Photo / BE:FIRST
K-pop has taken the world by storm but today we’re making the case for Japanese pop, or J-pop.
Similar to K-pop, J-pop covers a variety of genres from jazz to ballads, pop-rock, and even idol pops. Masterclass defines J-pop as “accessible, upbeat, and radio-friendly,” with themes featuring a positive attitude, first love and heartbreak, happiness, and aspirations.
If you’re looking to explore the wonderful world of J-pop, we recommend starting with BE:FIRST.
The band is a dance and vocal group featuring Sota, Shunto, Manato, Ryuhei, Junon, Ryoki, and Leo.
They signed with BMSG, the management company and label led by renowned Japanese rapper, SKY-HI. Their debut single “Gifted.” was released in November 2021 and was a hit, reaching No.1 on the Billboard JAPAN Hot 100 and on the US Billboard Hot Trending Songs 24-hour chart. Their second single “Bye-Good-Bye” also topped the Billboard JAPAN Hot 100, and its music video has received over 25 million views on YouTube.
BE:FIRST is preparing to release their long-awaited debut album BE:1, which is slated for release on August 31, 2022. In the meantime, the group has released their lead single “Scream,” which is now available on all major digital streaming platforms. Since its release, “Scream” has already 4.6 million views on YouTube in just one week!
Listen to “Scream” on Spotify below:
Watch the music video below:
“Scream” is described as an intense, exhilarating dance track that shows a challenging new side of BE:FIRST. The song is produced by the power duo of SUNNY BOY, known for songs for artists including BTS, BLACKPINK, BIGBANG, 2NE1, Namie Amuro, Daichi Miura, and SKY-HI; and Maxx Song, the leading K-pop producer behind BoA, Red Velvet, TWICE, and more.
“Scream” features lyrics by SKY-HI and proclaims the dawn of a new era – perfectly fitting for the lead single from the debut album BE:1.
The accompanying music video is based on the idea of “returning to the new normal” in a world where self-restraint and other limitations still continue. It interprets the title “Scream” as a thirst for liberation and energy, with visuals that show the catharsis of loudly screaming one’s desires.
The video features the story of the members of BE:FIRST overcoming the oppressive world of “walls”, “rules,” and “fear” to face the future and advance to the highest stage.
The dance elements for the music video were choreographed by Kazuki (s**t kingz), who took first place in the leading United States dance contest BODY ROCK in 2010 and 2011 as a member of s**t kingz.
You can also check out BE:FIRST’s official YouTube account, which has music videos, dance practice videos, and livestreams. It also features the You’re My “BESTY” series, which shows a glimpse of each member’s unique character and vibes. The group’s YouTube channel has already surpassed an astonishing 200 million views despite its opening of just seven short months ago.
Website: https://befirst.tokyo/
Japanese Twitter: https://twitter.com/BEFIRSTofficial
Global Twitter: https://twitter.com/BEFIRST_global
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/befirst__official/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BEFIRSTofficial
TikTok: https://vt.tiktok.com/ZSJnapbvM/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/BEFIRSTOfficial/
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