Awich, The Queen of Japanese hip-hop, makes her U.S. debut in Los Angeles

Lot 613,  in the heart of downtown Los Angeles, set the stage for the reigning queen of Japanese hip-hop, Awich. Making her grand debut on the international scene, igniting the venue with an electrifying performance ahead of her highly anticipated appearance at Coachella, courtesy of the groundbreaking collective, 88rising.

Awich, has long reigned supreme captivating audiences on her home turf, with her fierce rhymes, and magnetic stage presence, and now, it was time for Awich to make her mark on the international stage.

Awich – a name derived from “Asia Wish Child,” taken from her birth name “Akiko,” is a name she created to reflect her roots. As a child, she would lose herself in penning verses that delved into the mysteries of love, life, and the universe itself. Her journey into hip-hop began at the age of 13, when the iconic beats of Tupac’s “All Eyez on Me.”
She later relocated to Atlanta to attend college and during her time stateside, she married and gave birth to her daughter. She soon returned to Japan and it was upon her return that she truly came into her own, emerging as a fierce and unapologetic presence in a male-dominated industry.

Awich’s charisma was undeniable, as she took to the stage at Lot 613, her presence alone was captivating and she commanded the spotlight effortlessly, but it was her interaction with the crowd that truly set her apart. Awich’s infectious smile lit up the room and in between songs, she took the time to address the crowd, share stories, and express gratitude. And then, in a moment of sheer generosity and camaraderie, Awich surprised her fans by pulling out bottles of her very own sake brand, Habush. With a mischievous grin, she raised a toast to the crowd, inviting them to share in this special moment with her.
Later, Awich was joined by fellow luminaries, JP The Wavy, NENE, and MaRI, each bringing their own unique style, collectively elevating the stage to new heights.

After the show, Awich made a point to meet with fans, embracing them with hugs and posing for selfies. Despite the whirlwind of excitement surrounding her debut performance in Los Angeles and Coachella on the horizon, she remained grounded, taking the time to connect with those who had supported her journey.

For those fortunate few that got to attend, it was an honor to get to witness Awich, knowing that she had graced stages that housed tens of thousands. But for Awich, this is just the beginning. With Coachella now in the rearview and the world at her feet Awich is on to the next chapter of her career and ready to show the world why she is  truly the queen of Japanese hip-hop.