Billboard & TikTok ‘Subsequent Fireplace’ December – Billboard

The December version of Billboard Japan and TikTok’s hybrid program Subsequent Fireplace featured a recent roster of Rooftop artists together with Anatsume, Kubota Kai, and award-winning rapper Rinne.

Subsequent Fireplace is a present on TikTok Dwell that highlights the rising J-pop artists of the second, based mostly on Billboard Japan’s TikTok Weekly High 20 chart. The collaborative undertaking streams stay performances and pre-recorded interviews by the featured act of the month to offer followers an in-depth take a look at their artistry.

Rising rapper Anatsume was the primary to look within the studio adorned with a Christmas tree and lights for the December mini-festival. He kicked off his three-song set with “Keep True,” a track with lyrics that contact on the theme of willpower expressed by means of the younger rapper’s mild voice over an ethereal sound. Subsequent, he introduced out a particular visitor, the vocalist Ai from the all-female band Haku, for a efficiency of the collaborative observe “Aoi tobari” that options the band. “This track is a couple of treasured time in your life and your youth,” mentioned Anatsume earlier than the male-female vocals depicted a wistful, sentimental scene that tugged at viewers’ heartstrings.

The 19-year-old artist closed his showcase set with “Tokyo no Fuyu” (Winter in Tokyo), a track based mostly on the ABEMA romantic actuality present he appeared in known as Koisuru Weekend Homestay 2020 Winter Tokyo. “The following shall be my final track,” he mentioned, introducing the quantity. “It’s a very useful track for me as a result of it let me meet lots of people. I wrote it for the particular person I used to be in love with once I was in highschool.” The nice and cozy, real lyrics and the feel-good groove received the viewers swaying naturally.

Subsequent up was Kubota Kai, who took over the stage and instantly launched into the up-tempo and funky “Midnight Dancing.” The younger artist overestimated the viewers along with his speedy rapping over the highly effective groove from his backing guitar and keyboards, whereas drawing them in along with his boisterous stage presence. Kubota — his identify is stylized in Japanese order, surname first — then slowed issues down a bit with a efficiency of “Seikatsu,” accompanying himself on an acoustic guitar. Because the title suggests, the lyrics depict the trivialities of each day life over a delicate observe. Kubota completed his set along with his hit track “Piasu” (Pierced Earrings) that charted on the TikTok Weekly High 20 for 4 weeks in a row. Many viewers appeared aware of this track that showcases Kubota’s versatile vocal strategies, and the velocity of the feedback being despatched in visibly elevated throughout the efficiency.

Final however not least on the roster was rapper Rinne, who kicked off his set with “heaven city.” The Japan Document Awards New Artist winner for 2020 then segued into “Blue Diary,” performing twosongs off his newest album cloud achoo back-to-back. The melodious refrain exuding emotion in its tranquility left an enduring impression.

The 24-year-old then took a second to introduce himself and his backing DJ, ShunMaruno, and addressed the viewers watching the livestream. “I first got here throughout the unbelievable tradition of hip-hop and rap by means of my cellular phone, sort of like at this time’s TikTok. I’m certain you’ll additionally discover your individual factor by means of such means sometime,” he mentioned. “My buddies from the identical company are right here at this time. We’ve made loads of historical past collectively, and I’m wanting ahead to  performing with them tonight.”

Rinne first invited Kubota Kai again into the studio. “‘Kubokai’ and I’ve been mates for a very long time,” he shared about his label mate. “Ever since we first met at a freestyle rap battle, the timing for the whole lot we do has been the identical, like our first live shows and the like.” The 2 rappers carried out “Haru ni furarete” (Dumped in Spring), a collaborative observe launched final 12 months that includes catchy rap phrases that spotlight the variations of their types and a refrain that shows the chemistry of their voices.

Then Rinne introduced again Anatsume for a efficiency of “raspberry,” additionally a collaboration from final 12 months. The intense and cheerful beat that includes brass and different devices stuffed the studio with a cheery vibe.

Earlier than the following track, Rinne paused once more to encourage followers. “4 or 5 years in the past, I used to be the one doing the chasing, however now I’ve a junior colleague like Anatsume and a pal like Kubokai. My outdated desires are coming true little by little,” he mentioned. “However what led to my present place was only a tiny alternative that was mendacity proper at my ft. So in case you’re a youthful particular person watching TikTok now, or somebody my age, and even somebody older, I believe it’d be a waste to surrender in your desires too quickly. The explanation why I say it is because a lot of my very own desires have come true, partly by luck and partly by coincidence. Like not too long ago, I used to be requested to jot down theme track for a TV drama sequence. It’s a dream that got here true due to everybody’s help. I used to be so moved once I was supplied the chance.”

He then carried out the theme he wrote for the NTV drama sequence Sister, entitled “qualia.” The lyrics, which he mentioned he made somewhat simpler to hearken to whereas retaining the emotional weight of the suspenseful drama depicting a messy love triangle, was delivered over a melodious observe.

The final variety of the night was Rinne’s greatest hit thus far, “snow jam” from 2020. “I met so many individuals by means of this track and I’m nonetheless singing it like this. I hope this winter turns into an exquisite one for you all,” he mentioned earlier than performing the smash hit, which struck a chord with college students throughout the early days of the pandemic. Viewers shared their pleasure in listening to the stay model of the quantity excellent for winter, that includes a chill vibe that makes you wish to lose your self within the laid-back stream of sound.

A pre-recorded interview by Rinne, Kubota Kai, and Anatsume will stream on Billboard Japan’s TikTok channel (https://www.tiktok.com/@billboard_japan). Excerpts from the Dec. 9 livestream could be seen on every artist’s TikTok account.