Bennie K
| Company type | Musical duo |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | 1999 |
| Founder | Yuki, Cico |
| Defunct | January 24, 2022 |
| Headquarters | Japan |
| Products | Music albums and singles |
Bennie K was a Japanese female duo specializing in urban contemporary music, established in 1999 and composed of vocalist Yuki and rapper Cico. Their initial encounter occurred while Yuki was undergoing vocal training in Los Angeles under the guidance of Roger Burnley. The pair made their debut in January 2001 with the single "Melody," which was issued through For Life Music.
In 2004, their eighth single "Sunrise" entered the top 10 on the Oricon singles chart, followed by their ninth single "Dreamland," which reached the #2 position in 2005. Their fourth studio album, Japana-rhythm, debuted at number one on the Oricon albums chart.
Bennie K’s sound is characterized by a fusion of Japanese and English lyrics within urban music frameworks, while also integrating elements from genres such as Latin and country.
Yuki (ユキ)
- Full Name: Yamamoto Yukiyo (山本ゆきよ)
- Date of Birth: February 23, 1984
Originating from Osaka Prefecture and raised in Kashima, Saga Prefecture, Yuki began her journey in music after successfully passing an audition at age 14. She relocated to Los Angeles to enhance her vocal skills, where she combined voice lessons with preparatory schooling and dance classes.
Cico (チコ)
- Full Name: Yamamoto Chieko (山本知恵子)
- Date of Birth: January 7, 1978
Cico was raised in Suita, Osaka Prefecture, and attended Osaka Kunei Senior High School. She enrolled briefly in international relations at Ritsumeikan University but left to dedicate herself fully to producing rap and hip-hop music in Los Angeles.
DJ Hi-Kick (ハイキック)
Serving as Bennie K’s DJ and manager, Hi-Kick hails from Nagano Prefecture within Japan’s Chūbu region. He is an alumnus of Tokai University.
Formation
During the summer of 1999, Yuki and Cico first crossed paths while Yuki was staying with Cico’s aunt in Los Angeles. They formed a friendship and pursued their individual musical endeavors upon returning to Japan. After collaborating on a Christmas event, they resolved to join forces as a duo to concentrate on their music career.
Name origins
Once they committed to working together, Yuki and Cico visited Kyōto where they sought blessings for success at Fushimi Inari Taisha, a shrine devoted to the deity overseeing business and harvest. On their way back, passing over Gojō Bridge reminded them of Benkei—a warrior monk famed for winning 999 duels there before becoming retainer to Minamoto no Yoshitsune—which inspired their group’s name.
BK Project
Following a period of inactivity after releasing "The 'Bestest' Bennie K Show," Bennie K announced on August 19, 2009 via their official website the launch of BK Project. Yuki transitioned from performing to production work aimed at nurturing both emerging and established musicians, reflecting appreciation for those who had supported their own career. The inaugural BK Project release was "Dreamer," a collaboration with American vocalist Becca, issued under the name Bennie Becca on November 4, 2009.
In late 2021, Bennie K declared their disbandment with the release of their final single "Finale" on December 1, 2021. The group officially disbanded on January 24, 2022.
Studio albums
- [2002.07.24] Cube – Chart Position: 235
- [2003.11.05] Essence – Chart Position: 124
- [2004.11.04] Synchronicity – Reached #5
- [2005.11.09] Japana-rhythm – Achieved #1
- [2007.05.23] The World – Peaked at #3
Mini-albums
- [2004.05.08] The Bennie K Show (ザ･ベニーケー･ショウ) – Ranked #48
- [2006.08.02] The Bennie K Show: On the Floor Hen (ザ・ベニーケー・ショウ: On the Floor編) – Attained #5
Best albums
- [2008.04.23] Best of the Bestest – #1 on Billboard Japan; #2 on Oricon charts
- [2008.10.29] The "Bestest" Bennie K Show
Singles
- [2001.01.24] Melody
- [2001.05.23] School Girl
- [2001.10.31] Sunshine
- [2002.04.24] Nai / P-Dad
- [2003.03.05] My Way
- [2003.07.23] Better Days
- [2003.10.22] Tegami / Nagori Natsu (手紙 / なごり夏; Letter / Traces of Summer)
- [2004.09.22] Sunrise (サンライズ) – Peaked at #10
- [2005.06.08] Dreamland – Reached #2
- [2005.09.21] Sky – Charted at #9
- [2006.11.08] Joy Trip – Achieved #5
- [2007.03.07] 1001Nights – Positioned at #17
- [2008.02.20] Monochrome (モノクローム) – Ranked #9
- [2008.09.03] Music Traveler / with SOFFet
- [2021.12.01] FINALE
BK project singles
- [2009.11.04] Bennie Becca – Dreamer
BK project albums
- [2010.04.09] Bennie Becca – Bennie Becca
Collaborations and other works
- [2004.12.15] 2Backka featuring Bennie K – Orugooru Tokei (オルゴール時計; Orgel Clock) (from 2Backka’s indie album "Turn")
- [2005.08.24] M-Flo Loves Bennie K – Taste Your Stuff (included in M-Flo’s "Beat Space Nine")
- [2005.10.12] Seamo with Bennie K – a love story (featured on Seamo’s single and album "Get Back on Stage")
- [2005.11.02] M-Flo Loves Bennie K – Taste Your Stuff (Happy Drive) Remix by Kevin Blechdom (from M-Flo’s remix album "Dope Space Nine")
- [2007.10.24] 2Backka + Bennie K – Home (part of 2Backka’s single and album "Touch")
- [2009.04.29] 2Backka + DJ Hi-Kick – Orugooru Tokei feat. Bennie K '09 Remix (featured on compilation "Sparks")
DVD Releases
- [2006.05.10] Trippin' Channel: Live Japana-Rhythm
- [2006.09.06] The Bennie K Show: On the Floor Hen? (ザ・ベニーケー・ショウ: On the Floor編?)
- [2007.11.07] THE "New" World: World Tour!? in Japan