POP YOURS 2024 Day 1: Highlights from Japan’s hip-hop melting pot

POP YOURS returned to Chiba’s colossal Makuhari Messe warehouse venue, showcasing the pinnacle of Japan’s hip-hop culture. Featuring old-school legends, rising stars, and current icons, this two-day festival has become a cornerstone for Japanese hip-hop, taking huge strides in pushing the genre into mainstream popularity in the 2020s. With day one wrapping up with over 40,000 viewers tuning in online at its peak and around 9,000 attendees, the success of this event is not to be understated. To get you prepared for day two, here are some of the standout moments from the first day of POP YOURS. RELATED: Watch POP YOURS 2024: Japan’s largest hip-hop festival streaming globally Peanuts-kun: Nutty Beats from Vtuber Underdog An auto-tuned Vtuber who performs under the guise of an out-of-shape peanut in its underpants, Peanuts-kun exceeded all expectations. Dropping massive club and hard bass tunes coupled with sick bars, all while in full mascot costume, his hip-hop performance was a pleasant surprise. With a lavish setlist, Peanuts-kun left me saying, “I’m looking forward to checking out the new album from that peanut guy,” something I never thought I’d say. Peanuts-kun is like if Crazy Frog had talent and personality, and I’m here for it....