The fourth episode of RELEVANT PARTIES, Carhartt WIP’s monthly podcast series dedicated to the work of groundbreaking record labels, has just dropped. This month sees us visit Jazzy Sport from Tokyo, Japan.

The label has been one of Japan’s most important hubs for hip hop culture since it launched in 2003. Taking influence from the vinyl-worshipping beat culture championed by the likes of J Dilla and Madlib, Jazzy Sport has been an essential platform for homegrown artists like hip hop crew Gagle, veteran selector Grooveman Spot, and acid jazz ensemble Cro-Magnon. But while Jazzy Sport’s roots are in hip hop, the label and its record stores are an eclectic portal for all kinds of music – and they’ve even branched out into physical recreation, famed for their ski trips and hip hop-soundtracked climbing competitions.

Tune in to hear what Jazzy Sport co-founder Taro Kesen told RELEVANT PARTIES host Chal Ravens about his enterprise and make sure to check the accompanying Spotify playlist, highlighting some of the essential tracks of Jazzy Sport.