The digital masks we wear just got a stunning soundtrack. Genre-fluid powerhouse SIRUP and multifaceted artist Ayumu Imazu have joined forces for the first time, dropping the sleek, hypnotic R&B single “UNDERCOVER feat. Ayumu Imazu”. Available worldwide now on all platforms, the track explores the tension between our public personas and hidden selves, wrapped in a groove that demands repeat listens.
Produced by Taka Perry, “UNDERCOVER” masterfully navigates the duality of modern existence – the curated online image versus the private reality. SIRUP’s signature effortless vocal flow, seamlessly blending rap and soulful singing, intertwines with Ayumu Imazu’s smooth, bilingual delivery (switching between Japanese and English). The result is a late-night anthem resonating with anyone living that subtle “double life,” online or IRL. It’s a testament to SIRUP’s unique sound, rooted in neo-soul and R&B while infused with gospel and hip-hop, creating music that’s both sophisticated and universally appealing – a style that’s garnered him global brand partnerships (Jameson, Bose, MINI), a landmark Budokan solo show in 2022, and even a 2024 Golden Melody Award nomination.
But “UNDERCOVER” isn’t just an auditory experience; its cinematic music video, directed by Daiki Kamoshita, elevates the concept. Expect high-octane action featuring sharp fight choreography by stunt performer Saori Izawa (Kingdom, Rurouni Kenshin), contrasting brilliantly with Ayumu Imazu’s own sleek choreography for a climactic, mirror-like dance showdown. This visual duality perfectly mirrors the song’s core theme.
“UNDERCOVER” marks a significant moment in SIRUP’s ongoing creative surge. It follows May’s “RENDEZVOUS feat. hard life” and precedes the highly anticipated single “OWARI DIARY”, slated for release on Wednesday, 3rd September 2025 (pre-orders available now). For collectors, special physical editions of “UNDERCOVER” offer exclusive experiences:
- [CD + Blu-ray] First Press Limited Edition (Special Packaging): Catalog No. RZCB-87181/B, ¥8,800 (tax incl.)
- [CD Only] First Press Limited Edition (Paper Sleeve): Catalog No. RZCB-87182, ¥3,630 (tax incl.)
Slick, sharp, and layered with meaning, “UNDERCOVER feat. Ayumu Imazu” is more than a collaboration; it’s a fully realized world exploring identity in the digital age. It proves that when visionary artists like SIRUP and Ayumu Imazu connect, the result is pure, unfiltered artistry. Dive into the double life now.
Adreena is a writer from Nagano, Japan, but is now residing in Singapore. She mostly writes music news and reviews, but in her spare time, she likes writing fiction and poems.