Ya-kyim (ヤキーム; yakīmu) is a Japanese R&B and hip hop group. The group consists of one MC, Miku, and two singers, Alisa and Yurie. Ya-kyim disbanded on 31 December 2012.
At the beginning of their career, Ya-kyim appeared in street fashion popularized by hip hop culture, often performing in music videos with tilted hats and baggy clothing. However, around the time of release of the single "Beauty x Beauty", their appearance undertook a drastic change to a more adult, feminine look to coincide with their coming-of-age. Their music also shifted styles, showcasing a more mature sound.
The group's first single with Warner Music Japan, Super Looper, was released on May 28, 2008, and was the theme song for TV Asahi drama " Kimi hannin janai yo ne?" (キミ犯人じゃないよね?- You Aren't a Criminal, Are You?)
On December 3, 2008, Ya-kyim released a single as part of a "Respect" project where the group collaborated with a variety of artists as a tribute, including Kome Kome Club, Seamo, Spontania, Dohzi-T, and HI-D. The group performed a cover of Kome Kome Club's song "Kimi ga Iru Dake de" and created new tracks with the other artists.
On July 8, 2009, the group released "Tabun Kitto/Happy Face (love version)," a double A-side single. The cover of the single's limited edition and the music video for "Tabun Kitto" feature Popteen models Kumiki and Marimo-chan. The first A-side, "Tabun Kitto," was the ending theme for the NTV music program Music Fighter for the month of July.
Ya-kyim's first album on Warner Music Japan and fourth album overall, Happy! Enjoy! Fresh! was announced on July 15, 2009. The album has fourteen tracks and features artists such as Pes from Rip Slyme and Cimba, as well as Seamo, Spontania, Dohzi-T, and HI-D from the group's earlier "Respect" project single. It also features the "original version" of the song "Happy Face" from the group's "Tabun Kitto/Happy Face" single. The album was set to be released on August 19, 2009.
Ya-kyim disbanded in the end of 2012, where the group made statement, rather than musical direction, it was about their own direction that differs. They decided to pursue their own dreams fully.
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