AKKOGORILLA

AKKOGORILLA, born Akido Ikeda on June 30, 1988, in Tokyo's Nerima Ward, is a Japanese rapper and drummer known for her unique blend of hip-hop and energetic delivery. She discovered hip-hop at the age of ten and was influenced by groups like RIP SLYME and Kick the Can Crew, but initially pursued music as a drummer in the female pop/rock band Happy Birthday. After the band disbanded, Akido adopted the stage name AKKOGORILLA, inspired by gorillas' rhythmic communication methods. She gained recognition in the Japanese battle rap scene, notably winning the "Cinderella MCBattle" in 2017. Her music often focuses on themes of female empowerment and challenging normalcy, exemplified in albums like *2018 GRRRLISM*, which pays homage to the Riot Grrrl movement. AKKOGORILLA has continued to release new music, showcasing her versatility and creativity.

In recent years, AKKOGORILLA has explored new sounds, as seen in her 2025 album *Chimera*, which blends modern hip-hop with traditional Japanese festival music. This album marked a significant creative shift for her, merging classic and contemporary elements to create a unique sonic experience. AKKOGORILLA is also known for her involvement in projects like the Zoomgals crew and advocating for social issues such as women's rights and access to female hygiene products. Her recent releases include *Chimera*, and she continues to be an influential figure in Japan's rapidly evolving hip-hop scene.