HALT by USU

Artist Profile

USU
He began his career as a member of the legendary Niigata group "HIGH de CREW." He energetically expanded his live performances nationwide after making an appearance at B-BOY PARK, Japan's largest hip-hop festival, an unprecedented achievement for a regional group. After HIGH de CREW went on hiatus, he released his first solo album, "247-U N'I To You-," in the same year. The lead track, "DAY ONE feat. TAROSOUL, TOTOROW," was selected as a power play on FM NIIGATA. In 2008, he released his second album, "365-ROOTS-." This album features some of Japan's most renowned artists, including SEEDA, SIMON, TAROSOUL, Cypress Ueno, BUZZER BE ATS, and Darth Radar. His high level of skill and passionate lyrics quickly spread nationwide, solidifying his presence. He leads the group "NITE FULL MAKERS," which released the album [N] (featuring JAY'ED, Infuaigumi, DJ WATARAI, SKY BEATZ, and others). That same year, he released his third album [Bee, Bird, Butterfly]. In November 2013, he released his first greatest hits mix CD, "Un'USU'all mixed by DJ SATORU," showcasing a "new format for mix CDs." In December 2014, he released the mini-album "RES." In March 2015, he collaborated with Nagano-based DJ KENZI to create "DEMO TAPE." In August 2015, he released his fifth album, "COMPLETE BOY," and in December 2015, he released his love song compilation album, "LOVATE." He has continued his rapid-fire approach, releasing four albums in one year. That same year, he held his first solo concert in three locations: Niigata (NEXS), Tokyo (Shibuya FAMILY), and Niigata (CLUB SEVEN). He completely rocked the packed houses and heads everywhere. In November 2016, he released his sixth album, "DOCK." It featured the renowned Japanese hip-hop final boss, Hannya. In April 2017, he began a program called "AREA CONNECTION," airing every Monday at 10 PM on ZEEBRA's hip-hop radio station, WREP. He also participated in the live tour of Japan's leading jazz artist, TOKU, completely shattering the boundaries of "hip-hop." He delivers authentic music from the countryside. He is undoubtedly one of Japan's leading MCs. On September 17, 2018, he suddenly retired and disappeared from the scene. He returned to the scene on January 27, 2021, with his comeback album, "Too Late." On January 5, 2022, he released his long-awaited seventh album, "HALT." He ranked 4th on the iTunes Hip-Hop chart, a fitting start to his comeback. He continues to speak out and take action to deepen understanding of alcoholism, for which he is currently undergoing treatment, appearing in various media, television, and radio. His ninth album, "Spend it all," released in 2024, included the track "Loved one feat. KOTA, Nozomi Kitay," which recorded phenomenal sales, reaching the top 10 not only in Japan but also in Thailand, Vietnam, Indonesia, and Malaysia. It has been streamed 3 million times, and his total video views on TikTok have exceeded 100 million.
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