July 30 , 2025 | Tokyo, Japan | Team RJHH
The rap duo Squad Words, composed of SILENT KILLA JOINT and KAKKY, teams up with beatmaker and producer Aru-2 to unveil their first full album ROBOUBAYASHI (Robō Hayashi), available today, July 30, 2025 via the OILWORKS label.
ROBOUBAYASHI, a project born from the meeting between Kobe and Tokyo
Based in Kobe, where they each pursue their respective solo careers, SILENT KILLA JOINT and KAKKY form Squad Words, a duo that finds in Aru-2 the ideal producer to realize their artistic vision. This collaboration follows their EP “DCG” released in 2020, already produced by Aru-2. The album ROBOUBAYASHI is the result of a creative process spanning four years. It all began with the track “NOAH”, recorded during an event on Awaji Island. Since then, with each visit by Aru-2 to Kobe, new tracks have been patiently recorded and refined, giving birth to this collection of 14 tracks.
ROBOUBAYASHI: a photograph of Kansai hip-hop
This first full-length album captures the essence of the Kansai clubbing scene, the region where these artists forged their musical identity. Aru-2’s compositions, characterized by rich melodic phrases and grooves that are both delicate and organic, serve as a setting for lyrics honed by the experience of the region’s clubs.
The album skillfully blends tracks already familiar to audiences from live concerts – “Ningen Drama“, “Oha Yo“, “Change The Groove” – with new unreleased creations. This diversity is also reflected in the numerous collaborations that punctuate the opus. ROBOUBAYASHI welcomes an impressive gallery of guests: Ridho Louis, Nel$oN, Feliz, SEDY NEZZ, 奥十 (Oku Jū), 小林勝行 (Kobayashi Katsuyuki), I.V.O, 写楽 (Sharaku), and Pcill each bring their unique color to the ensemble.
The album also reveals unexpected facets, notably a surprising collaboration with 小袋成彬 (Koukagami Nariaki), who had already worked with Aru-2 on a single last January. The presence of more contemplative beats co-produced with SBK and BUDZ (the latter also being a member of SILENT KILLA JOINT) adds dimension to the sonic palette.
Release information
Release date: July 30, 2025 | Label: OILWORKS REC. | Reference: OILRECCD039 | Stream link
ROBOUBAYASHI by Squad Words
Complete tracklist:
- Warm Up (co-prod. SBK & BUDZ)
- Ningen Drama
- Oha Yo
- Growing feat. Ridho Louis
- Tousoshin feat. Ridho Louis & Nel$oN
- Net Side Passport feat. Feliz & Sedy Nezz
- Change The Groove
- KAZENOMUKOU feat. Pcill & 奥十 & 小林勝行 & I.V.O
- Sleeper (co-prod. SBK & BUDZ)
- Tobira
- Don Ikeda Jam Session
- NOAH feat. 写楽
- Moodman feat. Pcill & Ridho Louis
- Playmate Tom
