ONE OK ROCK, Awich, CHICO CARLITO, And Paledusk Break Boundaries With New Project YAO And Explosive Debut Single "777"

Some of the most exciting moments in music happen when artists from completely different worlds come together to create something unexpected. That spirit of collaboration and limitless creativity sits at the heart of YAO, a brand new project bringing together four influential forces in Japanese music. Comprised of hip hop powerhouse Awich, acclaimed rapper CHICO CARLITO, internationally celebrated rock band ONE OK ROCK, and genre defying rock act Paledusk, YAO officially makes its debut with the release of its first single, "777."

YAO is more than simply a collaboration between artists. Inspired by the Japanese concept of "Yaoyorozu," which reflects the belief that countless spirits exist within all things, the project embraces diversity, coexistence, and the idea that something powerful can emerge when different perspectives unite. By bringing together artists from mainstream and underground scenes across hip hop, rock, and alternative music, YAO seeks to challenge creative boundaries and explore new forms of artistic expression.

The origins of the project can be traced back to a previous performance shared by ONE OK ROCK and Awich during a dome concert. Following the event, ONE OK ROCK frontman Taka developed a deep admiration for Awich's artistry and the culture surrounding hip hop, leading to conversations about eventually creating music together. Those discussions soon evolved into something much larger with the addition of CHICO CARLITO, whose commanding flow and lyrical ability have made him one of Japan's most respected rappers, as well as Paledusk, a boundary pushing rock band known for their unpredictable sound and longstanding relationship with ONE OK ROCK. From those shared ambitions, YAO was born.

Serving as the project's official introduction, "777" immediately delivers on the promise of its star studded lineup. Rather than allowing one genre to dominate, the track successfully blends the distinct identities of all four acts into a sound that feels ambitious, fresh, and entirely unique. Hip hop rhythms collide with explosive rock instrumentation while alternative influences weave throughout the production, creating an experience that constantly shifts yet remains cohesive.

The song's greatest strength lies in its chemistry. Each artist contributes their own color and personality without overshadowing the others. Awich's commanding presence adds intensity and confidence, while CHICO CARLITO delivers sharp verses that bring both energy and charisma to the track. ONE OK ROCK's influence can be felt through the song's anthemic scale and emotional weight, while Paledusk injects an unpredictable edge that keeps listeners engaged from beginning to end.

"777" feels like controlled chaos in the best possible way. There is a constant sense of momentum throughout the song, making it difficult to predict where it will go next. Yet despite its ambitious fusion of genres, the track never loses sight of its central message. Instead, it becomes a celebration of artistic freedom and proof that creative boundaries are meant to be broken.

Accompanying the single is a cinematic music video directed by Hidehito Hotta, a longtime creative collaborator of Awich. The visual elevates the song's message even further by placing the members against a striking post war landscape filled with damaged buildings and abandoned vehicles. While the setting initially evokes destruction and despair, the imagery ultimately transforms into something much more hopeful.

Through powerful performances and grand cinematic scale, the music video presents unity and resilience as its central themes. Each scene reinforces the idea that strength can emerge even in the aftermath of chaos, mirroring YAO's own formation as artists from different backgrounds come together to create something new. The film like production and impressive visual storytelling make the video feel less like a traditional music release and more like the opening chapter of a much larger creative journey.

https://youtu.be/OJoZX6W77qI?is=u0G5wmwxeCUi32Rg

"777" succeeds in introducing YAO's artistic vision while leaving listeners eager to see where the project will go next. The track demonstrates the exciting possibilities that can emerge when artists are willing to step outside of their comfort zones and embrace collaboration without limitations. At a time when genre lines continue to blur across global music, YAO arrives as a refreshing reminder that some of the most compelling art is created when differences are embraced rather than separated. By uniting some of Japan's most influential and forward thinking artists, YAO has already positioned itself as one of the year's most intriguing new projects.

Through "777," YAO does more than simply introduce a new collaboration project. The single serves as a celebration of artistic freedom, friendship, and the exciting possibilities that emerge when different worlds come together. The song and its stunning cinematic music video, one thing is certain: YAO has made an unforgettable first impression. Whether listeners come from the worlds of hip hop, rock, or alternative music, "777" offers something for everyone and opens the door to a new creative journey that fans will undoubtedly be eager to follow.