AK-69 shines MC'ing over swift beats, and—since starting out in 2003—he's teamed up with big names from his home and abroad. He's one of the Japanese rap scene's shining stars, catching attention for delivering hard-hitting rhymes over concrete-hard beats (“My Style”) as well as for unwinding tender couplets over delicately plucked strings (“And I Love You So”). He's worked with fellow Japanese rappers such as PUNPEE and the rock band UVERworld and linked up with American rap VIPs such as Fat Joe and Fabolous. Whoever he's sharing time with, AK-69 holds his ground with his confident delivery.