Biography
The Japanese hip-hop dance and vocal group Lead first formed in Osaka under the name Rhymix and made their official debut in July 2002 with the single "Manatsu no Magic" as a four-member unit. Consisting initially of Shinya Taniuchi, Keita Furuya, Akira Kagimoto, and the former leader Hiroki Nakadoi, the group quickly gained recognition for their exceptional dancing skills and youthful energy. Their early success was cemented when their second single, "Show Me the Way," earned them the Best Newcomer Award at the 44th Japan Record Awards. Throughout their first decade, Lead maintained a steady presence in the J-Pop scene, regularly releasing studio albums, hosting their annual "Upturn" concert tours, and building a foundation in the Hip-Hop and R&B genres.
The group faced its most significant turning point in 2013 when leader and lead vocalist Hiroki Nakadoi departed from the group due to personal feelings of inadequacy, a major shift that led Lead to continue as a three-member unit. Despite this challenge, the remaining members successfully restructured the group's dynamic. This period marked a creative and commercial resurgence; beginning around 2012 with the single "Wanna Be With You," Lead began consistently charting their singles in the Top 5 on the Oricon Weekly Singles Chart. This commercial peak was highlighted by their 2016 album, The Showcase, which reached a new career-high by peaking at Number 2 on the Oricon Albums Chart.
Read full biography ↓
In the subsequent years, Lead has proven their longevity and dedication, continuing to evolve their sound while staying true to their dance-and-vocal roots. Their recent activities, including their 2025 concept mini-album "REPRISE," have been centered on a theme of "Return to Roots." This project consciously revives the core Hip-Hop and R&B atmosphere of their 2002 debut, blending nostalgia with their current sophisticated musical maturity. Lead's journey is a testament to their persistence, successfully navigating major lineup changes and continually finding ways to engage fans while maintaining a strong foothold in the competitive Japanese music industry.
Biography text from Last.fm, available under CC BY-SA.