Japan’s world-renowned turntablist DJ KENONE releases an exceptional hip-hop mix compilation [100% TURNTABLE], composed of his all-time favorite tracks that also let you experience the essence of Black music roots and sampling culture—jazz, soul, funk, and more. This collaboration product is brought to you by ear pad brand YAXI and cassette tape label Tastee T Production.
With the concept of “Your Personal Audio Room,” YAXI creates original ear pads that pursue sound delivery and resonance, comfortable fit, and durability. For this release, YAXI simultaneously launches a new ear pad product for Marshall Major—[YAXI for MAR Major]—alongside DJ KENONE’s special mix tape [100% TURNTABLE].
Deeply influenced by 1990s hip-hop and the DJ battle/beat scene, DJ KENONE has built his career around scratch-based DJing and music production. He has been named one of the top three scratch DJs by D-STYLES of the Beat Junkies and Invisibl Skratch Piklz—artists who share his vision. In recent years, he has released vinyl records such as AT THE AVE 4 (2019) on the important U.S. battle breaks label Battle Ave, and the split work CUTS OF FURY (2025) with K.O.D.P’s DJ VIBLAM, further raising his profile both in Japan and abroad. This highly anticipated new mix, [100% TURNTABLE], is—as the title suggests—an all-vinyl creation, brimming with love for turntablism.
The mix kicks off with shout-outs from Q-BERT & D-STYLES over his own track “LONG RED Intro.” Side-A is spine-tingling from the start, as beat/grooves centered on scratching flow into jazz-funk where electric piano weaves through as if played by a live band. From there, an exquisite mix of floor-groovy energy and ’90s hip-hop steeped in jazz and soul flavors unfolds.
Side-B opens with a shout-out from MIKE REDMAN over his track “OLD SKOOL Intro.” Incorporating scratches as if playing an instrument, the mix takes you on a journey through hip-hop history—from party-vibe old school, to funk-filled middle-to-new school, to essences of electro and boogie—while also showcasing the appeal of hip-hop as dance music. Exclusive to this mix tape is the inclusion of PUBLIC ENEMY’s “BRING THE NOISE (DJ KEN-ONE’s Feeling James Remix),” an absolute must-hear.
DJ KENONE’s overwhelming turntable skills, combined with impeccable track selection and arrangement that highlight each song’s charm—plus his dedication to sampling culture and deep love for roots music—deliver an evergreen yet fresh mix that feels like experiencing hip-hop history through a DJ mix.
Mastering is handled by Masakazu “J” Shinya, known for his work supporting bands like cro-magnon. Separate mastering has been applied to the cassette tape source and the download code source, allowing you to enjoy the best sound quality on each format. Also note the artwork for both the ear pad product [YAXI for MAR Major] and the Cassette Tape + DL CODE [100% TURNTABLE], featuring the iconic character [YUMYUM] by graffiti writer ZECS. Don’t miss out!