INSOMNIAC SONG

HIP-HOP

Kreva

 

Real Name: Hatakeyama Takashi

Nickname: Doctor K

Date of Birth: June 18, 1976
Birthplace: Edogawa, Tokyo, Japan
Genre: Hip-Hop, J-Urban

Country: Japan

Years Active: 2004 -

Status: Active

Notable traits: 

Related bands: Kick the Can Crew; FUNKY GRAMMAR UNIT

Recommended Songs: H.A.P.P.Y.; Issai Gassai; OH YEAH; 瞬間speechless

 

 

 

Kreva's beginnings can be traced back to BY PHAR THE DOPEST which was formed with CUEZERO in 1996. He joined the hip hop trio, KICK THE CAN CREW, shortly afterward. The chart-topping trio won The Source Hip Hop Music Award for International Album of the Year in 2003. In 2004, KICK THE CAN CREW disbanded so that each member could begin a solo career. 

 

His solo career began in June 2004 with the release of the single, Kibou no Honou. Two more singles followed, Neiro and Hitori Janai no yo, in September and October 2004. Shinjin KREVA, his debut album, was released in November 2004. Four singles over the course of 2005 preceded the release of his second album, Ai Jibunhaku, in February 2006.

 

2008 would only see a best of album released while the hip hop star toured. However, Kreva was back with a bang in 2009. He released a total of nine singles along with his fourth album, Shinzou. 2010 turned out to be a slow year with only his first mini-album, Oasys, being released in September. 

 

In 2011, Kreva released five singles, including Strong, his collaboration with visual kei artist, Miyavi. His fifth studio album, GO, followed soon afterward. 2011 also saw Kreva dipping his toes into the international market with the release of his digital album, Japanese Rap Star for USA Vol 1. Another remix best album and three singles would be released in 2012.

 

Two singles were released in 2013 along with his sixth studio album, SPACE. 2013 marked more firsts for Kreva with a live album, SPACE TOUR, as well as his first instrumental album, SPACE Instrumentals being released. So far, 2014 has seen the release of a single, Tranquilizer and his latest best of KX.

 

Mainstream western hip hop has little heart and far more commericalism. In Japan, it was far from mainstream until Kreva burst onto the scene. He was able to make the music relatable to all ages. He has the ability to blend into other genres, easily guesting on the releases of other artists. Kreva is driven, becoming the first hip hop solo artist to fill Budokan alone. Give this spirited, passionate rapper a chance to blow you away.