July 17 , 2025 | Tokyo, Japan | Team RJHH
Released on April 9th, “Deep Blue” is a collaborative album between two rising artists: rapper Deey, from Futenma (Okinawa), and beatmaker Leo Iwamura, born in Kobe. This highly anticipated project, the result of two years of studio sessions, includes “Swim in the Aquarium,” featuring emerging singer 11. The album, which is set to be one of the essential Japanese hip-hop releases of 2025, will be available on CD and vinyl LP. The standout track “Lovers” will also receive a special 7-inch release featuring exclusive remixes by Leo Iwamura himself, Phaze1992 (ONENESS), and 1Co.INR.
“Deep Blue represents an emotional and narrative journey,” says Leo Iwamura. “We sought to musically express Deey’s universe through compositions inspired by his introspective and passionate lyrics.”
This work marks the perfect meeting between Deey’s unique flow and Leo Iwamura’s sophisticated productions, creating an immersive listening experience that redefines the contours of contemporary Japanese hip-hop.
Deey grew up in Futenma in Ginowan, Okinawa Prefecture, a region marked by American military bases. From an early age, he was immersed in an environment rich in music, hip-hop, and urban culture. In this context, he formed the group “KICKIN ENISHI’S” with childhood friends who shared the same passions. His style is characterized by introspective and passionate expression, with an acute sense of words that spring from the depths of his lived experience. His ability to transform the groove of everyday life into powerful lyrics constitutes his artistic signature. Now based in Kanagawa Prefecture, Deey captivates audiences during live performances throughout Japan.
Leo Iwamura is from Kobe, in Hyogo Prefecture. As a versatile musician, he does not limit himself to traditional hip-hop sampling techniques. He enriches his compositions by playing and recording multiple instruments, including guitar, bass, and keyboards. In recent years, Leo has also distinguished himself as part of the musical trio “OVERFALL“, a project that incorporates elements of dub and jazz into their beats. The group has enjoyed growing success and has even completed international tours, demonstrating its influence beyond Japanese borders.
The collaboration between these two artists, who have distinct but complementary backgrounds, promises a unique fusion of introspective lyricism and innovative musical production.
Deep Blue(LP)/Deey & Leo Iwamura/沖縄
CD, LP TRACKLIST:
1/A-1. Stock in my pants
2/A-2. Powder Snow
3/A-3. Another eyes
4/A-4. Hototogis
5/A-5. LA.LA.LA
6/B-1. Deep Swimmer
7/B-2. Smooth
8/B-3. Lovers
9/B-4. EDEN
10/B-5. Swim in the Aquarium feat. 11
11. Ocean (CD Bonus Track)
7inch TRACKLIST:
A-1. Lovers
A-2. Lovers Leo Iwamura Remix
B-1. Lovers phaze1992 Remix
B-2. Lovers 1Co.INR Remix
EVENT INFORMATION: Deey & Leo Iwamura “Deep Blue” Release Events
- April 25 (Fri) EXCUSE @organbar (Shibuya)
- May 23 (Fri) Oll Korrect @heavysick ZERO (Nakano)
- July 12 (Sat) Deey & Leo Iwamura / OVERFALL Double Release Party @solfa (Nakameguro)
- September 20 (Sat) Oll Korrect Kobe @rinkaiten (Kobe)
