【FWRF-030】gb feat. TOKI ASAKO, ARATANI SHOTA / SMILE IN YOUR FACE (MURO's Back-And-Forth Rap Ver.) (7inch)

A modern-day cover by gb of the classic track "SMILE IN YOUR FACE" (BOO feat. MURO)—a song that epitomizes the Shibuya scene of the 2000s—has been further updated into a "Back-And-Forth Rap Ver." (conceived by MURO himself) and is now being released on 7-inch vinyl.

"SMILE IN YOUR FACE" by BOO feat. MURO—released in 2002 and still cherished as a classic today—has been reimagined by singer gb. Infused with a deep respect for the original, this special cover features guest appearances by Asako Toki and Shota Aratani, breathing a contemporary sensibility into the track.

Building upon this version, the release also includes a "Back-And-Forth Rap Ver."—an update conceived by MURO himself, which incorporates newly recorded rap verses from the artist.

This long-awaited release is now available on 7-inch vinyl.

While serving as an homage to a beloved, timeless classic, the record carries a fresh, modern atmosphere—perfectly capturing the vibe of 2026. It is an essential 7-inch single for fans of Japanese hip-hop, City Pop, and rare groove.

Additionally, ahead of the release, an in-store event featuring gb himself is scheduled for Friday, August 7, 2026, at Manhattan Records in Shibuya. Further details regarding the event will be announced at a later date.

▪️Product Details

Artist: gb feat. TOKI ASAKO, ARATANI SHOTA

Title: SMILE IN YOUR FACE (MURO's Back-And-Forth Rap Ver.) / Instrumental

Format: 7-inch, 45 RPM

Catalog Number: FWRF-030

JAN: 4573547160934

Price: 2,000 JPY (excl. tax)

Distributor: FOURTH WAVE RECORD FACTORY

Release Date: Saturday, August 8, 2026

gb - Profile

A singer-songwriter whose father, George Brown, was an original member of the legendary soul music group Kool & the Gang. The name "gb" comes from the initials of his real name, Gregory Brown. He shot to prominence after his song "STRESS" became a massive hit on TikTok, leading to the release of his album *24/7* and the mini-album *STRESS FREE* in 2021; a remix by Vicke Blanka also garnered significant attention. In February 2022, his track "Teinei na Kurashi" (Mindful Living) generated a great deal of buzz, featuring actor Kentaro Ito in its music video. In August 2025, he made his major-label debut with "SMILE IN YOUR FACE" (gb feat. Asako Toki & Shota Aratani). That November, he released "Shaso" (Train Window View), produced by Vicke Blanka. His April 2026 release, "Zero kara" (From Zero), gained widespread attention, earning "power play" status and recommendations across 21 radio stations nationwide. In June 2026, he released "MY WAY," a support song for mixed martial artist Kyoji Horiguchi. In July 2026, he released "Motto, Hikari e" (Towards More Light), which served as the weather segment theme for the Nippon TV program *NNN Straight News*.

With numerous appearances at outdoor festivals and various events, they continue to connect with new listeners through a style that transcends genres and generations, quietly resonating with audiences.

A versatile talent, they also work as a producer and songwriter, having penned lyrics for a wide range of artists—including SixTONES, Bullet Train (Chotokkyu), WATWING, WARPs UP, Paradox, Live (VISTY), Kankaku Pierrot, Cho Tokimeki♡Sendenbu, ONE'N ONLY, Yuma Nakayama, and EXO’s Chanyeol. They are also an avid basketball enthusiast.