Japanese rap powerhouse Awich (@awich098) is back with a new single, and this time she’s bringing Harlem’s own FERG along for the ride. Their new track, “Butcher Shop,” is out now and already turning heads for its gritty bars, genre-blending production, and global perspective. Produced by none other than RZA of Wu-Tang Clan, the song slices through language and geography to deliver a raw, high-energy moment that’s both fresh and fearless.
Moreover, how did this cross-cultural collaboration come together? According to a press release, it all started when RZA met Awich during a trip to Japan. Impressed by her passion for hip-hop and her deep respect for its roots, he took her under his wing. Thus, “Butcher Shop” was born. The track seamlessly blends Awich’s sharp delivery and FERG’s street-savvy flow over a heavy-hitting beat, resulting in a track that feels just as at home in Tokyo as it does in New York.
For Awich, “Butcher Shop” represents more than just a fire collab. It’s a reflection of the many layers that shape her as an artist. “This song is a crossroads—Japan and NYC, culture and fashion, luxury and play, sin and consequence,” Awich shares. “Everyone brings their own ‘meat’ to the table, and we slice into the truth. Welcome to our Butcher Shop.”
The release marks a major milestone in Awich’s growing international presence. In 2024, she became the first Japanese rapper to ever perform at Coachella, and she’s since become a go-to name for artists visiting Japan. But she’s not stopping there. With “Butcher Shop” setting the tone, she’s clearly eyeing global dominance. And doing it on her own terms.
