XG Drops Surprise Rap Video ‘XG TAPE #4’

Part of “A New Breed Breaking Boundaries,” XG—Jurin, Chisa, Harvey, Hinata, Juria, Maya, and Cocona—seeks to dismantle preconceptions, customs, and prejudices, foster fresh insights through creativity, and convey the value of settling on what matters and chasing visions intent on making things happen. 

As I’ve previously stated in my earlier pieces about the band, XG is a one-off. The Japanese artists who are schooled in the K-pop paradigm have been forging their sense of self, eschewing conformity.

They expand on breaking boundaries with their music, which draws you in with a distinctive sound and style. Of late, the girl group with hip-hop and R&B influences went viral all over again shortly after they abruptly released the fourth installment of their rap series, XG TAPE #4.

XG TAPE is primarily focused on rap performances. While K-pop is synonymous with its infectious tunes and polished dance routines, rap has blossomed as an aspect of the genre that goes beyond cultural, linguistic, and geographical lines in tandem.

This is apparent from XG, as they have taken inspiration from hip-hop culture to create unique rap performances in the XG TAPE series showcasing exceptional rap skills, while also demonstrating the adaptability and malleability of hip-hop as a genre.

XG TAPE comprises the performance series “XG LAB STUDIO.” It launched ahead of XG’s debut on March 18, 2022, which happened with the unveiling of their all-English-language digital single “Tippy Toes.”

Despite being pre-debutants, Jurin and Harvey’s skillful rapping over the beat of Rob $tone’s “Chill Bill” feat. J. Davis and Spook on XG TAPE’s maiden video, XG TAPE #1 “Chill Bill,” raised a lot of buzz.

With “XG TAPE #2 GALZ XYPHER,” Cocona, Maya, Harvey, and Jurin displayed their rap expertise by smoothly alternating between Korean, Japanese, and English over popular hip-hop beats, proof of the worldwide diffusion of hip-hop culture.

Their distinguishing approach won them praise from a variety of public figures and artists, solidifying XG’s hip-hop renown across the globe.

In XG TAPE #3, XG upheld XG’s style of hip-hop with “Nothin” while presenting their take on the “Old School” and embodying the “New School” with “Two Tens.” Harvey and Maya rocked J. Cole-produced tracks in “Two Tens” feat. Anderson Paak, as did Jurin and Cocona flashed their rap talents on The Neptunes-produced beat, “Nothin.” 

The newest, XG TAPE #4, featuring Harvey performing “Big Mad (Harvey)” over Ktlyn’s “Big Mad” beat, is the first vertical video in the XG TAPE series. The rap rendition of Harvey is characterized by its dynamic flow and groove.

When discussing her idols in the hip-hop and R&B genres, Harvey revealed that she is fond of Mary J. Blige, TLC, Rihanna, and SZA in a previous chat with XG. Their songs, performances, and visuals had an impact on her and inspired her, which is why she still speaks of them often. “I also look up to Michael Jackson, who inspired me to dream of becoming an artist when I was young. I am inspired by his performances, style, and the dreams he has given to people all over the world. I hope to bring happiness, love, and courage to many people around the world through my songs, words, and performances, just like Michael Jackson,” said the 21-year-old.

On April 12th, XG released a collaborative song, “UNDEFEATED,” with the burgeoning FPS game Valorant. On May 21st, XG confirmed the release of their inaugural all-rap single, “WOKE UP.” The band will likewise embark on their first world tour, “XG 1st World Tour: The First Howl,” setting out on May 18th.

Released in September 2023, XG’s debut mini-album “NEW DNA” peaked at number one on Billboard Japan’s “Hot Albums.” They staged their first solo live audience show, “XG ‘NEW DNA’ SHOWCASE in Japan,” in November of that same year. Actively touring all over the world, XG has made appearances at multiple noteworthy music festivals in the United States, Australia, Singapore, Malaysia, and the United Arab Emirates. Among many other international firsts and feats, they created history as the first Japanese artist to debut at number one on the US Billboard chart for “Hot Trending Songs Powered by Twitter.”

True to the moniker “Extraordinary Girls,” XG is steadily cementing its standing as one of the leading global hip-hop and R&B acts. Their artistic and expressive musical skills empower them to voice themselves openly, merging their ideals, what they want to say, and what they feel into something new.