B.I.G.JOE, Immortalizes His Legacy with Three Collector Vinyl Releases

May 17, 2026 | Tokyo, Japan | Team RJHH

Sapporo-based rapper B.I.G.JOE — known throughout Japan’s hip-hop underground as “the Phoenix of the North” — is releasing three limited-edition vinyl records on Wednesday, May 27, 2026, through TRIUMPH RECORDS / ULTRA-VYBE, INC. The announcement comes amid growing excitement over the upcoming release of a visual document of his farewell concert, THE LAST DOPE, held in his hometown of Sapporo late last year — a send-off that marked the close of one of Japanese rap’s most storied careers.

The Three Vinyl Releases

Tenderness — 2LP (¥5,940)

First released in 2019, Tenderness is widely regarded as a cornerstone of Japanese hip-hop. This double vinyl pressing brings the sixth studio album to wax for the first time, featuring productions by Aaron Choulai, EVISBEATS, KM, and grooveman Spot, among others. Guest appearances from KOJOE, 鎮座DOPENESS, and HI-DEF round out an album that blends introspective rap with jazz, soul, and urban poetry.

B.I.G. JOE IS DEAD — LP (¥4,950)

B.I.G.JOE’s final studio album arrives on single vinyl, a deeply personal record that confronts themes of legacy, identity, and what it means to live as a rapper. The closing track ラッパーという生き方 (“A Life as a Rapper”), featuring 紅桜 and DUSTY HUSKY, serves as an emotional bookend to a remarkable discography.

7-inch Single — Brooklyn Bridge (Remix) / One (Remix) (¥2,200)

The most anticipated of the three releases, this 45rpm single pairs two standout remixes. Side A features the Brooklyn Bridge remix with 笠原瑠斗 and ILL-BOSSTINO from the legendary Sapporo duo THA BLUE HERB — a track first unveiled live at THE LAST DOPE. Side B carries the One remix from the 2024 EP It’s Not A Bad Thing, featuring 笠原瑠斗, Hanah Spring, and SHEEF THE 3RD.

All three releases are domestic pressings, presented with sleeve packaging, and available in strictly limited quantities.

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