After shooting the video for the second single "Masquerade" (produced by the legendary Roots crew) from his critically acclaimed Epic release, "Nothing But Your Love", Toshi recorded his 10th Japanese album ("United Flow" ・SME Records/April 2002) including the instant classic, "Mujo". This song displays his signature vocal stacks and features a rhyme by the diverse rapper Mos Def. On the same album, "Heaven", a collaboration with a Naoki Award winning novelist, Amy Yamada, the author of "Soul Music Lovers Only", is among the other tracks that has re-defined today's Japanese R&B music scene.

In addition, Toshi was busy promoting his love song compilation, "Baddest ・Only for Lovers In The Mood" (SME Records/July 2002), and making himself available to his fans across Japan this summer. In fact, he also has a third greatest hits album, "Baddest III" released since Dec. 2002 from SME Records, in Japan and Taiwan.

To support all of these recent releases, Toshi has embarked on a 38 city tour of Japan. Since March, Toshi and his band (check out the WHAT'S NEW section for some great pictures) have been jammin' throughout Japan. Playing to sold out crowds in arenas as well as smaller and more intimate venues, the aptly titled 溺o' Bounce to the Ounce・tour was one of the hottest tickets this spring.

Upon the conclusion of the tour, Toshi will be coming back to New York City. Fueled by his endless musical ideas and creative thoughts Toshi is gearing up for a new American album. This time, he is more in-tune than ever, perfecting his true love, soul music, and exploring its roots. To start with, Toshi teamed up with his long time friend Angie Stone. This seamless collaboration of her brand of soul with his personal sweeteners makes for a tasty treat. Because they share the same early influence of Marvin Gaye, Donnie Hathaway, Stevie Wonder and other soul pioneers, Angie knows exactly where he is coming from musically, and they can communicate in the same language. Just like each flow has its own meaning, they can express love, happiness and sorrow even without words. Toshi's distinguished chorus line with Angie's down to earth story telling, tender and retro flavored counter melody delivered by a simple live ensemble: drum, bass, Rhodes and Hammond is incredibly tasteful, and amazingly refreshing. Their new collaboration is truly a must listen!

Toshi also called on Ali Shaheed of A Tribe Called Quest/Lucy Pearl and Philadelphia's Neo Soul craftsmen, Ivan Barias & Carvin Haggins, who are responsible for the platinum success of the most recent release by Musiq Soulchild. The result was an outstanding work entitled 哲ever Satisfied・ Ali's cutting edge approach could lead to the new millennium club beat. Ivan's anti gravitational laidback groove, Toshi's vocal seems to float over the beat just like magic. Although it is soothing, the song still makes your head bop to the catchy groove.

In line with his groovitational theory, he is devoted to what he really appreciates and loves the most・Soul music. "It's my life's work, to reach more people with my music," Toshi says about his passion....

Continue to log in and check out what's coming at you from Toshi in 2003 and beyond! Don't forget to sign up for the contest and newsletter below so you can win some great prizes from Toshi. Run and tell a friend that the soul is back in full effect!

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(Jammin')