m-flo is one of the biggest names in Japanese hip-hop, and became such by bringing together foreign influences and Japanese sensibilities. The group's nucleus of composer/trackmaker/producer Taku and rapper Verbal first became friends while the two were attending St. Mary's International School, a Tokyo based international high school. Later Taku moved to California, where he worked as a DJ and began composing. At this juncture the ethnically Korean Verbal went to school in Boston, where he also got deeper into rap music. Verbal also got into Christianity, so much that he majored in theology, but his friend Taku convinced him to return to Tokyo to pursue music.
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In 1997 they hooked up again in Tokyo, and brought into their musical circle the Japanese-Colombian female singer Lisa , who attended Seisen International School, St. Mary's sister school. Lisa had already begun working in music, including serving as vocalist for the group ram jam world . The group released their first song as a 12-inch single on an indie label, and were soon picked up by the Avex-affiliated Rhythm Zone label. From Avex they released a string of hit singles, and then their debut album Planet Shining , which went to #6 on the Oricon album chart. The group followed this success up with the re-mix album THE REPLACEMENT PERCUSSIONISTS and a sold-out tour. The group also toured in Korea, where they were well received.
Their wide ranging popularity led to a number of side projects and collaborations, including Taku working on music by major stars like 宇多ç"°ãƒ'ã'«ãƒ« , Crystal Kay , å'本é¾ä¸€ and æ¾ä»»è°·ç"±å®Ÿ , and Verbal working with the Korean superstar female idol group S.E.S. One S.
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