BE:FIRST Unveil Music Video for New Single ‘Masterplan’ – a Fusion of Hip-Hop with a Distinctive ‘Made in Japan’ Flair!

Seven-member dance and vocal ensemble, BE:FIRST, announced the release of their latest single, 'Masterplan' across all digital music streaming platforms

The electrifying track 'Masterplan' saw its initial performance during BE:FIRST's inaugural Tokyo Dome concert, titled BE:FIRST LIVE in DOME 2024 ‘Mainstream – Masterplan’. Serving as a sequel to their earlier hits 'Boom Boom Back' and 'Mainstream', the single features compelling Eastern rhythms crafted by producer Ryosuke "Dr.R" Sakai, the creator behind previous challenging numbers for BE:FIRST, such as 'Gifted.', 'BF is...', and 'Mainstream'.

This hip-hop anthem maintains the group's unique musical trajectory, showcasing their impressive artistry and solidifying their signature sound.

 The music video encapsulates the idea that BE:FIRST's astronomical rise since their debut has been anything but coincidental, but instead part of a well-orchestrated "masterplan". Paying homage to the group's past works, the video references the success of their track 'Mainstream', which topped 116 different charts, and the significant achievement of their Tokyo Dome concert.

The result is a thoughtfully curated visual narrative, marking each milestone as a preconceived chapter in BE:FIRST's journey.

The video's concluding image of a massive cherry blossom tree aptly embodies the song's spirit and the quintessential "Made in Japan" aesthetic characteristic of BE:FIRST. A grand cherry tree piercing through concrete symbolizes the band's resilience, with seven sturdy branches representing each member, all adorned with flourishing cherry blossoms. It's a visual masterpiece that merges hip-hop with a distinctive Japanese essence, declaring an impassioned musical statement to offer the world.

Be sure to check out the ‘Masterplan’ on all streaming platforms here, along with the dance performance video for the track below!

 ‘Masterplan’

Lyrics by SKY-HI

Music by Ryosuke “Dr.R” Sakai, Daisuke Nakamura, and SKY-HI

Produced by SKY-HI, Ryosuke “Dr.R” Sakai

Choreography by SOTA (BE:FIRST) and ReiNa

Total production by SKY-HI (BMSG)

BE:FIRST Released New Digital Song ‘Set Sail’ - A Unique Collaboration with ONE PIECE CARD GAME!

‘set sail’ Jacket cover!

BE:FIRST, a captivating seven-member dance and vocal group from Japan, launched their new digital song ‘Set Sail’ on February 26, 2024. Now, it is available for streaming and download on major platforms. ‘Set Sail’ is a glimpse into BE:FIRST’s exciting new single (title TBC), set to release on April 24, 2024. Coupled with the song’s release, a special collaboration video was showcased on the ONE PIECE CARD GAME’s official YouTube channel, amping up excitement for both BE:FIRST and ONE PIECE anime and card game enthusiasts.

‘Set Sail’ was envisioned as a ONE PIECE CARD GAME x BE:FIRST Collaboration Song. Launched exclusively on Monday, February 26, the song marked BE:FIRST’s first digital offering of 2024. The band has been on a hot streak, experiencing rapid success with their first dome performances in Japan this spring, which sold out in a staggering three minutes. The song, blessed with an emotional melody and dynamic tempo, was crafted by the celebrated producer, UTA, Yohei from TinyVoice Production, and SKY-HI. 

BE:FIRST members, SHUNTO and RYUHEI, avid fans of ONE PIECE card game and its original manga and anime, co-wrote the lyrics to ‘Set Sail’ with SKY-HI. The track is a thrilling fusion of futuristic funk and rock, combined with resonating lyrics. It’s a track that is bound to captivate both ONE PIECE card game and anime fans.

The specially curated ‘Set Sail’ video, released on ONE PIECE CARD GAME’s official YouTube channel, showcases exclusive footage of BE:FIRST members performing the song and enjoying the card game. The video also features highlights from the previous ONE PIECE CARD GAME World Championship and regional events.

Be sure to check out the special video that BE:FIRST did for the collaboration below, along with the streaming link for ‘Set Sail’ here!

Dance and Vocal Group, BE:FIRST, Triumphs at the 2023 MTV EMAs as "Best Asian Act"

Seven-member dance and vocal group, BE:FIRST, has made history by clinching the prestigious "Best Asia Act" award at the highly-acclaimed MTV Europe Music Awards 2023 (MTV EMAs). The group emerged victorious in a fiercely competitive category, beating heavyweight nominations from across the Asian music scene, including TREASURE (Korea), BRIGHT (Thailand), Moira (Philippines), and Tiara Andini (Indonesia).

The MTV EMAs is held annually to celebrate and honour outstanding achievements in pop culture and the music industry. These awards serve as a global showcase of the international and continental music scene, recognising artists for their geographical origins and accomplishments in diverse musical genres and disciplines. Since the 2007 ceremony, fans have been able to cast their votes for their favourite artists in various categories by visiting MTV's website.

BE:FIRST's triumph at the MTV EMAs 2023 is a significant milestone, and coincides with the group's celebration of their 2nd anniversary since their debut. In a recent announcement, BE:FIRST has revealed their eagerly awaited first-ever dome concerts scheduled for Tokyo and Osaka, Japan for next spring. These concerts represent a culmination of the group's hard work and dedication over the past 2 years, marking the beginning of an exciting new chapter in their journey.

Message from BE:FIRST to fans, BESTY:

“This accomplishment means everything to us. It means people outside Japan are listening to, and enjoying our music even though we have not been able to play live for you yet. We are elated. Thank you for your support, and thank you for your votes!”

“And BESTY! Once again, it was you who made this possible for us. You continue to be there for us and we cannot thank you enough. From all of us to all of you, thank you from the bottom of our hearts.”

Watch the message video from BE:FIRST here: https://www.youtube.com/shorts/lU6aKzqNTvI

BE:FIRST has also released a new digital single, titled ‘Glorious,’ which is now available on all major digital streaming platforms. ‘Glorious’ was penned by the CEO of BE:FIRST's management company, BMSG, and renowned rapper SKY-HI, along with BE:FIRST’s member, LEO. The track was further put together by BE:FIRST members MANATO and JUNON, together with SKY-HI and a producer UTA. ‘Glorious’ has been designated as the official theme song for the 2023 All Japan High School Soccer Tournament.

BE:FIRST's remarkable achievement at the MTV EMAs 2023 underscores the group’s rising prominence in the global music industry, and their unwavering commitment to delivering exceptional performances and music.

SKY-HI And BE:FIRST Come Together In New Release

Japanese rapper, producer, and CEO of BMSG, SKY-HI has announced a compelling split release on 28 August 2023, Monday. The single features the opening and closing themes for the upcoming Baki Hanma Season 2 - "The Father vs. Son Saga”. “Sarracenia” is the title for the opening theme and “Salvia” is the title for the closing theme, both songs were written by SKY-HI himself who is a big fan of the manga for the anime.

In ‘Sarracenia’, SKY-HI delves into the psyche of Yujiro Hanma, Baki Hanma's formidable father, exploring his profound musings on strength and masculinity. “Salvia” is performed by the seven-member dance and vocal group BE:FIRST which SKY-HI himself is the executive producer of. The digital single is pre-released on major streaming platforms today, while both “Sarracenia” and “Salvia” are up on YouTube in their full anime format. Lastly, the full music video for “Sarracenia” is posted below.

'Baki Hanma’ opening and ending themes ‘Sarracenia -Anime Size-’ by SKY-HI and ‘Salvia -Anime Size-’ by BE:FIRST are now streaming!

Coinciding with the new anime season release of father-son face-off anime series ‘Baki Hanma’, the opening theme song ‘Sarracenia -Anime Size-’ by SKY-HI and ending theme song ‘Salvia -Anime Size-’ by BE:FIRST have been released on download and streaming services around the world. ‘Baki Hanma’ is the latest instalment in the beloved ‘Baki’ anime franchise.

‘Sarracenia -Anime Size-’ is themed on the anime’s fist-fighting father Yuujiro Hanma, featuring lyrics from the viewpoint of a strong fighter, a rap and vocal track that overflows with skilful expressive power, and an aggressive track with dramatic twists and turns. These three elements combine to create a song brimming with emotion.

Meanwhile, ‘Salvia -Anime Size-’ is based on the son, Baki Hanma, and features lyrics and music written by SKY-HI with the theme of longing to find strength, sung and rapped by the seven individually unique members of BE:FIRST over a melancholy but edgy track – again combining three elements of perfect chemistry into one amazing song.

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In addition, a music video for each song featuring the opening and ending footage from the anime with the credits removed has been released, drawing an incredible response from fans around the world. Be sure to check out the digital streaming links for ‘Sarracenia’ and ‘Salvia’ as well!