The name Yasuke finds its origin in feudal Japan, where a warrior of African descent would become the first non-Japanese samurai. He first gained notoriety online when he was first discovered rapping fluently in Japanese a language he taught himself. The versatility of sound is affirmed by its thoughtful composition, with “Like Mike” feeling as welcome at the club as it does in the gym.īorn and raised in Toronto, Canada, Yasuke is the stage name of Tahir Grant Jr.

The music is brought to life by producer Casket: Jones, whose mastery of hip-hop synergy is on full display. The aspirational message of “Like Mike” is comfortably seated alongside epic sound production and a melodic blend of international influences. The sophisticated flow of switching between languages on the fly elevates the track to become something that hasn’t been heard before. 黒い服、血もそう (Black clothes just like my blood) Yasuke’s lyrical breadth takes center stage with images of a globetrotting lifestyle that takes the listener on a journey from their headphones to the neon-drenched streets of Tokyo. Yasuke’s introspective vision and grasp of world culture allow him to artistically navigate eastern and western soundscapes with ease. Yasuke’s refined cadence accompanies fellow rapper Rito on a chilled-out song filled with linguistic intricacies. The song’s smooth sonic journey is a twist on the typical homage to Jordan, with Yasuke channelling his childhood idol while also reflecting on his rise as an artist. Going hard to seamlessly fuse lyrics in both English and Japanese to create something unique all his own, the bilingual track lands ahead of the artist’s forthcoming album, 上阪 (Jyousaka).

Telling the toll, toil, and tale it takes to achieve greatness, Canadian rapper Yasuke releases hip hop love letter to inimitable and iconic basketball player Michael Jordan in new single, “Like Mike”.

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