June 30 , 2025 | Tokyo, Japan | Team RJHH
The hip-hop collective ILLVloods, currently making waves in the boom-bap and authentic hip-hop scene, has just unveiled the official music video for “Soda Pop feat. Greedy on ILLBLOCK & AREME”. This track, taken from a 7-inch vinyl that sold out immediately upon release, underscores the growing influence of this group of artists.
The musical production of “Soda Pop” bears the signature of H.A.D.E.S on ILLBLOCK, recognized for his compositions. This beatmaker, who has collaborated with renowned artists like BES on “Surviving Fraction 2024” and O-JEE on the EP “Hotel Pacific“, delivers here an instrumental that is both mysterious and hard-hitting.
The Rap Duel Between Greedy and AREME
Over this musical foundation, Greedy on ILLBLOCK and AREME deliver a contrasting rap exchange that reveals their distinct artistic personalities. Greedy, already recognized for his collaborations with T2K on “Nostalgia” and his solo projects “Concrete Rose” and “Bad meet Evil“, confirms his reputation as an exceptional lyricist. His literary approach to rap, along with sophisticated rhyme schemes, embodies the very essence of traditional hip-hop.
The “Soda Pop” music video stands out for its conceptual approach. Set within the characteristic visual universe of D-men, this musical short film features a self-proclaimed novelist who embodies the “birth pains of creativity” that all artists experience, including rappers, beatmakers, and designers.
The direction intensely explores themes of anguish and inner conflict inherent to the creative process. The image of bubbles that “are born and disappear successively” becomes a poetic and cruel metaphor for the ephemeral nature of artistic inspiration.
Artist Portraits from the ILLVloods Collective
Greedy on ILLBLOCK: The Reference Lyricist
This artist has established himself as a reference in the underground hip-hop scene through his texts of great literary density. His collaboration with TWIGY on “Legacy” and his various solo projects demonstrate a rap approach that prioritizes depth and authenticity. Traditional hip-hop enthusiasts recognize him as a defender of the genre’s fundamental values.
H.A.D.E.S on ILLBLOCK: The Sound Architect
A prolific producer of the ILLBLOCK collective, H.A.D.E.S, has made a name for himself by providing instrumentals to established artists. His work with T2K on “Anytime You Want” and his other productions reveal a rich sonic universe and deep understanding of contemporary hip-hop codes.
DJ MASAKAZ: The Vinyl Pioneer
Active since age 15 between Tokyo and Chiba, DJ MASAKAZ is the co-founder of the Vinyl Gang Vloods collective. His expertise as a record digger enables him to craft tracks that seamlessly blend nostalgia and modernity, meeting the standards of contemporary American underground hip-hop. His initiative to organize the world’s first OBI exhibition earned him international recognition.
AREME: Originality Incarnate
Partner of DJ MASAKAZ in creating Vinyl Gang Vloods, AREME stands out with his unique style and sharp word sense. His collaborations with ZAK THE RUGER on “SHIVABLANCA” and his numerous appearances with Tokyo rappers demonstrate his growing impact on the Japanese
