HALCALI

Halcali is a highly acclaimed Japanese hip-hop unit that rose to prominence under the mentorship of Rip Slyme members. With their unique blend of catchy melodies, lighthearted moods, and playful lyrics, Halcali carved a distinct niche in the music industry by infusing a pop sensibility into their hip-hop sound. Comprised of childhood friends Haruka (Halca) and Yukari (Yucali), the duo’s moniker was derived from a combination of their names.

Halca and Yucali’s musical journey began during their elementary school days in Tokyo when they both attended the same dance school. Their shared passion for music and performance led them to audition for a “female rappers” opportunity organized by Fumiya and Ryo-Z of Rip Slyme, who collaborated as Oshare Track Factory. The auditions proved to be a turning point in their lives as Halca and Yucali emerged victorious and were subsequently christened as Halcali.

The duo’s auspicious debut took place in 2002 when they performed their first single, “Tandem,” live at a Rip Slyme Budokan concert in front of an audience of 10,000. The release of the single followed in 2003, reaching a commendable position of 19 on the charts. “Tandem” also served as the theme song for the anime series Mr. Stain and garnered attention internationally, appearing on Latin American MTV. Halcali’s debut album, “Halcali Bacon” (2003), achieved remarkable success by securing the fifth spot on the charts, establishing the duo as the first Japanese female hip-hop act to break into the Top Ten.

While their debut album was a noteworthy milestone, Halcali’s musical journey continued to progress steadily, characterized by a dynamic sound that oscillated between J-pop and “bubblegum rap.” Their second full-length album, “Ongaku No Susume,” was released in 2004, and in 2005 they delighted fans with a remix album and the single “Tip Taps Tip,” which served as the theme song for the immensely popular anime series Eureka Seven in 2006. Several more singles released between 2006 and 2008 were featured in anime series, including “Long Kiss Good Bye” (2008), which was selected for Naruto Shippuden.

In 2007, Halcali unveiled their album “Cyborg Oretachi,” which showcased their artistic growth through mature lyrical and musical explorations. The record featured guest appearances by prominent artists such as Fantastic Plastic Machine, Polysics, and Oshare Track Factory. Notably, “Cyborg Oretachi” marked the first instances of Halcali members contributing to songwriting. The album incorporated elements of rock and electrocore, further expanding their artistic palette.

Recognizing their growing international appeal, Halcali presented “Cyborg Oretachi” in France the same year, followed by their debut live performance in the United States in 2008. These experiences solidified their reputation as a globally renowned act, captivating audiences beyond their native Japan.

With a trailblazing career that showcased their ability to seamlessly blend genres and captivate diverse audiences, Halcali remains an iconic presence in the Japanese music industry. Their influence and achievements continue to resonate, cementing their status as pioneers of Japanese female hip-hop and pop-infused rap.