July 22 , 2025 | Tokyo, Japan | Team RJHH
The rapper NORIKIYO, incarcerated, released his new single “You Know What I Mean?” today, April 22, 2025. The track, produced by BACHLOGIC, was recorded before his imprisonment and comes with a music video directed by Agro Creative.
What’s really getting people talking is his unprecedented initiative from prison: a crowdfunding campaign for his future solo concert after his release. On April 1, his official website had already published what he calls a “criminal declaration,” announcing that he was going to “attempt something that no one has ever done in Japan.” The crowdfunding campaign was a first for an inmate in Japan.
True to his provocative style, NORIKIYO has described his artistic projects as “crimes” (since his album “Criminal Declaration” was released in 2023) and invites his fans to become his “accomplices” by supporting his upcoming concert. This crowdfunding doesn’t use conventional platforms but operates through ZAKAI.JP, which also serves as the official store for its merchandise.
Among the rewards offered is his prison journal, Escape Guide, which he has written daily since his incarceration. Donors will also receive a QR code to download his new album, THE JAIL’S KITCHEN MIX PLATE, featuring 14 tracks with lyrics behind bars. The funding campaign will continue until June 23, 2025. During this period, a page from his prison journal will be published daily on his Instagram account, offering a glimpse into his life and thoughts in detention since June 20, 2023.
The single “You Know What I Mean?” is available on all streaming platforms since April 22, 2025, under the YUKICHI RECORDS label.
NORIKIYO – You Know What I Mean?| Release Date: 2025.04.22 | YUKICHI RECORDS | Distribution link | Official website
