergroup, Teriyaki BoyzTeriyaki Boyz
Teriyaki Boyz is a Japanese hip hop group from Tokyo, Japan. The group consists of Ilmari and Ryo-Z from Rip Slyme, Verbal from M-Flo, rapper Wise and Nigo, the DJ and founder of the popular Japanese streetwear brand A Bathing Ape...
. The group has collaborated with many famous Western hip-hop musicians, such as The Neptunes
The Neptunes
The Neptunes are a record production duo consisting of Pharrell Williams and Chad Hugo, who are credited with contributing the sound for many successful hip hop, R&B and pop artists in the late-1990s and 2000s...
, The Beastie Boys, Kanye West
Kanye West
Kanye Omari West is an American rapper, singer, and record producer. West first rose to fame as a producer for Roc-A-Fella Records, where he eventually achieved recognition for his work on Jay-Z's album The Blueprint, as well as hit singles for musical artists including Alicia Keys, Ludacris, and...
and Pharrell Williams
Pharrell Williams
Pharrell Williams , commonly known simply as Pharrell, is an American rapper, singer, record producer, composer, and fashion designer. Williams and Chad Hugo make up the record production duo The Neptunes, producing hip hop and R&B music...
. The group came to the most prominence in the West with the eponymous theme song for the film The Fast and the Furious: Tokyo Drift
The Fast and the Furious: Tokyo Drift
The Fast and the Furious: Tokyo Drift is a 2006 street racing action film directed by Justin Lin. It is the third installment in the The Fast and the Furious film series and currently the sixth in terms of series chronology...
in 2006.
In 2007, M-Flo released their final album featuring different vocalists, Cosmicolor
Cosmicolor
Cosmicolor is the 5th studio album by M-Flo, released on March 28, 2007 on the Rhythm Zone label.According to the official website, the album is the last release in the "M-Flo Loves" series, which started back in 2003 with "Reeewind! / M-Flo Loves Crystal Kay." As a response to that, the album...
. After this point, the group have released sporadically, with a succession of different compilation albums. Verbal has consistently been working with other artists since then, producing songs for such artists as BoA
BoA
Boa Kwon , commonly stylized and known by her stage name BoA, which is a backronym for Beat of Angel, is a Korean singer, active in South Korea, Japan, and the United States and sometimes referred to as the "Queen of Korean Pop Music"....
and Halcali
Halcali
, is a Japanese pop and new-school inspired hip-hop duo consisting of members Halca and Yucali from Meguro, Tokyo, Japan...
. Some of his biggest collaborations since then have been a cover of Godiego
Godiego
is a popular band from Japan, consisting of the Mickie Yoshino, Yukihide Takekawa, Takami Asano, Steve Fox, and Tommy Snyder...
's song "The Galaxy Express 999
The Galaxy Express 999
is the 11th single by Japanese rock band Godiego. The song was used as the theme song for the 1979 film adaptation of the manga of the same name. The song was composed by Godiego vocalist Yukihide Takekawa and arranged by Godiego keyboardist Mickie Yoshino...
" with Exile, which has been certified as double platinum for cellphone downloads by the RIAJ, and a collaboration with Kana Nishino
Kana Nishino
is a J-Pop singer and lyricist signed with SME Records' Newcome Inc. She debuted on February 20, 2008, with the single "I". CNN said that she was the favorite singer of teenage girls in Shibuya, Tokyo.- Life and career :...
, "Kimi no Koe o," which has been certified gold for cellphone downloads. In 2010, Verbal directed his first music video, Minmi
Minmi
is a Japanese hip-hop, soca, and reggae musician, as well as a singer-songwriter and record producer. She is the first soca artist from Japan. Since 2007, she has been married to , a member of Japanese reggae group Shōnan no Kaze....
's "Pa to Hanasaku," which also features Verbal.
Solo activities
In September 2004, Verbal married his college sweetheart, fellow Korean Japanese Yoon.. Together they started jewelry label Ambush, with the initial aim of custom-making jewelry for Verbal. They have since produced several lines of jewelry, collaborating with brands including A Bathing ApeA Bathing Ape
A Bathing Ape is a Japanese clothing company founded by Nigo in 1993. The company specializes in men's, women's and kids' lifestyle and street wear, running 19 stores in Japan, including Bape Stores, Bape Pirate Stores, Bape Kids Stores, Bapexclusive Aoyama, and Bapexclusive Kyoto...
and selling custom pieces to celebrities including Teriyaki Boyz collaborator Kanye West
Kanye West
Kanye Omari West is an American rapper, singer, and record producer. West first rose to fame as a producer for Roc-A-Fella Records, where he eventually achieved recognition for his work on Jay-Z's album The Blueprint, as well as hit singles for musical artists including Alicia Keys, Ludacris, and...
.
On March 16, 2011, Verbal released his debut solo album Visionair, though the March 11 Tōhoku earthquake and tsunami overshadowed the release, causing cancellation of its promotion.
Verbal appeared as the opening act for the tour of Kylie Minogue
Kylie Minogue
Kylie Ann Minogue, OBE - often known simply as Kylie - is an Australian singer, recording artist, songwriter, and actress. After beginning her career as a child actress on Australian television, she achieved recognition through her role in the television soap opera Neighbours, before commencing...
to Japan in April, and the two recorded a charity song titled "We Are One" to raise awareness and encourage donations to unicef.
Visionair featured collaborations with international acts Nicki Minaj
Nicki Minaj
Onika Tanya Maraj , better known by her stage name Nicki Minaj; ), is a Trinidadian-born American recording artist...
, Jermaine Dupri
Jermaine Dupri
Jermaine Dupri Mauldin , known as Jermaine Dupri or JD, is an American record producer, songwriter and rapper.- Early life and career :...
, Swizz Beatz
Swizz Beatz
Kasseem Dean , better known by his stage name, Swizz Beatz, is an American record producer, DJ, rapper and painter. At the age of 17, he gained attention in the hip-hop world through his friendship with rapper DMX. Grady Spivey and rapper Cassidy helped launch his label Full Surface Records...
and Lil' Wayne, as well as Japan's Namie Amuro
Namie Amuro
is a Japanese R&B and pop singer, entertainer, and former actress who at the height of her popularity was referred to as the "Teen Queen" and the title "Queen of Japanese Pop Music". Born in Naha, Okinawa, Amuro debuted at the age of 14 as an idol in the girl group Super Monkey's...
.
The first single from the album, "Fall Out feat. Shunya," is the opening theme song for the drama Perfect Report, and was released digitally in December.
May 2011 saw Verbal take Visionair out on the road with the "Angree Yung Robotz" tour alongside electro DJ Mademoiselle Yulia.
Trivia
Verbal's lucky charm is his underwear. He wears red underwear to remind myself 'today I'm going to be hot!' and wears SupermanSuperman
Superman is a fictional comic book superhero appearing in publications by DC Comics, widely considered to be an American cultural icon. Created by American writer Jerry Siegel and Canadian-born American artist Joe Shuster in 1932 while both were living in Cleveland, Ohio, and sold to Detective...
underwear if he need lots of energy or is going to close a big deal.
Album
| Year | Album Information | Oricon Oricon , established in 1999, is the holding company at the head of a Japanese corporate group that supplies statistics and information on music and the music industry in Japan. It started as , which was founded by Sōkō Koike in November 1967 and became known for its music charts. Oricon Inc... albums charts |
Sales |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2011 | Visionair
|
35 | 6,100 |
Singles as a featured artist
| Release | Artist | Title | Notes | Chart positions | Oricon sales |
Album | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Oricon singles charts |
Billboard Billboard (magazine) Billboard is a weekly American magazine devoted to the music industry, and is one of the oldest trade magazines in the world. It maintains several internationally recognized music charts that track the most popular songs and albums in various categories on a weekly basis... Japan Hot 100 Japan Hot 100 The Japan Hot 100 is a music singles chart in Japan. It is compiled by Billboard and Hanshin Contents Link ever since February 2008. The chart is updated every Wednesday at billboard-japan.com and every Thursday at billboard.com .... |
RIAJ digital tracks |
||||||
| 1999 | S.E.S. S.E.S. (band) S.E.S. , was a popular pop girl group that signed with SM Entertainment. Lasting from 1997 to 2002, they were viewed as the female version of H.O.T., another SM group who also enjoyed phenomenal popularity during the same years.S.E.S. was the first highly successful female K-pop group... feat. Verbal |
"T.O.P." | 56 | — | — | 4,800 | Prime: S.E.S. the Best | |
| 2000 | K. feat. Verbal | "The Love Hole" | — | — | — | — | Kaleidolife | |
| 2001 | Crystal Kay Crystal Kay Crystal Kay Williams , known by her stage name Crystal Kay, is a singer and songwriter from Yokohama, Kanagawa, Japan... feat. Verbal |
"Ex-Boyfriend" | 44 | — | — | 21,000 | 637: Always and Forever | |
| Daisuke Imai feat. Verbal | "Give It a Try" | — | — | — | — | Color Me You | ||
| Namie Amuro Namie Amuro is a Japanese R&B and pop singer, entertainer, and former actress who at the height of her popularity was referred to as the "Teen Queen" and the title "Queen of Japanese Pop Music". Born in Naha, Okinawa, Amuro debuted at the age of 14 as an idol in the girl group Super Monkey's... & Verbal |
"Lovin' It Lovin' It "Lovin' it" single was made to honor the victims of the September 11, 2001 attacks. Namie Amuro and Verbal from M-Flo recored this song to the album Song Nation by Tetsuya Komuro. Namie Amuro sang Lovin' it in the Best Tour "Live Style 2006". Lovin' it is the 3rd track of Song Nation, after a song... " |
Charity single | 8 | — | — | 72,000 | Song Nation Song Nation Song Nation is a charity compilation album featuring some of the most important Japanese performers from the Avex Trax label. The CD was made to raise money for the September 11, 2001 attacks.... |
|
| 2002 | DJ Hasebe feat. Bonnie Pink Bonnie Pink , known by her stage name , is a Japanese singer-songwriter and musician. She lived in New York during 1998 and speaks English . She writes and composes all her songs, and plays guitar and piano... & Verbal |
"Get Out!" | 49 | — | — | 8,800 | Tail of Old Nick | |
| Michico feat. Verbal | "Tha Superstar" | — | — | — | — | I Do | ||
| Suite Chic SUITE CHIC Suite Chic was a collaborative project between some of Japan's top and up-and-coming R&B and Hip-Hop artists, writers, and producers, which debuted on December 18, 2002.... feat. Verbal |
"Baby Be Mine" | As a part of the single "Uh Uh,,,,,,/Baby Be Mine" | 35 | — | — | 26,000 | When Pop Hits the Fan | |
| 2003 | DJ Hasebe feat. Verbal, Sphere of Influence, Boy-Ken & Mr. Cheeks | "Throw Ur Drinks Up!!!" | 159 | — | — | 800 | — | |
| 2006 | Ryohei Ryohei Yamamoto , born December 30, 1974 in Kyoto) is a Japanese R&B singer, also known as just Ryohei. He debuted as "山本領平" under Warner Music Japan on 2003 with single "Almost There". Prior to that, on November 2002, he was featured on a track "Why Not?" by Fantastic Plastic Machine... feat. Verbal |
"Onelove" | 47 | — | — | 5,000 | ReListen | |
| May J. May J. , better known by her stage name May J., is a R&B and pop singer from Yokohama, Japan. Born to a mother of Iranian descent and to Japanese father, May J. made her major label debut under Sony Music Japan on July 12, 2006 with her first mini-album All My Girls.-Early life:May J. was born on June... feat. Verbal |
"Here We Go" | 70 | — | — | 3,900 | Baby Girl Baby Girl (May J. album) Baby Girl is the debut album released by May J. under the label Sony Music Japan. The album charted on the weekly Oricon chart on the #50 place.- CD tracklist :# "Do tha' Do tha'"# "My Girls"# "Destination" # "Dear..."... |
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| 2007 | Double Double (singer) Double is the stage name for Japanese R&B singer . Double used to be the name for the two member R&B group consisting of Takako and her sister Sachiko. After the death of her sister in May 1999, Takako started her solo career adopting Double as her stage name... feat. Verbal |
"Summertime" | 27 | — | — | 6,500 | Reflex | |
| Emyli Emyli is a Japanese pop singer. Her debut album Flower of Life was released from BMG Japan label in 2003. Since the release of her first album, she has performed with popular acts such as M-Flo and Shinhwa... feat. Verbal |
style="text-align:left;"| | 199 | — | — | 400 | — | ||
| 2008 | Exile feat. Verbal | "The Galaxy Express 999 The Galaxy Express 999 is the 11th single by Japanese rock band Godiego. The song was used as the theme song for the 1979 film adaptation of the manga of the same name. The song was composed by Godiego vocalist Yukihide Takekawa and arranged by Godiego keyboardist Mickie Yoshino... " |
Radio single, Godiego Godiego is a popular band from Japan, consisting of the Mickie Yoshino, Yukihide Takekawa, Takami Asano, Steve Fox, and Tommy Snyder... cover |
— | 7 | 2* | — | Exile Catchy Best |
| Kat to Verbal | "S.O.S. (Same Old Song)" | — | 44 | — | — | Echoes Over the Ocean | ||
| Doping Panda Doping Panda Doping Panda is a Japanese rock group. They are part of Sony Music Japan's gr8 records! division, which includes bands such as Orange Range, Uverworld and Boom Boom Satellites. They released their first album "Performation" in 2001, and a second "WE IN MUSIC" in 2004. In 2005, Doping Panda released... feat. Verbal |
"Majestic Trancer" | 24 | 90 | — | 7,000 | Decadence | ||
| 2009 | BoA BoA Boa Kwon , commonly stylized and known by her stage name BoA, which is a backronym for Beat of Angel, is a Korean singer, active in South Korea, Japan, and the United States and sometimes referred to as the "Queen of Korean Pop Music".... feat. Crystal Kay & Verbal |
"Universe Eien/Universe/Believe in Love is BoA's twenty-seventh Japanese single. It was released on February 18, 2009 in two formats, are CD-only and CD+DVD. The CD edition also comes in a first press limited edition. The second A-side, Universe, features fellow J-pop singer Crystal Kay and label mate, Verbal of M-Flo. The third A-side... " |
As a part of the single "Eien/Universe/Believe in Love" | 8 | — | 29* | 22,000 | Best & USA Best & USA Best & USA is the second greatest hits album by South Korean pop singer BoA. The album was released on March 18, 2009 in three formats: CD, 2CD and a limited 2CD+2DVD edition.The album is certified by RIAJ for shipment of 100,000 copies .-Information:... |
| Kana Nishino Kana Nishino is a J-Pop singer and lyricist signed with SME Records' Newcome Inc. She debuted on February 20, 2008, with the single "I". CNN said that she was the favorite singer of teenage girls in Shibuya, Tokyo.- Life and career :... feat. Verbal |
style="text-align:left;"| | Radio single | — | 55 | 5 | — | Love One. | |
| BoA feat. Verbal | "Bump Bump! Bump Bump! "Bump Bump!" is BoA's twenty-eighth Japanese single. It was produced by Verbal from M-Flo, who wrote both songs and featured as a rapper on both tracks. The single was released on October 28, 2009.-CD:# Bump Bump! feat. Verbal # IZM feat. Verbal... " |
Wrote and produced single | 8 | 6 | 22 | 14,000 | Identity Identity (BoA album) Identity is Korean singer BoA's seventh Japanese studio album, released on February 10, 2010, nearly two years since The Face.-Promotion:... |
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| 2010 | Minmi Minmi is a Japanese hip-hop, soca, and reggae musician, as well as a singer-songwriter and record producer. She is the first soca artist from Japan. Since 2007, she has been married to , a member of Japanese reggae group Shōnan no Kaze.... feat. Verbal |
style="text-align:left;"| | Also directed music video | 58 | 70 | 25 | 2,000 | TBA |
| Aili feat. Verbal | "Memories Again" | Digital single | — | 31 | 7 | — | Future | |
RIAJ Digital Track Chart The is chart ranks the best selling digital singles in Japan, provided by the Recording Industry Association of Japan since April 2009. The chart measures cellphone downloads .... . †Japan Hot 100 established February 2008, RIAJ Digital Track Chart established April 2009. |
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Other appearances
Below are songs featuring input from Verbal away from M-Flo. Verbal also acted as producer/songwriter for all of the material on HeartsdalesHeartsdales
Heartsdales was a Japanese hip hop group composed of sisters and , known by their stage names Rum and Jewels, respectively.Yumi was born on December 17, 1981, and Emi on December 4, 1976 in Tokyo, Japan. Their family moved to the Yonkers area of New York right after Yumi was born, due to their...
' first two albums.
| Release | Artist | Title | Notes | Album |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2000 | Coldfeet feat. Verbal | "You Were Right" | Lucid Dream | |
| K. | "Never Say..." | Co-wrote lyrics | Kaleidolife | |
| 2001 | "After the Silence" | Keynote | ||
| DK Tonk feat. Rocket Science (Verbal & Sphere) | "DYAD (The Chronicle)" | Vinyl single | Aquarian Soul | |
| Ajapai feat.Verbal | "Beach Star High" | Cheers! | ||
| Daisuke Imai feat.Verbal | "From Here" | B-side to "Give It a Try" single | Color Me You | |
| 2002 | Momoe Shimano feat. Verbal | "Did It Again?" | Girls Voice Studio 11 | |
| Kumi Koda Kumi Koda , better known by her stage name , is a Japanese singer and songwriter from Kyoto, known for her urban and R&B songs. Having debuted in 2000 with the single "Take Back", Koda gained fame for her seventh single, "Real Emotion/1000 no Kotoba", the songs of which were used as themes for the video game... feat. Verbal |
"Till Morning Comes" | Affection Affection (Kumi Koda album) Affection is the debut studio album of Japanese pop singer Koda Kumi. It was released on March 27, 2002 and contains the singles "Take Back" and "Trust Your Love".-Track listing:Bonus Tracks-Charts and sales:... |
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| Mika Nakashima Mika Nakashima is a Japanese singer, model, and actress. She has achieved five number-one albums in Japan and also embarked on an acting career, most notably in the live-action movie Nana, based on the manga of the same name.- Early life and debut :... feat. Heartsdales Heartsdales Heartsdales was a Japanese hip hop group composed of sisters and , known by their stage names Rum and Jewels, respectively.Yumi was born on December 17, 1981, and Emi on December 4, 1976 in Tokyo, Japan. Their family moved to the Yonkers area of New York right after Yumi was born, due to their... , Verbal |
"Helpless Rain (But I'm Fallin' Too Deep)" | Remixed B-side | "Helpless Rain Helpless Rain "Helpess Rain" is Mika Nakashima's fourth single. Track two was a remix featuring hip-hop musicians Heartsdales and Verbal of M-Flo. The single was released on May 15, 2002. "Helpless Rain" sold 82,830 copies, reaching number eight on Oricon.-Track listing:... " (single) |
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| Sphere of Influence feat. Verbal | "We Done Did It" | Single "Day One" B-side | The Influence | |
| Matally vs. Verbal | "Suicide Scandinavia" | Matally | ||
| 2003 | Brier & El Nando feat. Verbal | "Street Code" | Cross Counter | |
| Suite Chic | "We Got Time" | Wrote lyrics. | When Pop Hits the Fan | |
| Suite Chic feat. Verbal | "What If" | |||
| Fantastic Plastic Machine feat. Verbal | "Spectacular" | Zoo | ||
| 51-Goichi feat. Sphere of Influence, Verbal | "Nuts" | Single "Earz on Fire" B-side | 51st Dimension: The Ying | |
| Bratz feat. Christina Milian Christina Milian Christine Flores , better known by her stage name Christina Milian , is an American singer-songwriter, actress, dancer, and model.... and Verbal |
"Look Around" | — | ||
| Namie Amuro feat. Verbal and Arkitec | "Fish" | Style STYLE (Namie Amuro album) - Personnel :* Namie Amuro - vocals, background vocals* Arkitec - vocals* Verbal - vocals* Zeebra - vocals* Mr. Blistah - additional vocals* Clench - additional vocals* Coyass - additional vocals* Kareb James - background vocals* L.L... |
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| Keiko feat. Verbal | "Dreams of Christmas" | TM Network TM Network TM Network is a Japanese pop/rock musical band. The members are Tetsuya Komuro , Takashi Utsunomiya and Naoto Kine... cover, rap written by Verbal |
"KCO" (single) | |
| 2004 | Lil'Ai feat. Warren G Warren G Warren G , is an American West Coast rapper and hip hop producer. He is also Dr. Dre's half-brother.His biggest hit is the song "Regulate" with Nate Dogg released in 1994... , KRS-One KRS-One Lawrence Krisna Parker , better known by his stage names KRS-One , and Teacha, is an American rapper... , Verbal |
"Let's Go (It's a Movement) (Deckstream Remix)" | Let's Go (It's a Movement) (remix EP) | |
| Black Bottom Brass Band feat. Verbal, Emi Hinouchi | "Can't Stop Lovin' You" | Wasshoi Star | ||
| Halcali Halcali , is a Japanese pop and new-school inspired hip-hop duo consisting of members Halca and Yucali from Meguro, Tokyo, Japan... |
"Baby Blue!" | Producer, songwriter | Ongaku no Susume Ongaku no Susume is the second album released by Japanese band Halcali.The original jacket was redesigned and re-released to celebrate the album passing the 100,000 sales mark.-CD:# Introduction# # # # # Oboroge Copy View# History# # # Baby Blue!# #... |
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| 2005 | Gagle feat. Verbal | style="text-align:left;"| | Big Bang Theory | |
| 2006 | Yoshika feat. Verbal | "Sunshine" | Timeless | |
| L-Vokal feat. Verbal, Jamosa | style="text-align:left;"| | |||
| Ajapai feat. Verbal | "Funny Money Girl" | Unaffected | ||
| Clazziquai Project feat. Verbal | "Love Mode" | Remix with PE'Z PE'Z is a Japanese jazz instrumental band consisting of five men, dubbed "The Samurai Jazz Band." They have been signed onto Sony Music Japan since 2008.-Members:* Ohyama "B.M.W" Wataru, born in Kanagawa, trumpet* Kadota "Jaw" Kouske, born in Ehime, saxophone... also featured |
Love Mode (EP) | |
| Rip Slyme Rip Slyme Rip Slyme is a Japanese hip hop group. It is composed of four MCs; Ryo-Z, Ilmari, Pes & Su, and a DJ, Fumiya... hosted by Verbal |
Epoch | |||
| KM-Markit feat. Verbal | style="text-align:left;"| | Mark Out | ||
| 2007 | Jazztronik Jazztronik Jazztronik is the Japanese Tokyo-based DJ/producer Ryota Nozaki.As one of Japan's leading DJs, Ryota Nozaki is known not only in Japan, but also in Europe, New Zealand and the United States... feat. Verbal |
"Wave Rave" | Grand Blue | |
| Halcali | style="text-align:left;"| | Producer, songwriter | Cyborg Oretachi Cyborg Oretachi is the first major label album by Japanese band Halcali, their third original album, and fourth album release overall. The first press limited edition came with a bonus DVD... |
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| Dohzi-T Dohzi-T , real name , is a Japanese rapper, who has been active since 1989.-Biography:Dohzi-T belonged to hip hop band "Zingi", formed in 1990. He debuted as a solo singer with the single "Shōnen A" on October 10, 2001. He associated with popular singers such as Shota Shimizu, Miliyah Kato and Hiromi Go... feat. Thelma Aoyama Thelma Aoyama , born October 27, 1987, is a Japanese pop and R&B singer. She is part Afro-Trinidadian and Japanese.She is probably best known for her collaboration song with SoulJa, "Koko ni Iru yo", and her answer song "Soba ni Iru ne"... , Little, Verbal, Kohei Japan |
"Turn It Up" | One Mic | ||
| DJ Deckstream feat. Lupe Fiasco Lupe Fiasco Wasalu Muhammad Jaco , better known by his stage name Lupe Fiasco , is an American rapper, record producer, and entrepreneur. As an entrepreneur, Lupe is the CEO of 1st and 15th Entertainment. He rose to fame in 2006 following the success of his critically acclaimed debut album, Lupe Fiasco's Food... , Verbal and Sarah Green |
"Can You Let Me Know" | Deckstream Sound Tracks | ||
| L-Vokal & Doc Dee feat. Sphere of Influence, Verbal | (censored as "Tokyo S**t") | Matenrō | ||
| 2008 | Riki Riki Takeuchi is a Japanese actor best known for his roles in v-cinema yakuza movies.Takeuchi has starred in many yakuza films and action films, such as Dead or Alive by Takashi Miike... vs. Verbal |
style="text-align:left;"| | Single "Kurenai no Backfire" B-side | Zenkoku Seiha |
| Full of Harmony feat. Verbal | "E.N.E.R.G.Y" | Energy | ||
| Afra and Incredible Beatbox Band feat. Verbal, Nipps | "Golden Ballers" | World Class | ||
| Exile feat. Verbal | "Super Shine" | "The Birthday (Ti Amo)" (single) | ||
| SBK feat. Verbal | "Load the Disc" | Returns | ||
| T-Pain T-Pain Faheem Rasheed Najm , better known by his stage name T-Pain, is an American singer-songwriter, rapper, record producer, and actor, currently signed to Young Money Entertainment. His debut album, Rappa Ternt Sanga, was released in 2005. In 2007, T-Pain released his second studio album Epiphany,... feat. Verbal |
"Can't Believe It Can't Believe It "Can't Believe It" is a song by American producer/singer-songwriter T-Pain. It was released on July 29, 2008. The song is the first official single from T-Pain's album Thr33 Ringz. The song also features rapper Lil Wayne... (Lost in Shibuya Remix)" |
Digital download. | — | |
| Infinity 16 Infinity 16 Infinity 16 is a Japanese reggae sound system. They debuted as a major label artist in 2008. The project's most successful songs include "Dream Lover" and "Tsutaetai Koto ga Konna Aru noni" .- Biography :In 1994, Tela-C started the project, with member... welcomez Verbal, Munehiro |
style="text-align:left;"| | Welcomez | ||
| Dexpistols feat. Mademoiselle Yulia & Verbal | "Y.O.R." | Rox Trax Presents Lesson 05 Saturdays | ||
| 2009 | Ravex Ravex Ravex is a Japanese electronic music group, consisting of Shinichi Osawa, Tomoyuki Tanaka and Taku Takahashi. Established to mark the 20th anniversary of the Avex label, their productions are usually based on collaborations with other artists on the label... feat. Namie Amuro |
"Rock U" | Wrote lyrics | Trax Trax (album) is the debut album from Japanese electronic music group Ravex.-CD:# "I Rave U "# "Rock U feat. Namie Amuro"# "Just the Two of Us feat. Tohoshinki"# "House Nation feat. Lisa"# "Bangalicious feat. Anna Tsuchiya"# "Believe in Love feat. BoA"... |
| Ravex Ravex Ravex is a Japanese electronic music group, consisting of Shinichi Osawa, Tomoyuki Tanaka and Taku Takahashi. Established to mark the 20th anniversary of the Avex label, their productions are usually based on collaborations with other artists on the label... feat. TRF TRF (band) TRF is a Japanese pop/dance group. Its members are rapper DJ Koo, lead vocalist Yu-ki, and dancers Chiharu, Etsu, and Sam.-History:... , Verbal |
"V.I.P.P. (Very Important Party People)" | |||
| Thelma Aoyama Thelma Aoyama , born October 27, 1987, is a Japanese pop and R&B singer. She is part Afro-Trinidadian and Japanese.She is probably best known for her collaboration song with SoulJa, "Koko ni Iru yo", and her answer song "Soba ni Iru ne"... feat. Verbal |
"Wanna Come Again" | Samples M-Flo's "Come Again" | Emotions Emotions (Thelma Aoyama album) Emotions is Thelma Aoyama's second studio album, and her third album overall. It was released on September 9, 2009. Two singles have been released from this album, " and ". "Kono Mama Zutto" will not be included on this album. Aoyama will also release "Motions - Thelma Clips Vol... |
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| Crookers Crookers Crookers are an Italian DJ/production duo who have worked together since 2003. When the two artists met, both were trying to branch out of their genre and explore dance music. Their first collaboration worked... feat. Verbal |
"Big Money Comin'" | Put Your Hands on Me | ||
| BoA feat. Verbal | "Izm" | Producer, songwriter | "Bump Bump! Bump Bump! "Bump Bump!" is BoA's twenty-eighth Japanese single. It was produced by Verbal from M-Flo, who wrote both songs and featured as a rapper on both tracks. The single was released on October 28, 2009.-CD:# Bump Bump! feat. Verbal # IZM feat. Verbal... " (single) |
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| Lisa LISA (musician) is a Japanese-Colombian singer and producer better known as LISA. In 1999 she formed the Japanese urban contemporary group M-Flo with Verbal and Taku Takahashi. Daughter of a Japanese father and Afro-Colombian mother, LISA met her fellow band members while attending international school in Tokyo... feat. Verbal |
"Falling for You..." | Disco Volante | ||
| 2010 | Halcali | "Yes" | Producer, songwriter. | Tokyo Groove |
| BoA | "Lazer" | Songwriter | Identity Identity (BoA album) Identity is Korean singer BoA's seventh Japanese studio album, released on February 10, 2010, nearly two years since The Face.-Promotion:... |
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| Iconiq feat. Verbal | "I.D" | Wrote lyrics | Change Myself Change Myself Change Myself is Japanese pop musician Iconiq's debut album, released on March 10, 2010. The album was initially planned for a February 24 release, however postponed for two weeks.-Background:... |
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| L-Vokal feat. Verbal, Kreva | "Just Love It" | |||
| Dragon Ash Dragon Ash are a Japanese Rap metal group founded in 1996 by Furuya "Kj" Kenji and Sakurai Makoto. They are an icon in Japan and were one of the first groups to popularize hip hop in Japan. They brought a western flavor to Japanese music and helped to turn rap music mainstream, with a mixture of reggae, rap,... feat. PE'Z, Verbal |
"Beat Surf" | "Ambitious" (single) | ||
| Miliyah Kato feat. Verbal | "Baby I See You" | Reached #44 on RIAJ | Heaven Heaven (Miliyah Kato album) -Album information:Heaven contains singles "Why, "Bye Bye" and "Last Love". It was released in two editions: a CD and a CD+DVD edition which contains a limited 52-page booklet and a DVD with the music videos of the singles, as well as the music videos for promo singles "Destiny" and "Sensation"... |
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| Verbal & Yoon | "Cherry Bomb Cherry Bomb (song) "Cherry Bomb" is a 1976 punk-influenced hard rock song by the all-girl band The Runaways off of their self-titled debut album. It is widely regarded by many as the band's signature song. "Cherry Bomb" was also ranked 52nd on VH1's 100 Greatest Hard Rock Songs... " |
The Runaways The Runaways The Runaways were an American all-girl rock band that recorded and performed in the second half of the 1970s. The band released four studio albums and one live set during its run. Among its best known songs: "Cherry Bomb", "Queens of Noise", "Neon Angels On the Road to Ruin", "California Paradise"... cover |
50 Years of Dr. Martens |