Yuki Chiba: The Rising Star Behind the Viral Hit "Mamushi"

Yuki Chiba is a Japanese rapper and singer who has recently gained international recognition for his collaboration with American rapper Megan Thee Stallion on the viral hit "Mamushi."

Hailing from Oji, Kita, Tokyo, Japan, Yuki Chiba, was raised by a single mother and his younger brother, known as Lil KOHH, a fellow rapper. His Korean father, whose surname "Koh" became the basis of Chiba's stage name, tragically passed away after committing suicide by jumping off an apartment building while under the influence of drugs. Chiba's mother also struggled with drug addiction, particularly methamphetamine. Growing up in an environment marked by violence and drug use, Chiba and his local friends formed a close-knit crew, sharing similar life experiences.

Yuki Chiba's Musical Journey

Yuki Chiba, born on August 21, 1996, in Tokyo, Japan, began his musical journey at a young age. He was inspired by the sounds of American hip-hop and rap, which he discovered through the internet. Chiba started writing his own lyrics and creating music in his bedroom, eventually releasing his first mixtape, "Tokyo Streets," in 2014 under the stage name "KOHH." The mixtape gained traction in Japan's underground hip-hop scene, leading to Chiba signing with the Japanese record label "YENTOWN" in 2015.

Over the next few years, Chiba released several successful albums, including "Dirt" (2016) and "Untitled" (2018), which showcased his unique blend of rap, trap, and J-pop influences. His music often explores themes of urban life, personal struggles, and the complexities of human relationships. Chiba's introspective lyrics and dynamic flow have earned him a dedicated fanbase in Japan and abroad.

Musical Style and Influences

Yuki Chiba's musical style can be described as a fusion of various genres, including hip-hop, trap, J-pop, and R&B. His rap flow is characterized by its speed, precision, and emotional delivery, while his singing voice is smooth and melodic. Chiba often incorporates Japanese language elements into his songs, creating a unique sound that appeals to both domestic and international audiences.

Chiba's influences include American rappers such as Kendrick Lamar, J. Cole, and Kanye West, as well as Japanese artists like Utada Hikaru and Yuzu. These diverse influences have helped shape Chiba's versatile musical style, allowing him to create songs that resonate with a wide range of listeners.

Yuki Chiba's Collaboration with Megan Thee Stallion

In 2024, Yuki Chiba collaborated with American rapper Megan Thee Stallion on the song "Mamushi," which was released on June 28, 2024, as part of Megan's third studio album "MEGAN." The collaboration came about after Megan visited Japan to present at the Anime Awards, where she met Chiba and expressed her admiration for his music.

"Mamushi" is a bilingual track that features both English and Japanese lyrics. The song's title, "Mamushi," refers to a venomous snake found in Japan, symbolizing the song's themes of empowerment and resilience. The track's catchy hook and dynamic production have made it a viral sensation on social media platforms, particularly TikTok, where it has been used in over 157,000 videos as of July 9, 2024.

Lyrics of "Mamushi" by Yuki Chiba and Megan Thee Stallion

[Intro: Megan Thee Stallion & 千葉雄喜]
(Koshy アッツー)
私は スター
スター ミーガン
Ah
雄喜 千葉

[Chorus: Megan Thee Stallion, 千葉雄喜, Megan Thee Stallion & 千葉雄喜]
I get money, I'm a star, star, star
Star, star, star, star
I get money, I'm a star, star, star
Star, star, star, star
お金 稼ぐ 俺らは スター
お金 稼ぐ 私は スター
スター、スター、スター、スター、キラキラ
私は スター (Real hot girl shit)

[Verse 1: Megan Thee Stallion]
He know who I am, ain't had to say my name
Stack it up like Tetris, but this money ain't a game
私、可愛い いい体
Drinkin' out the bottle, gettin' twisted, Maruchan
Big exotic, Hermès, this a croc', hmm
Watch too expensive, ain't no way I'm gettin' clocked, hmm
I think I'm so sexy, every shirt I own is cropped, hmm
So many carats, diamonds do the bunny hop (Ah)
In the US or Japan, if he meet me, he gon' bow
I got yen for your friends, if they pretty, bring 'em out
Goin' dumb in Madam Woo, pourin' sake in they mouth
Told him put me on his plate, bring them chopsticks to the south

[Chorus: Megan Thee Stallion, 千葉雄喜, Megan Thee Stallion & 千葉雄喜]
I gеt money, I'm a star, star, star
Star, star, star, star
I get money, I'm a star, star, star
Star, star, star, star
お金 稼ぐ 俺らは スター
お金 稼ぐ 私は スター
スター、スター、スター、スター、キラキラ
私は スター

[Verse 2: 千葉雄喜]
流れる 星たち どこに向かう？
また 願い叶えながら暮らす
ジュエリー身につけたまま歌う
スター達が集まったスタジオ
夜な夜な酒たくさん並ぶアジト
さっきまで六本木で収録ラジオ
そっからテレビ撮影するはしご
カメラたち追いかけてる俺たちを
大好きピカピカのダイヤ
暗いとこ輝いてる毎晩
Nicе to meet you する挨拶
I'm so happy ありがたいな

[Chorus: Megan Thee Stallion, 千葉雄喜, Megan Thee Stallion & 千葉雄喜 ]
I get money, I'm a star, star, star
Star, star, star, star
I get money, I'm a star, star, star
Star, star, star, star
お金 稼ぐ 俺らは スター
お金 稼ぐ 私は スター
スター、スター、スター、スター、キラキラ
私は スター

© Yuki Chiba, Megan Thee Stallion, Genius.com

Meaning of the Mamushi Lyrics 

The song "Mamushi" by Megan Thee Stallion featuring Yuki Chiba explores several themes including fame, success, and the pursuit of one's dreams. The title, "Mamushi," refers to a venomous snake found in Japan, symbolizing the challenges and obstacles one must overcome on the path to success.

The lyrics, both in English and Japanese, emphasize the importance of hard work, determination, and self-confidence in achieving one's goals. The repeated lines "I get money, I'm a star, star, star" highlight the desire for financial success and recognition. The Japanese lyrics, such as "お金 稼ぐ 俺らは スター" (We make money, we're stars), reinforce this theme and demonstrate the collaboration between Megan Thee Stallion and Yuki Chiba.

The song also touches on the idea of staying true to oneself and not letting others dictate one's path. The line "He know who I am, ain't had to say my name" suggests that Megan is confident in her identity and does not need to prove herself to anyone.

Overall, "Mamushi" is a powerful anthem that encourages listeners to chase their dreams, work hard, and believe in themselves. The collaboration between Megan Thee Stallion and Yuki Chiba showcases the global appeal of their music and the universal themes of success and self-confidence.