Iyse

A mainstream R&B/HIP HOP group from Kansai with an international taste. They consist of 2 MCs and a vocalist.
The concept of “Iyse” is characterized by colorful looks and character, and they aspire to bring authentic R&B/HIP HOP music with the theme of “love” to Japan.
The name Iyse was taken to symbolize “Aisu”, which means, “to love” in Japanese, and the word “ice” as slang representing diamond, which both “shine on forever”.
The trio group consists of, half African American bilingual rapper Young Kirk, Staxx, a beat maker who was born and raised in Kaisai, and a female singer, Minami, who was brought up abroad and speaks 4 languages.
In September 2007, the group participated in the Internet audition “Oto Revo”, held by Columbia Music Entertainment. Through this experience the group transformed from “423 X UNITED”, a rap duo, to now “Iyse” with the official inclusion of female singer Minami.
Amongst the nearly 2000 groups that competed in the first audition, they were the only HIP HOP artists that ended up in the top 10.
During that time, they had already performed as opening acts for such foreign big-name artists as DJ UNK and Chingy.
Official Website: http://www.artimage.co.jp/artists/iyse/

Iyse