AKLO

AKLO, born in Tokyo to a Japanese mother and a Mexican father, is a trailblazing rapper who skillfully blends his multicultural heritage into his music. Raised in Mexico City, he is fluent in both Japanese and Spanish, often mixing these languages with English in his lyrics to create a distinctive and dynamic style that has captivated listeners worldwide.

His career took off in 2008 when he released “AKLO to Sora,” a collaborative album with guitarist Teppei Sora. However, it was his 2012 debut album, The Package, that truly put him on the map. The album topped Japan’s iTunes chart, earning him the title of “Best New Artist” that year, signaling his arrival as a prominent figure in the Japanese hip-hop scene.

Building on this momentum, AKLO continued to solidify his presence with albums like The Arrival (2014) and Outside the Frame (2016). His 2016 single “RGTO,” featuring artists like SALU, H.Teflon, and K Dubs Shine, received nominations at major music award shows, including the MTV VMAJ and SSTV MVA awards, further establishing his credibility in the industry.

Beyond music, AKLO’s influence extends into television, with his track “Dirty Work” becoming the theme song for the Japanese TV series Smoking in 2018. His ability to effortlessly fuse languages and cultural elements has made him a standout artist in Japan’s music landscape, gaining recognition for his innovative contributions to the hip-hop genre.