Lyric

Ludio, a new generation rapper bridging the gap between Tokyo and New York culture, has officially announced the release of his upcoming EP, scheduled for February 2026.

Ludio recently captured the scene's attention with his single "totteoki," a track that vividly captures his authentic life in New York. The song became a viral hit on social media, driving his Spotify monthly listeners to over 14,000 completely organically. This sudden surge in popularity has solidified his status as one of the most promising Japanese artists to watch this year.

The EP's lead single, "Famous," serves as a testament to his current momentum. The track features a powerhouse production team led by Nascar, a beatmaker known for his placements with US rap heavyweights like Rich Amiri, Ksuave, and Iayze, alongside rising international producers cvctus and tom religious.

A key element of this release is the deep personal history behind it: Nascar is Ludio's childhood best friend from middle school. This lifelong bond, combined with the cutting-edge sound of the current NY scene, has resulted in a high-intensity, digital banger that showcases their undeniable chemistry.

In sharp contrast to the mellow, introspective vibes of "totteoki," "Famous" features an aggressive, up-tempo beat where Ludio's technical skills and confidence take center stage. With a triumphant return to Tokyo scheduled for mid-February to perform these tracks live, Ludio is poised to make a major impact on the Japanese hip-hop scene.