July 8th, 2026 – In a monumental collision of musical worlds, Japanese Hip Hop Queen Awich, acclaimed rapper CHICO CARLITO, global rock titans ONE OK ROCK, and avant-garde rockers Paledusk have joined forces to launch a groundbreaking new project: YAO. The supergroup has officially unveiled their highly anticipated debut single, “777”, accompanied by a stunning cinematic music video. [Listen to “777” here] and [watch the official video here].
A Genre-Defying Debut: “777”
Serving as the introductory anthem for YAO, “777” is a powerful fusion of hip-hop, rock, and alternative music. The track masterfully blends the distinct sonic signatures of all four acts—from Awich’s razor-sharp bars and CHICO CARLITO’s lyrical dexterity to ONE OK ROCK’s arena-ready intensity and Paledusk’s experimental edge. The result is a sound that feels both ambitious and fresh, setting the tone for a project built on creative fearlessness. The song is a testament to YAO’s mission: to break down musical barriers and create art that is greater than the sum of its parts.
Complementing the single is a visually arresting music video directed by Hidehito Hotta, a long-time creative collaborator of Awich. Shot on a grand, feature-film scale, the video transports viewers to a striking post-war landscape of battle-scarred buildings and abandoned vehicles. Against this backdrop of destruction, the members of YAO deliver a commanding performance that transforms decay into a powerful symbol of unity, resilience, and collective strength—perfectly mirroring the project’s core message.
The Birth of YAO: A Fusion of Icons
Bringing together four of Japan’s most influential musical forces, YAO represents a bold convergence of genres, generations, and creative philosophies. The project’s inception traces back to a monumental dome concert where ONE OK ROCK and Awich shared the stage. Impressed by Awich’s artistry and deep connection to hip-hop culture, ONE OK ROCK frontman Taka initiated conversations about future collaborations.
The vision quickly expanded to include CHICO CARLITO, renowned for his electrifying flow and commanding stage presence, and Paledusk—one of Japan’s most exciting next-generation rock acts and frequent collaborators with ONE OK ROCK. With Awich and Taka at its creative core, YAO emerged as a supergroup driven by a shared ambition to transcend conventions and push the boundaries of Japanese music.
About YAO
YAO is a collaborative music project featuring Awich, CHICO CARLITO, ONE OK ROCK, and Paledusk. United by a passion for innovation, the group merges hip-hop, rock, and alternative sounds to create a bold new sonic identity. Stay tuned for more from this dynamic alliance.
Rome is a freelance writer and photographer. He brings a fresh perspective to the indie music scene and highlights emerging artists and underground movements. His writing style is drawn from personal experiences and a deep love for the art form.