Japan is the hub for all things music, fashion, and culture—also home to some of the world’s most talented individuals. Insert [Daichi Yamamoto](https://www.instagram.com/daichibarnett/?hl=en), who’s here to carry that torch on for this generation. Hailing from Kyoto, Japan, the Jamaican-Japanese rapper has taken his local hip-hop scene by storm, creating meaningful records with lyrics inspired by real-life experiences such as coming up as a biracial kid and of course, relationships.
Going from working at his local record store Jazzy Sport to signing to their label, the rising star continues to unleash nothing short of bangers. A few months back, he tapped Chicago rapper Mick Jenkins on “Kill Me,” showcasing his desire to bridge the cultures of Japan and the States, while extending his fanbase overseas. Most recently, he followed it up with his newest project titled _WHITECUBE_, 13 songs that showcase his talents and versatility to transcend genres.
_Flaunt_ caught up with Daichi via Zoom, who was posted in Japan where the sun was just rising. Read below as we discuss his background, love for Kendrick Lamar, the turning point in his music career, why he named his album _WHITECUBE,_ collaborating with Mick Jenkins, and more!
**Talk about your Jamaican and Japanese background.**
I had a chance to live in Jamaica when I was six for a year, that was my big experience. I got to experience both languages.
**Biggest influences coming up?**
Frank Ocean and Kendrick Lamar. I love their music, but I heard that Kendrick Lamar is very hardworking when he’s making music. His attitude is very inspirational.
**At what point did you realize this music thing was forreal?**
I was living in the UK, I went to a university in London. I couldn’t get the Visa, so I went back to Japan. At that point, my current manager contacted me and asked if I wanted to release an album. Because I was releasing my music on SoundCloud, and he liked a song. I wasn’t like “okay I’m going to do music now,” it happened naturally.
**What were you doing before the music?**
I was a student, studying Interactive Arts.
**Did you ever have another artist name in mind?**
I had all sorts of different names, but when I saw Kendrick, I decided to go with my name.
**You just released your second album, _WHITECUBE_. How are you feeling?**
Relieved. I got lots of good feedback, so I’m really happy about It.
**What’s the meaning behind the title?**
The _WHITECUBE_ itself comes from the idea that a lot of art galleries in general are like blank white cubes. He’s creating his own blank _WHITECUBE_ through this album. With the art that’s displayed in this _WHITECUBE,_ especially in this crazy COVID world that we've seen over the last year, it’s somewhat detached from it. It's a blank space that’s detached from the rest of society. When you listen to a lot of those tracks, the dark that he’s created is impacted from the outside as well. The _WHITECUBE_ itself is telling stories about the outside, while still being detached. Being this blank space that’s detached from the outside, that’s the etymology of _WHITECUBE._
**What songs mean the most to you and why?**
The second song because I sampled one of my favorite artists’ interviews on the beginning of the outro. His interview really touched me when I was struggling to write the songs. During his interview, my work ethic changed. That was a big turning part of the album.
**What is it you want fans to get from your story?**
I want them to enjoy the music.
**How’d you end up collaborating with Mick Jenkins on “Kill Me”?**
[Ren](https://www.instagram.com/renstern/?hl=en) \[and [Frank Renaissance](https://www.instagram.com/frankrenaissance/?hl=en)\] gave me the opportunity, he called me like “do you want to send a demo to Mick Jenkins?'' Me and the producer made the song, we sent it and he liked the song. He sent me a DM on Instagram saying “this song is fire,” then he sent me back the song.
**Were you a fan of his music before that?**
Yes, I was a big fan so that was really big.
**What inspired “Kill Me”?**
I had some incidents last year, and I was feeling really down at the time. That song came out naturally.
**3 things you need in the studio?**
Coffee, microphone, and notepad.
**Future goals with your music?**
I don’t have one big goal, but just to keep making quality music that people like. I want fans to enjoy the music.
