Also known as JSB, J Soul Genres J-pop
dance
R&B Labels Rhythm Zone | Origin Tokyo, Japan Years active 1998 (1998)–present | |
Associated acts Exile
The Second from Exile
Exile Tribe
Afrojack | ||
The J Soul Brothers are a Japanese music group formed in 1998. The group is managed by LDH, and is signed to the Avex Group record label Rhythm Zone. The J Soul Brothers spawned three generations, with their most recognizable lineup being its third generation, the Sandaime J Soul Brothers.
Contents
History
Hiro, who debuted as a member of pop music group Zoo in 1989, presented the idea of a vocal and dance unit called Japan Soul Brothers in 1991. When ZOO disbanded in 1995, Hiro formed J Soul Brothers, and they released their first self-titled single in 1999. J Soul Brothers halted activities following the departure of their vocalist Sasa in 2001, who wanted to pursue a solo career. The remaining members of J Soul Brothers then changed the group's name to Exile.
In January 2007, Exile announced that it would hold an audition to recruit new members for the second generation of J Soul Brothers. Nesmith and Shokichi, finalists of the Exile Vocal Battle Audition, were the first members to join the new generation in August 2007. Performers Kenchi, Keiji, and Tetsuya were soon added. Three months later, performers Naoto and Naoki were added, and they gave their debut performances at Color's 2007 nationwide tour, Live Tour 2007: Blue. The second generation, called the Nidaime J Soul Brothers, released their debut single "We!" in May 2008 under the indies label, Rhythm Republic. Nidaime J Soul Brothers announced their hiatus after the release of their first self-titled album J Soul Brothers in February 2009. A month later, the Nidaime members joined the lineup of Exile.
In July 2010, Exile announced a second audition for J Soul Brothers' third generation. Finalists of the audition, Ryuji Imaichi and Hiroomi Tosaka, were added as vocalists of the new generation. Performers Elly, Kenjiro Yamashida, and Takanori Iwata were added shortly after. Nidaime members Naoto and Naoki Kobayashi returned for the new generation, and were announced to be the group's leaders. Sandaime J Soul Brothers released their first single, "Best Friend's Girl", in November 2010.
First generation (1998–2001)
The first generation of J Soul Brothers debuted in 1999 with the release of their self-titled maxi single, "J Soul Brothers" on October 20. 1999. It debuted at number 88 on the Oricon Singles Chart. After the departure of vocalist Sasa in 2001, the remaining members of J Soul Brothers changed their group's name to Exile.
Discography
Second generation (2007–2009)
Nidaime J Soul Brothers (二代目J Soul Brothers), also known as The Second J Soul Brothers, released its first single "We'!" on May 7, 2008. They released their first and only album J Soul Brothers in 2009, which debuted at number two on the Oricon Albums Chart. The members of Nidaime, excluding Naoto and Naoki, became members of music group, The Second from Exile.
Third generation (2010–present)
Sandaime J Soul Brothers (三代目J Soul Brothers) released its first single "Best Friend's Girl" on November 10, 2010. They were launched to commercial success following the 2013 release of their best-selling third album, Miracle. In 2014, they released their first number-one single "R.Y.U.S.E.I.", which won the grand prize (Song of the Year) at the 56th Japan Record Awards.