We meet Taro Kesen, the co-founder behind Jazzy Sport, one of Japan’s most important hubs for hip-hop culture since it launched in 2003. Taking influence from the vinyl-worshipping beat culture that hails Dilla and Madlib as kings, the label has been a crucial platform for homegrown artists like hip-hop crew Gagle, veteran selector Grooveman Spot, and acid jazz ensemble Cro-Magnon. But while Jazzy Sport’s roots are in hip-hop, the label and its record stores are an eclectic portal for all kinds of music – and they’ve even branched out into physical recreation, famed for their ski trips and hip-hop-soundtracked climbing competitions. In this episode, Taro talks to Chal about hip-hop's global reach, clubbing in ‘90s London and his undying love for underground culture.

Check out the accompanying RELEVANT PARTIES Playlist on Spotify: https://bit.ly/relevantparties_playlist

Jazzy Sport: https://soundcloud.com/jazzysport | https://www.jazzysport.com/

Carhartt WIP: https://www.carhartt-wip.com/ | https://instagram.com/carharttwip/