Ketsumeishi (ケツメイシ) .The band got started back in 1993, and settled on the current lineup - four members are Ryo (rapper/MC), Ryoji (vocals), Daizo(rapper/MC) and DJ Kohno – in 1996. According to the band’s website, the name "Ketsumeishi" is based on a herb used as a laxative in traditional Chinese medicine. "Ketsumeishi" is also the Japanese word for "blood brothers". That kind of lighthearted, slightly risque word play, as opposed to macho posing, is a key difference between Japanese rap and the original Stateside article.

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