Shigga Shay “Is So Cool”: BALLISTIK BOYZ from EXILE TRIBE Talk Dream Collabs, Working With Gulf Kanawut & More
Within minutes of meeting BALLISTIK BOYZ from EXILE TRIBE during their first-ever visit to Singapore, we got a firsthand glimpse of how they have managed to endear themselves to their dedicated fans from all around the world. The seven-member boy group made up of RYUTA, YOSHI, RYUSEI, MIKU, RICKY, RIKI and MASA are not only talented performers, but also have incredibly relatable, playful personalities and infectious energy.
Photo from GirlStyle Singapore
Since their debut in 2018, the J-pop sensations have been making waves with their blend of hard-hitting dance and hip-hop tracks. With honours like the Rising Star Award at MTV VMA Japan 2019 and No. 1s on Billboard Japan under their belts, they’ve turned their attention to the global stage and embarked on collaborations with artists like T-Pop group Trinity and most recently, the popular actor-singer Gulf Kanawut.
Ahead, we ask the group about everything from their favourite local Singapore foods and must-visit spots in Japan, to dream collaborations and their experience of working with Gulf on the single ‘All I Ever Wanted’, which has since surpassed 6M views on YouTube.
Hello BALLISTIK BOYZ! Today is your final day in Singapore, what did you enjoy most during your short stay here?
RIKI: Sentosa!
MASA: We had dinner there, and we went to see the Merlion and Marina Bay Sands.
Did you get a chance to try Singaporean food, and do you have any favourites?
MASA: We had satay and laksa.
RICKY: And Singapore chicken rice!
You guys have made the trip here to promote your latest single, ‘All I Ever Wanted’ featuring Gulf Kanawut. What is it like working with him on this track?
RYUSEI: It is an honour to work with him. Gulf is a superstar in Asia, we really appreciate and are very thankful to have the chance to work with him.
Photo from LDH
Are there any other artists you would like to collaborate with in the future?
MASA: Last time, we went to Indonesia and [it made me want to work with] Rich Brian from 88rising.
RIKI: Do you know Shigga Shay, the rapper? He is from Singapore — he is so cool.
MASA: Hello if you’re watching!
Let’s find out more about all the members — if you were stuck on a deserted island, which member would you choose to bring with you?
RYUSEI: Easy.
RICKY: Miku, he can do everything. He can cook, he can catch and hunt something [to eat], right?
MIKU: Yeah, I can make anything.
MASA: For me, it’s Ryuta! ‘Cause he’s strong, he can fight [any] beasts.
YOSHI: Ryuta. Even if we almost die, he has that energy to survive.
MIKU: I pick Ricky, because he’s almost like a wild animal!
RYUSEI: Ryuta. He can do everything, [which means] I won’t need to do anything.
RIKI: Ricky, he’s so kind and he has a strong heart.
RYUTA: I choose Masa, he’s the only one who can follow me!
It seems everyone knows each other very well from travelling together often. Could you recommend to us some of your favourite places to visit in Japan?
MASA: There’s just so many…
RIKI: Asakusa! It’s a Japanese traditional location, it’s really beautiful.
MASA: With the temples and everything.
RYUSEI: Tokyo tower.
MIKU: [Places where you can] eat Japanese food.
MASA: Sushi, and ramen.
RYUSEI: Udon.
RICKY: Japanese barbeque, yes, BBQ.
RYUSEI: Soba.
MASA, YOSHI & RICKY: Kyoto!
MIKU: And to our live show!
RICKY: Yes, to our concert.
Photo from @ballistik_fext via Twitter
When will fans be able to expect your next concert tour?
RIKI: Maybe next year?
RYUSEI: 2024?
MASA: We’ve just finished our own live tour for this year, so we will have another one next year. Come see us!
What is something that you are grateful for in 2023 and what is one goal you have for 2024?
RYUSEI: This year, our fans gave us so much support, I really mean it. So next year I really want to repay them.
RIKI: Next year, we want to have a live concert in Singapore.
We’re sure your fans will be really delighted to hear that! Do you have any special messages for your Singapore fans?
MASA: This is our first time visiting Singapore and we really loved it here. Hopefully we can come back here again, maybe for a fanmeeting or a live show in the near future. Please check out our social media accounts and our music too!
This interview has been condensed and edited for clarity.
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