Rip Slyme, often stylized as RIP SLYME, is a Japanese hip hop group that formed in 1994 and is built around four MCs—Ryo-Z, Ilmari, Pes & Su—and DJ Fumiya. That lineup gives the group a collaborative structure rather than a single-frontman format, which has long been central to its identity.
Musically, Rip Slyme blends hip hop and pop rap with a strong old school hip hop influence. Its sound is shaped by references to The Pharcyde, De La Soul, Public Enemy, Jurassic 5, the Beastie Boys, DJ Premier, and Leaders of the New School, placing the group within a tradition defined by classic rap rhythms, turntable culture, and ensemble lyricism. The group was associated with File Records, and its place in Japanese hip hop comes from the balance between its MCs and DJ as much as from its clear connection to foundational American rap.
