Gaki Ranger, a hip-hop group from Kumamoto, Japan, was formed in 1994 and made their major debut in 2001 under Victor Entertainment. The group initially gained attention with their indie mini-album Lip Service in 1998, showcasing their talent beyond the then Tokyo-centered Japanese rap scene. Their major debut was marked by the release of the singles "Hi no Kuni SKILL" and "Hi no Ko wo Chirasu Shoryu" in 2001, followed by their first major album UPPER JAM (2001) which was critically acclaimed and reached number 16 on the Oricon charts. In 2002, they collaborated with manga artist Keisuke Itagaki, producing the single "Rap Grappler Gaki," and released their second album DA-PONG later that year, peaking at number 18 on the Oricon charts. Over the years, Gaki Ranger has been known for its dynamic and eclectic style, contributing to various media projects including the film GACHAPON! in which they also appeared. After a period of hiatus, the group made a comeback with the release of the best album Weapon G in 2013, marking the official return of Gaki Ranger to the music scene. They continued to produce music actively, with their album Survival Attack (2024) being one of their notable recent releases. The group also engaged in charity work, particularly in response to the 2016 Kumamoto earthquakes, highlighting their commitment to their roots and community.
