149: Toshio Nakanishi 中西俊夫
Spotlight series #2 today on Banji Kaicho, reflecting on the late Toshio Nakanishi (1956-2017). This is a story of a man “always a little out of step with the times”, and it couldn’t ask for a better start as of Plastics, the legendary Japanese New Wave band that struck both Tokyo and New York with its colorful styles. The twists from here were even more enthralling. He formed Melon and Water Melon, one walked on the edge of Afro-Funk and Electro, the other playing with Lounge and Exotica music with new ideas. When he saw Afrika Bambaataa in action in 1982 and were amazed by the power of Hip-Hop, he brought it home and became Tycoon To$h. Soon, Major Force label turned into a reality and Japanese rap was no longer a mystery. He continued to tour overseas and explore freely into Downtempo, Trip Hop, House, Ambient, Dub and occasionally Rock during Plastics reunions – all until his unfortunate passing in 2017.
I can go on and on talking about his insane career, but why even bother listening to me when we can listen to the man himself. 1pm-3 on @wrir973 and wrir.org, this one is for you, my cult hero.
Photo: non-nakamura
Show archive
Playlist
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ANARCHIC MIXMASTER TYCOON TOSH & TROOPS FROM TITAN, “KOOL IT DOWN”
from YEAR OF DRAGON 2000
FILE RECORDS INC. - 2000
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