XLII

XLII

XLII (/:slee/) is an established music producer based in Tokyo, Japan. Although initially known as a rapper / MC, in recent years he has reinvented himself as a producer / DJ. He first came to be known outside Japan through his releases on prolific UK labels like Civil Music and Ninja Tune resulting in multiple European and Asian tours and placing him squarely into a bass music category. This culminated in the formation of his notorious "riot music" duo "XXXSSS Tokyo" with Japan's top Hip-Hop DJ, DJ Sarasa. Their energetic music and anarchic style of performance landed them multiple Asia tours and several highly acclaimed appearances at Ultra Japan and Ultra Korea festivals, as well as high profile domestic festival and media appearances. XLII's edgy and unorthodox sound has made him a highly sought after producer for more major acts and since 2017 he has slowly become known as the go-to producer for both Japanese mainstream and indie markets, highly regarded for integrating the latest global trends and extracting catchy and memorable performances from vocalists. His most notable recent projects include producing the legendary Japanese dancehall diva MINMI, most known outside Japan for her Samurai Champloo theme song with Nujabes; introducing afro swing / bashment genre to Japan with his collaboration with Apollo, which reached #1 in Japan reggae charts; and establishing Yayoi Daimon as the feminist queen representing Japan on global stage with her "NO BRA!" hit collaboration with Akko Gorilla. In the last 12 months, "Winner" by MINMI and produced by XLII has become the stadium anthem for the J-league Yokohama Marinos football team. "Time Wastin'", a MAS1A + XXXSSS Tokyo collaboration single was used in the popular Netflix show Wu Assassins. XLII's reinvention of the ageless salaryman anthem from 1970s called "Sudarabushi" by Ueki Hitoshi is now used as a theme song for a popular TV animation Business Fish. In August 2019, XLII's newly announced "JEKA! JEKA!" alterego is in global spotlight after announcing the controversial #KETSUFURE song and video, the Yayoi Daimon remix of which is now breaking the internet as the ultimate Japanese twerk anthem. XLII's one-of-a-kind hybrid sound bridges all gaps between Hip-Hop / Bass Music and Carribean / African inspired genres like Dancehall, Soca and Kuduro. Never having been a "DJ" in a classic sense, XLII's stage performances are as infectious and as hyper edited as his music, effortlessly combining genres, switching tempos and teleporting the audience between continents with the sole aim of creating the most adventurous and enjoyable rollercoaster dance experience.