Eri Blossom Proves She's Hip Hop Royalty on "Breakthrough"

[Lawrence Curtis]

In the realm of music, Eri Blossom's "Breakthrough" is a mesmerizing blend that seamlessly merges traditional Japanese musical influences with the contemporary vibes of R&B and hip-hop, evoking a musical synergy that might remind you of Missy Elliott, Ludacris, and Chaka Khan. The song ventures into the profound theme of how women are perceived across diverse societies and cultures, a theme that deeply resonated with Eri following the aftermath of the 2022 Academy Awards incident involving Will Smith, particularly within her Japanese community.

Eri shares her surprise, saying, "I came across some messages on Twitter from Japanese individuals, including women, who expressed support for Mr. Smith. I was genuinely taken aback. Does the perception of women in Japan still revolve around dependency on men and the inability to achieve individual success? What's even more astonishing is that some women appear to embrace this perspective. I believe this is a vestige of Japanese traditions where women were historically expected to unquestioningly trust and follow their men, a mindset dating back to the Edo era, some 300 to 400 years ago. These views are out of sync with modern life and urgently need to evolve, and that's the driving force behind this song."

Based in the vibrant city of New York, Eri Blossom is a versatile artist, seamlessly transitioning between roles as a singer, rapper, and songwriter. Her music is a unique tapestry interweaving Japanese and English, delivering a fusion of sassy attitude and raw, heartfelt emotion. Her distinct sound is a product of her multicultural influences, drawing from both Japanese and American cultures, offering listeners a fresh and exceptional perspective.

Her formative years in Japan, under the influence of parents who held deep appreciation for American and British culture, nurtured her love for iconic figures in R&B and hip-hop, such as Chaka Khan, Whitney Houston, TLC, Tupac, and Janet Jackson. After making the transition from her hometown to Tokyo to pursue her music studies, Eri had opportunities to perform in nightclubs and even to travel to New York City for classes with Sheila Raye Charles, the daughter of the legendary Ray Charles.



Her journey included engaging in street performances and forming direct connections with audiences, eventually solidifying her decision to embark on a bold move to New York City. Since her relocation, she has earned a bachelor's degree in Jazz studies from the City College of New York, expanding her musical horizons to encompass the world of Jazz. Eri's musical adventures also led to performances at prominent music venues in the city, such as the Village Underground, Ashford and Simpson's Sugar Bar, Harlem Nights, The Groove, and Negril BK, cementing her presence within the dynamic and diverse music scene of New York.