Hailing from Budapest, Hungary, Yamazaki is a boundary-pushing rapper, singer, and producer whose music is a fusion of cultures, emotions, and sonic landscapes. With a background rooted in VRChat videos and K-Pop covers, his journey into original music began in 2022, marking the start of an artistic evolution that is as deeply personal as it is universal. His work is a therapeutic form of self-exploration, a way to connect with the lost and the searching, and a means of transforming emotions into immersive musical experiences. At the heart of Yamazaki’s artistry is a bold fusion of genres, combining elements of traditional Japanese music, orchestral drama, synth-wave, hip-hop, city pop, and J-Pop.
His music finds a delicate balance between joy and sadness, mirroring the highs and lows of human existence. Through singing and rapping, he creates intricate narratives that explore self-awareness, resilience, and personal development. His upcoming collaborative Japanese album, Katsu, embodies this artistic philosophy. Influenced by the Japanese Zen Buddhism word for shout, representing a moment of clarity and understanding, the album delves into themes of reflection, struggle, and triumph. Each track embodies a segment of his continuous path of development, personal acceptance, and optimism, showcasing works that are both exhilarating and reflective.
With Unfolded, released on February 7, 2025, Yamazaki offers a captivating debut that embodies self-discovery and transformation. This genre-blending masterpiece intertwines funk-infused rhythms, immersive synth tones, and multilingual stories, crafting a profound and captivating listening experience. Featuring ethereal backing vocals from Ashley Alisha and Maiku Tachibana, Unfolded provides significant emotional richness, which is amplified by Yamazaki’s vibrant blend of rapping and singing in both Japanese and English.
As the music unfolds, it transforms into a rallying cry for liberation from self-created boundaries, reflecting Yamazaki’s personal artistic path. The fluid production led by Benedek Rakovics (Yamazaki), Wiley West, Andrii Brynzak, and The Lambchopper presents a complex harmony of electronic creativity and natural feeling. The outcome is a song that is exhilarating but profoundly reflective, a musical representation of development, strength, and personal transformation. It draws listeners into a realm where boundaries fade, feelings emerge, and personal exploration commences, signifying the beginning of Yamazaki’s extraordinary musical journey.
Yamazaki’s Unfolded is an exhilarating track that skillfully blends different musical styles to craft an engaging story of self-exploration and personal transformation. Right from the initial note, the track grabs the listener’s attention with a bassline rich in funk, paired with sharp percussion, establishing a robust base for the sonic adventure ahead. The opening groove is both appealing and captivating, creating an environment for a complex interaction of sound and feeling that develops throughout the composition. This intentional and captivating opening not only captures interest but also suggests the intricate musicality that Yamazaki is about to delve into.
As the track unfolds, its musicality becomes more apparent through the smooth blend of hip-hop rhythms, electronic influences, and melodies inspired by Japanese music. The production is sleek and vibrant, showcasing atmospheric synth layers atop an engaging groove. This blend produces a vibrant soundscape that is both contemporary and evocative. The arrangement of the track facilitates smooth changes and transitions, seamlessly shifting between various musical themes and motifs. These transitions are managed with skill, making sure that every change improves the overall story without interrupting the song’s unified flow.
The lead vocals is a notable element of Unfolded, highlighting both range and emotional intensity. The multilingual delivery of this song, fusing Japanese and English lyrics, enhances the track’s complexity and worldwide allure. The singing is fluid and emotive, seamlessly integrating with the complex instrumentation. Eerily beautiful supporting vocals enhance this song’s richness, providing depth and contrast that enrich the auditory experience. This vocal exchange emphasizes on technical prowess while also illustrating the song’s themes of change and personal discovery.
The instrumentation in Unfolded is both original and carefully designed. The bassline infused with funk offers a rhythmic foundation that propels the track ahead, whereas sharp percussion components contribute a feeling of urgency and drive. Ambient synth layers generate a dreamy ambiance, providing a striking yet balanced contrast to the deeper bass and rhythmic percussion. This combination of organic and electronic components creates a sound environment that is both engaging and vibrant, mirroring the song’s journey of liberating oneself from constraints.
The harmony between the vocals and instruments is where Unfolded genuinely excels. The vocals functions as both a guide and a tool, directing the listener through the intricate musical environment while concurrently merging with the ambient sounds. The eerie backing vocals and atmospheric synths form a rich, enveloping atmosphere that surrounds the listener, rendering the experience profoundly personal and reflective. This balanced combination guarantees that the vocals and instrumentation don’t eclipse one another; rather, they collaborate to express the song’s emotional richness and story.
From the very start of Unfolded, it elicits feelings of eagerness and intrigue. The opening groove captivates, inviting the listener into a realm of auditory discovery. As the song moves forward, the intensity varies, reflecting the journey of self-exploration that the track communicates. The remarkable production is clear in the accuracy and harmony of every component, enabling the audience to enjoy the details of the piece. The general ambiance is characterized by self-reflection and empowerment, prompting the listener to contemplate their own experiences and welcome the unfamiliar.
Unfolded offers an experience that encourages the listener to go beyond their personal and creative boundaries. Yamazaki has created a work that is aurally enchanting and emotionally resonant, merging various musical elements to produce a unified and engaging composition. The flawless integration of vocals and instrumentals, combined with exceptional production quality, creates a work that is both refined and meaningful. Unfolded showcases music’s ability to serve as a channel for individual expression and change, motivating listeners to start their own paths of self-exploration.
For more information about Yamazaki, click on the icons below.
Listen to Unfolded by Yamazaki and many more on our Synth-pop/Electronic/Experimental Playlist.
