VERBAL
From Jpop Stop!
VERBAL is one-half of the J-Urban group m-flo; he serves as the unit's rapper and main lyric writer, and also acts as a producer. Along with bandmate and close friend Takahashi Taku and former group member LISA, VERBAL formed m-flo in 1999.
Outside of the m-flo umbrella, VERBAL has collaborated with some of the biggest names in J-Pop, including Amuro Namie and Koda Kumi. He was one of the creators behind the SUITE CHIC project. In 2005, he was featured as one of the MCs of Teriyaki Boyz, alongside WISE, Nigo, and Ilmari & Ryo-Z of Rip Slyme. He was also a part of The Rocket Scientists (along with Sphere of Influence).
VERBAL has also released two English-language singles under the alias L Universe. His other (rarely used) aliases are Vincent Galluo and Johnny Astro.
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Profile
- Real Name: Ryu Yong Gi (류 영기）
- Birthdate: August 21, 1975
- Hometown: Tokyo, Japan
- Ethnicity: Korean
- Blood Type: B (he thought he was O for a long time)
- Religion: Christanity
- Marital Status: Married to wife Yoon since September 2004
- Musical Influences: Gang Starr, Company Flow, Ras Kass, RUN D.M.C., A Tribe Called Quest, Leaders of the New Skool, De La Soul, Stetsa Sonic.
Trivia
- VERBAL attended Boston University. It was during his college years that his interest in rap deepened.
- VERBAL also became interested in Christianity during his college years, and became a bible study teacher and majored in theology. He is very outspoken on his Christian faith, often making references to it in his lyrics. In interviews, he has expressed interest in working in the field of urban ministry once he's finished with music.
