If you've been paying attention to music blogs over the past decade, you may have come across brandUn DeShay's name. At just 26 years old, the former Odd Future affiliate has already had an eventful rap career. In 2016, he is as dynamic an artist as ever; almost every one of his songs features both singing and rapping, but the most interesting thing about him is his massive popularity in Japan. He is currently featured on the #2 R&B and soul album in the country and has shows in Osaka and Kyoto this month. On "Gomen Nasai" ("I'm sorry" in Japanese), DeShay expresses regret over a dissolved relationship over a pop-leaning beat. When the second verse kicks in at 1:07, you may get flashes of 2010 Chiddy Bang, who at one time was the maestro of pop-rap. A playful interpolation of "Sorry" by Justin Bieber drives the track home in the second half and makes for a fun and enjoyable listen, and, as a whole, it should help bolster the international popularity he's achieved.
brandUn DeShay