April 11th, 2025 – Expanding her global reach, the queen of Japanese Hip-Hop, Awich, is back with her new track "Butcher Shop" featuring NYC rap icon, FERG. After making waves in Asia with “ASIAN STATE OF MIND”, Awich now sets her sights on hip-hop’s birthplace — the U.S. — with this new release. Fans can listen to the song here.
“Butcher Shop” is produced by none other than RZA—the legendary founding member of the iconic hip-hop collective Wu-Tang Clan and a towering figure who has left an indelible mark on hip-hop history. The combined force of Awich, FERG, and RZA results in a powerful track that merges international flair with the soul of old-school hip-hop.
When asked about the track, Awich expresses, “”Butcher Shop” is a place where three of my realities intersect—Okinawa, where I was born and raised; Tokyo, where I live now; and New York. Together with a legend like RZA and a true embodiment of the streets like FERG, we cut through the noise with sharp words and beats to capture the spirit of this borderless era. This song is a crossroads—Japan and NYC, culture and fashion, luxury and play, sin and consequence. Everyone brings their own ‘meat’ to the table, and we slice into the truth. Welcome to our Butcher Shop”.
This collaboration—transcending genre, borders, and generations—signals Awich’s bold entry into the U.S. hip-hop scene. It marks the birth of a historic track where the roots and future of Japanese hip-hop resonate with the heart of American rap.
A music video featuring Awich and FERG will be released on April 14th, 2025, at 7:00PM (SGT).
Listen to "Butcher Shop" here: https://lnk.to/Awich_ButcherShop
About Awich
Growing up on her home island of Okinawa, Awich, short for “Asia Wish Child” is a name she created to reflect her passions. She debuted with the EP 'Inner Research' in 2006 and moved to Atlanta, Georgia in the US around the same time. In her time in Atlanta, Awich produced her first full album 'Asia Wish Child' and released it in 2007. After moving back to Japan, Awich faced endless internal questioning and this intense process of introspection was cathartic and helped her reevaluate a more profound meaning of life, love, and forgiveness. Shortly after, she released another full album, making it her first in a decade. Her 2022 album, 'Queendom', reached #1 on Apple Music's overall album chart in Japan while her single, "Rasen in Okinawa" topped multiple charts. That same year, she held her first solo concert at the prestigious Nippon Budokan. In 2023, she embarked on her first national Zepp tour and released the album 'THE UNION'. In November, she headlined her first arena show, 'Queendom -THE UNION-' at K-Arena Yokohama, which sold out.
Awich’s ability to submerge herself into multiple global perspectives while also adding her signature feminine touch allows her to create music that is singular but relatable across the world. Awich has proven herself on the world stage by being the first Japanese rapper to perform at Coachella and continues to expand her presence internationally.
About FERG
A rapper hailing from Harlem, New York, FERG began his career as a core member of the A$AP Mob. He made his solo debut in 2013 with the album 'Trap Lord', which became a major hit, bringing widespread attention through standout tracks like “Work” and “Shabba”. Throughout his career, FERG has collaborated with renowned names such as Future, Nicki Minaj, Skrillex and Pharrell Williams.
While rooted in trap music, FERG is known for his stylish, high-energy flow and bold approach to fashion, earning him a place as an icon in the hip-hop scene. Formerly known as A$AP Ferg, he now goes by simply “FERG” and continues to thrive as a solo artist on the global stage.
About RZA
A producer, rapper, and film composer from Staten Island, New York, RZA is best known as the founding member and musical mastermind behind the legendary hip-hop collective Wu-Tang Clan. Active since the early ’90s, he revolutionized the sound of hip-hop with his raw, heavy beats and a production style that fused Eastern philosophy and cinematic influences. He is also active as a solo artist and film director, continuing to influence artists around the world across genres.
RZA’s versatility as a producer also shines through his work on film soundtracks. From the dynamic scores of 'Kill Bill Volumes 1 and 2' to the high-energy beats of 'The Protector (Tom-Yum-Goong)', he demonstrates a unique ability to adapt his sound to a film’s tone and intensity. 'Afro Samurai: The Soundtrack' further cements his range—seamlessly weaving between cinematic orchestration and rap-heavy compositions. Whether the mood calls for raw emotion or pulse-pounding action, RZA delivers with precision and creativity.
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