In late October, a beloved L.A. duo, Valerie Akiko Campbell and Justin Romero of Freak Metropolis, met with one other beloved duo in Tokyo, Nene and Ryugo Ishida of the Yurufuwa Gang. Freak Metropolis is a cult vogue model and the Yurufuwa Gang is a rap duo, however within the phrases of Campbell and Romero, “[we] speak the same language when it comes to fashion and art” — all 4 artists acquired their begin in underground subcultures. “We share similar triumphs and struggles — from working with our partners and love being the foundation of it all.” They add, laughing: “We also both believe in aliens.”
Ishida describes coming along with Nene as nothing in need of “miraculous.” The 2 met at a nightclub eight years in the past and have since produced 5 albums collectively. “It’s everything together. Job together, life together,” says Nene, although they’ve just lately began to pursue solo work once more. Nene is on tour this 12 months with a brand new album, “Gekiatsu,” and Ishida will go on tour subsequent 12 months.
Nene and Ryugo Ishida of the Yurufuwa Gang.
The duo cites L.A. — “the music, the vibe, the fashion” — as a significant affect. “We made our second album in Los Angeles, that was our dream,” says Nene. “People in Los Angeles really embraced us and gave us confidence.”
For the shoot, Freak Metropolis made two customized seems for Nene and Ishida that merge the worlds of L.A. and Tokyo, pulling from “kawaii, punk and rap star.” The Yurufuwa Gang had been additionally joined by nightlife icon Sunny Bunny, DJ Bananaoka and Dasa, the proprietor of classic retailer Bow Metropolis. Under, Nene and Ishida supply their very own solutions to the identical questions, a glimpse into their shared and particular person worlds.
From left to proper: Dasa wears basic American bandana, Freak Metropolis L.A. Bling Jersey, classic gloves, customized Freak Metropolis ‘90s Chicano print Dickies, Nike Cortez TXT sneakers. Nene wears Tomikono “Kira Kira eyes” wig, Freak City Punk Princess pinstripe set, Skoloct money bag, custom Freak City X Minnetonka toy boots. Ryugo wears Locs sunglasses; custom Freak City Kawaii Gang tattoo tank top, Punk pinstripe patchwork blazer, multi-print bricks/fence pants; Yurufuwa Ice jewelry; Maison Mihara Yasuhiro shoes. N2 wears Dog Harajuku top, Freak City L.A. booty skirt and kawaii charm jewelry, Ooops heel boots. Sunny Bunny wears traditional Japanese kimono and traditional Japanese shoes.
Nene
I always start my day with making coffee or tea.
My astrological sign, Gemini, manifests in how I focus and take action.
Moody, open, unique are three words that describe the way I dress.
Whenever I wear Freak City, I feel like being unique is the coolest thing!
These days, the song I’m listening to on repeat is “Biking” by Daniela Andrade.
I’d describe Yurufuwa Gang’s sound as its personal style of music — it’s known as Yurufuwa Gang.
I like collaborating with Ryugo as a result of he understands me utterly.
My favourite factor about performing reside is when the followers go utterly loopy and scream.
I’d describe our followers as aliens.
My pondering place is within the automotive.
On a Saturday evening, you’ll discover me in entrance of the ash tray.
The final tattoo I acquired was the quantity 369 on my neck. “369” is a magic quantity.
My hope for subsequent 12 months is extra kawaii, extra hentai, extra loopy.
If I may very well be gifted something I needed this vacation season, it might be onsen (the Japanese spa).
Ryugo Ishida
I all the time begin my day with smoking.
My astrological signal, Taurus, manifests in how I’m resilient.
Edgy, cool, like a personality, describes the way in which I gown.
Every time I put on Freak Metropolis, I really feel extra assured!
Today, the track I’m listening to on repeat is “Heat stick” by Shoreline Mafia, and “Drifting Away” by Chief Keef.
I’d describe Yurufuwa Gang’s sound as my soul.
I like collaborating with Nene as a result of she could be very mysterious and all the time comes up with surprising concepts. Once we work collectively, a brand new aspect of me emerges.
My favourite factor about performing reside is how the vibes can solely be felt there.
I’d describe our followers as aliens. Our followers are very passionate. They arrive to see us from all over the place. There are individuals of all ages, from children to adults.
My pondering place is all around the world.
From left to proper: N2 wears classic Y2K sun shades, Freak Metropolis conspiracy idea set and kawaii attraction jewellery, Atmos pink X Crocs. Sunny Bunny wears Freak Metropolis ‘Money Cash Hoes’ print gown, Vitality Gang jewellery, classic Y2K footwear. Nene wears Freak Metropolis attractive lace bonnet and L.A. Bitch Belt gown, Yello footwear. Ryugo wears Locs sun shades, Freak Metropolis ink tattoo mesh high and digital denim monitor pants, Royal Flash distressed camo bomber, Maison Mihara Yasuhiro footwear.
On a Saturday evening, you’ll discover me at a celebration or reside efficiency.
The final tattoo I acquired was on my again. It’s a dragon.
My hope for subsequent 12 months is to complete my solo tour and produce a brand new Yurufuwa Gang album. I need to do a U.S. tour.
If I may very well be gifted something I needed this vacation season, it might be an enormous amount of cash!
Make-up Yoko MinamiHair Sora Hasebe