Bitter, Sweet & Beautiful cover

Bitter, Sweet & Beautiful

Rhymester · 2015

84 min · 18 tracks · hip-hop

A vibrant blend of introspective lyrics and melodic beats that captures the essence of modern Japanese hip-hop.

Top tracks — play these first

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    Still Changing — This track encapsulates the theme of personal growth and transformation, embodying Rhymester's journey through changing times with a reflective tone.
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    Kids In The Park — It showcases a nostalgic look at youth and innocence, combining vivid imagery with a catchy beat that makes it memorable and relatable.
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    SOMINSAI — With its energetic flow and layered production, this track stands out as a celebration of their cultural roots while addressing modern challenges.
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    Beautiful — The closing track serves as a powerful conclusion to the album, weaving together themes of beauty and struggle in a poetic manner.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

  • dynamic journey with emotional resolution
  • wave-like pacing for reflective moments
  • introspective lyrics for deep thinking
  • melodic hooks inviting participation
  • ideal for leisurely afternoon listening

Maybe skip if you

  • prefer instant gratification tracks
  • seek standalone hits over cohesion

Where this album fits

Career context
By 2015, Rhymester was already an established name in the Japanese hip-hop scene, having released several albums since their debut in 1995. 'Bitter, Sweet & Beautiful' marks their return after a four-year hiatus, showcasing their evolution both lyrically and sonically. This album continues to build on their legacy as pioneers in the genre.
Stylistic neighbors
Nujabes· Shing02· DJ Okawari

Moments worth listening for

Where the writing does something specific.

  • Still Changing

    The moment shifts from past memories to present ambitions, marking a clear transition in perspective.

    This structural choice emphasizes the narrator's growth over time, contrasting nostalgia with a hopeful outlook towards the future.

Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

Disc 1

  • 1 Beautiful -Intro 0:47
  • 2 フットステップス・イン・ザ・ダーク 3:05
  • 3 Still Changing 3:35
  • 4 Kids In The Park 3:39
  • 5 ペインキラー 3:25
  • 6 Beautiful -Interlude 0:43
  • 7 SOMINSAI 4:21
  • 8 モノンクル 4:14
  • 9 ガラパゴス 4:33
  • 10 The X-Day 4:18
  • 11 Beautiful 5:19
  • 12 人間交差点 3:55
  • 13 サイレント・ナイト 3:48
  • 14 マイクロフォン 4:20

Disc 2

  • 1 Still Changing (Music Video) 3:38
  • 2 人間交差点 (Music Video) 3:57
  • 3 "6 minutes of #nkfes" (人間交差点 2015 ダイジェスト映像) 6:01
  • 4 SOMINSAI (Live at 人間交差点 2015) 20:33

Reference: MusicBrainz · Wikidata