88rising, a multimedia platform and record label founded by Sean Miyashiro, stopped through Boston to perform at the Orpheum on Oct. 7. The show marked one of several stops on the band's North America tour, dubbed "88 Degrees and Rising."
Miyashiro has described 88rising as "Vice for Asian culture." In an interview with The Crimson, he explained, "When I started, I knew that there was so much cool Asian shit and I wanted to build a home for that. Over the last 18 months we’ve gotten Higher Brothers, Rich, Joji, and we’re signing more people. Everyone is like-minded and an individual and a star in their own right."
Fans wait in anticipation on the balcony of the Orpheum. The lineup for the night included AUGUST 08, KOHH, NIKI, Higher Brothers, Joji, and Rich Brian.
Indonesian R&B/pop singer, songwriter, and producer NIKI released her debut album, Zephyr, on 88rising in May 2018.
Higher Brothers, a four-piece hip hop group originally from Chengdu, China, takes the stage as they sing their song "Flo Rida." The group is one of the first Chinese rap groups to achieve international success; their debut album, Black Cab, features the likes of "Made in China," "711," and "WeChat."
Joji waves the audience. The Japanese-born singer and producer launched his music career after gaining a cult following on his Youtube channel, Filthy Frank.
Rich Brian, who rose to internet stardom with "Dat $tick," closed out the show.
The group returns to the stage to perform their chart-topping anthem, "Midsummer Madness."
In July 2018, 88rising released a compilation album featuring members of the label, Playboi Carti, BlocBoy JB, Goldlink, and more, titled Head in the Clouds.