M-Flo
M flo are one of the biggest names in Japanese hip-hop, and became such by bringing together foreign influences and Japanese sensibilities. The M Flo group's nucleus of composer/ trackmaker/producer Taku and rapper Verbal first became friends while the two were attending a Tokyo based international high school. Later Taku moved to California, where he worked as a DJ and began composing. At this juncture the ethnically Korean Verbal went to school in Boston, where he also got deeper into rap music. Verbal also got into Christianity, so much that he majored in theology, but his friend Taku convinced him to return to Tokyo to pursue music. In 1998 they hooked up again in Tokyo, and brought into their musical circle the Japanese-Columbia female singer Lisa. Lisa had already begun working in music, including serving as vocalist for the group Ram Jam World. The M Flo group released their first song “Been So Long” as a 12-inch single on an indie label, and were soon picked up by the Avex-affiliated Rhythm Zone label.
