Rapper BewhY is collaborating with Japan’s skilled experimental soul band WONK for a new track titled Skyward, which will be released worldwide on October 30. 


WONK is set to release their full album Shades of on November 13, which will feature Skyward along with 12 other tracks. This marks BewhY's first collaboration with a Japanese musician. Skyward is the pre-release single from Shades of, and the collaboration was initiated by WONK, who sent a demo to BewhY, leading him to immediately agree to work together.


The inspiration for Skyward came from WONK member Kento Nagatsuka’s view from an airplane window, capturing the image of singing among the clouds. The track portrays a unique dynamic where Nagatsuka’s vocals are set in the skies, while BewhY's rap grounds the listener on earth. The collaboration offers a fresh twist, with WONK singing in English and BewhY rapping in Korean.


WONK expressed their admiration for BewhY's exceptional production skills, noting how his passion for music shone through during the collaboration. WONK, a Tokyo-based four-member band, blends jazz, soul, funk, hip-hop, classical, and pop into their distinctive style. Since debuting in 2016 with their innovative album Sphere, they have made a strong impact in Japan’s music scene, performing at major festivals, leading national tours, and holding international shows. They run their independent label, Epistroph, and are beloved by core music enthusiasts, including a strong fanbase in Korea.


Since winning Show Me the Money 5 in 2016, BewhY has become a defining figure in Korean hip-hop, known for his unique sound and high-quality music. He is deeply involved in all aspects of his music, from songwriting and composition to production, mixing, and mastering, and he leads the independent label Deja Vu Group.


Written by Yoon Sang Geun
Translated by Lee So Yun