The creation of a bridge between their studio albums that links their past with their present and their future means that although they have decided to take a path further away from the conventional idol, can continue to draw on their origins whenever they wish, as well as investigating new styles that may arise along the way.
“moooove!!” is a Hip-hop dance song that it was used as the theme song for the TV Tokyo drama series “95” starring Takahashi Kaito, in celebration of TV Tokyo’s 60th anniversary.
While it is true that during the first years of Kinpuri‘s musical career, they were generally recognised as “the kings and princes” of the music scene (literally, due to their sales and metaphorically speaking, due to their visuals), it is also true that perhaps that was only the tip of the iceberg of all that these guys had to offer. Under those first titles released with a commercial air and a Disney touch, Tiaras found songs that were already pointing in a different direction and were detached from the glitter and sparkles that sometimes could blind those who didn’t want to look beyond. From their time as Jr, they already had some songs (currently not yet available on streaming platforms) such as “Bounce To Night“; a catchy, naughty song, with a sexy touch, that invited you to move your hips uncontrollably or “Misbehave” among others. However, they did not manage to become enough of a focus of interest to launch themselves into creating A-sides with this musical trend, which would show a clear break between the product they were created to be and what they really wanted to create.
It was on 10 June 2020 (Initially the single was to be released on 29 April, but due to the State of Emergency declared by the Japanese government due to the spread of the Coronavirus, its release was postponed until 27 May and again, due to the extension of the State of Emergency, until the final date), when there was finally a first hint of change in the musical direction the group had taken so far with their 5th single “Mazy Night” that was used as the theme song for the drama “Miman Keisatsu: Midnight Runner“, starring one of the former members of the group alongside Kento Nakajima.
From this moment on, little by little, Kinpuri began to lose his fear of venturing into other more danceable styles, which would allow a greater exposure of the qualities of certain members of the group, as happened in the case of Kaito Takahashi, who on one occasion stated with some of his partners that “While it was true that he loved the group and liked what they were doing and the heights they were reaching, he was somewhat worried about losing his habilities as an urban-style dancer that he had been working on since his childhood“, in reference to the more hand-centred dance choreography, to make it easier for fans to follow, that characterises the idol groups.
On 5 Jan 22, Kaito participated together with Travis Japan in their dance project “+81 DANCE STUDIO“, making his debut as a choreographer within the agency itself, with the SMAP song “SHAKE“.
But if we have to point out a specific moment where the definitive break between the sugar-coated version of Kinpuri and the street style version took place, we have to go back to their 7th single, being the first double single of their career: “Magic Touch / Beating Hearts“, released on 19 May 21. The theme of this musical work is “DANCE” and it became a musical turning point. “Magic Touch” was their first hip-hop song with lyrics completely in English and choreographed by Melvin Timtim, who won the world hip-hop championship! that’s the level! and in Re:Sense, their 3rd studio album continued this new direction, resulting in treasures such as “Namae Oshiete” produced by a 12-time Grammy Award winner; Kenny “Babyface” Edmonds (This full English lyric song was recorded in LA (USA) in 2019) or “Body Paint“.
Other notable incursions into these urban styles such as hip-hop or R&B can be found in “Ichiban” (song that can be found on their 4th studio album “Made In“, with lyrics and composition by KREVA and choreography by RIEHATA) and “TSUKIYOMI” (their 11th single, a double A single) this is a song dance number that exudes a mysterious sexiness.
Despite the changes in mid-2023, before their 5th anniversary that led the group to become the successful duo we know today, led by Ren Nagase and Kaito Takahashi, that break with the group’s initial style has not changed, although it is true that they do not deny their origins and in fact, they are visibly proud of them, remain committed to the search for new styles that allow them to experiment with what they feel they need to convey at any given moment, as well as looking to focus their careers on those works, whether as individuals or as a group, that help them expand their horizons and let their skills be known beyond Tiara’s fandom. For the time being, though, it seems that this more international branch with all-English songs and international choreographers and composers seems to have come to an end for the time being.
But the overseas door is far from being completely closed, In fact, this year Nagase, who for the moment seems to be more interested in focusing his individual career on acting in dramas and movies, as well as modelling and participating as an ambassador for different brands, has made his first fanmeeting in Taiwan.
Takahashi, on the other hand, has taken this opportunity to redirect part of his solo career, in addition to acting, towards the dream he had wanted to fulfil since he was a child; to be a professional choreographer and dancer, as he has been demonstrating since 2023 with countless performances on music TV shows, even participating in dance events such as “D.U.N.K” or “THE DANCE DAY“, as well as an established artist in various fields, focusing on both painting and fashion (resulting in several collaborations with the ETRO brand and a “documentary” on hulu about his free time in Milan (Italy) during his last visit.) even merging both passions.
Re:Era album jackets
A clear similarity between King & Prince‘s early debut and King & Prince as a duet is the fast incorporation of dance tracks into their discography, and in this “renaissance” from the group’s 5th anniversary, the double single “halfmoon / moooove!” is a proof of this, as well as their 6th studio album Re:ERA, which makes a clear nod to the path started with “Re:Sense“, showing that not only do they not intend to disown their past, but that they drink from it and keep it as a clear reference that illuminates what they were, what they are and what they intend to become in the world of music, turning these two albums into a bridge that unifies both eras.
If “Re:Sense” was an album that drew on foreign influences, especially from the U.S.A, “Re:Era” stays in Japan, but does not stop experimenting in the various songs that make up its track list. From “Colors” with its more R&B rhythm, to “LOVE HACKER” with slightly electric rhythms as a base, “POPSTAR in the KINGDOM” whose various verses are made up of rap fused with hip-hop or “Harajuku“, so far the most experimental song of the group.
In this way, King & Prince, slowly but surely, take up again their steps where they left off, they are heading their career again, who knows if soon towards a slightly more international market, but without losing sight of their origins and those who saw them grow and supported them during the most complex moments, heading safely towards their 10th anniversary, Who knows if maybe not too long from now, we will be able to enjoy a King & Prince concert outside of Japan. From Dumpling Box, we can only wish them only the best on their way to musical self-discovery!
And now… tell us, what is the musical style YOU would like Kinpuri to explore?
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