J Soul Brothers
| J Soul Brothers | |
|---|---|
| Also known as | JSB, J Soul |
| Origin | Tokyo, Japan |
| Genres | |
| Years active | 1998–present |
| Labels | Rhythm Zone |
| Associated acts | |
| Website | www |
| Members |
First generation Second generation Third generation |
The J Soul Brothers are a Japanese music group formed in 1998. The group is managed by LDH, and is signed to the Avex Group record label Rhythm Zone. The J Soul Brothers spawned three generations, with their most recognizable lineup being its third generation, the Sandaime J Soul Brothers.
Hiro, who debuted as a member of pop music group Zoo in 1989, presented the idea of a vocal and dance unit called Japan Soul Brothers in 1991. When ZOO disbanded in 1995, Hiro formed J Soul Brothers, and they released their first self-titled single in 1999. J Soul Brothers halted activities following the departure of their vocalist Sasa in 2001, who wanted to pursue a solo career. The remaining members of J Soul Brothers then changed the group's name to Exile.
In January 2007, Exile announced that it would hold an audition to recruit new members for the second generation of J Soul Brothers. Nesmith and Shokichi, finalists of the Exile Vocal Battle Audition, were the first members to join the new generation in August 2007. Performers Kenchi, Keiji, and Tetsuya were soon added. Three months later, performers Naoto and Naoki were added, and they gave their debut performances at Color's 2007 nationwide tour, Live Tour 2007: Blue. The second generation, called the Nidaime J Soul Brothers, released their debut single "We!" in May 2008 under the indies label, Rhythm Republic. Nidaime J Soul Brothers announced their hiatus after the release of their first self-titled album J Soul Brothers in February 2009. A month later, the Nidaime members joined the lineup of Exile.
In July 2010, Exile announced a second audition for J Soul Brothers' third generation. Finalists of the audition, Ryuji Imaichi and Hiroomi Tosaka, were added as vocalists of the new generation. Performers Elly, Kenjiro Yamashida, and Takanori Iwata were added shortly after. Nidaime members Naoto and Naoki Kobayashi returned for the new generation, and were announced to be the group's leaders. Sandaime J Soul Brothers released their first single, "Best Friend's Girl", in November 2010.
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