Big Ron’s Change: A G-Funk Love Letter from Japan That’ll Make You Hit Repeat
Alright, let me just say this—Big Ron’s Change is one of those albums that sneaks up on you. Released back in 2013 under labels like 5XL, Bayblues Recordz, and Village Again, it’s a deep dive into Japanese Hip-Hop/Rap with some serious G-Funk vibes. And trust me, it's not your typical album. There are collaborations all over the place, surprises at every turn, and tracks so smooth they feel like a warm hug for your soul.
Now, I gotta be honest—I didn’t expect to vibe this hard with an album coming outta Japan. But here we are. Two tracks stood out to me in particular: "ありがとう feat. JAMOSA" and "Summer Bunny."
First off, “ありがとう.” Man, this song hits different. It’s got this heartfelt energy, almost like Big Ron knew exactly how to bottle gratitude and pour it straight into your ears. The feature from JAMOSA? Pure gold. Her voice adds this angelic layer to the track, making it feel both personal and universal. Every time I hear it, I can’t help but think about moments when someone’s kindness flipped my day around. Like, yo, this isn’t just music—it’s therapy wrapped in beats. I kept replaying it late at night, staring at the ceiling, thinking about life. Yeah, it’s THAT kind of track.
Then there’s “Summer Bunny.” Oh man, this one feels like summer bottled up in a song. It starts off chill, then BAM—you’re transported to a beach somewhere, sipping lemonade (or maybe something stronger). When DABO jumps in on the remix version, it gets even better. He brings this swagger that makes the whole thing pop. This isn’t just background noise; it’s the soundtrack to lazy afternoons and spontaneous road trips. Listening to it feels like rediscovering joy in the little things—like ice cream melting slower than usual or catching the perfect sunset by accident.
The rest of the album? Solid. Tracks like “City 2 City” and “King Of Hook” showcase Big Ron’s versatility, while features from artists like ROWSHI, AK-69, and others keep things fresh. Honestly, it’s wild how much variety he packed into Change. One moment you’re nodding your head to slick rap verses, and the next you’re vibing to introspective skits. It’s like flipping through chapters of his diary, except way cooler because, well, music.
But here’s the kicker—the more I listened, the more I realized this album isn’t just about Big Ron flexing his skills. It’s about connection. About reaching across cultures and saying, “Hey, we might be worlds apart, but we still share these emotions, these stories.” That’s rare, especially in hip-hop nowadays.
So yeah, if you’re looking for something real—something that’ll make you laugh, cry, and nod your head all at once—give Change a spin. Just don’t blame me if you end up playing “ありがとう” on repeat until your neighbors start wondering what’s going on.
And hey, who would’ve thought a Japanese G-Funk album could remind us all to appreciate the people and moments that matter? Music really is magic, huh?