BIGYUKI (real name: Masayuki Hirano) is a Japanese keyboardist, composer, and arranger known for blending jazz, hip-hop, soul, and electronic music. He began studying classical piano at age six and later moved to the U.S. after high school to attend Berklee College of Music. Starting as a session player in Boston, he eventually relocated to New York City, where he joined the bands of hip-hop artist Talib Kweli and neo-soul singer Bilal, quickly establishing a reputation for his unique sound and technical ability. In 2015, BIGYUKI gained major recognition by placing fourth in Jazz Times' Readers Poll for Best Synthesizer Player, behind legends like Herbie Hancock and Chick Corea. A year later, his international profile soared when he performed on eight tracks and contributed one composition to A Tribe Called Quest’s acclaimed comeback album We Got It from Here... Thank You 4 Your Service (2016). His solo work further showcases his eclectic style, and the release of "FREE YOURSELF"(2025) exemplifies his forward-thinking approach, combining soulful keyboard lines, futuristic synth textures, and rhythmically complex arrangements.
