It’s official: JURIN steps into her new era, making her solo debut as JURIN ASAYA with the release of her first single “PS118 (feat. Rapsody)”.
Speculation first ignited on 24 October, when XGALX’s official channels dropped a cryptic teaser reading “DEBUT SINGLE ‘PS118’”. Fans questioned whether a new project was incoming – until it became clear that the spotlight was turning to XG’s leader herself.
“PS118 (feat. Rapsody)” portrays JURIN’s evolution and growing sense of self as she navigates a boundless universe. The track captures her strength in following her own direction and rhythm without being swayed by outside perspectives. Her piercing rap delivery blends with a beat that echoes the vastness of space, expanding her presence like a galaxy.
“I’m truly thrilled to be releasing ‘PS118’ as my first solo debut,” says JURIN. “To me, ‘PS118’ is a song about exploring and pioneering my own universe. Working with Rapsody, we connected over the idea of “cosmic exploration and navigation”, and during the production process, it honestly felt like we were flying through space together. It was just pure fun. I’d be so happy if you could feel our journey through the words and flows we’ve woven into this track.”
Joining her on the track is Rapsody, the Grammy Award-winning rapper from North Carolina celebrated for her intricate lyricism and authentic storytelling. Over a beat rooted in old-school hip-hop, JURIN and Rapsody collide with cosmic chemistry – two distinct voices overlapping like a nebula to form a cross-border, cross-generation collaboration that feels both grounded and celestial.
“I was truly blown away by JURIN’s sharp lyricism and performance,” says Rapsody. “The fact that English isn’t her first language and yet she can express herself like that—nothing but respect. I really felt like, “She’s the real deal.” Sharing the mic with her was an absolute joy. To all the fans out there, get ready for some real rap, wordplay, and bars. There’s no fluff, just straight Jedi-level power. Hope you enjoy it to the fullest!”
Accompanying the single is a music video that mirrors the song’s sense of exploration and transformation.
Set against a stark urban landscape, the visual follows JURIN ASAYA as she steps onto the world stage for the first time as a solo artist, with Rapsody’s powerful presence accompanying her journey. JURIN appears in the middle of a city at night, moving forward with conviction and trusting her own direction, unfazed by the eyes around her. Her verses slice through the stillness as she asserts her path, while Rapsody’s lines weave seamlessly into her flow as the two navigate the city – moments where their worlds converge into one continuous current.
The tension peaks when their paths finally cross, each holding onto their own distinct aesthetic. In the final scene, a UFO’s light cuts through the night sky and illuminates JURIN, subtly marking the moment she ascends to her next phase. Visually, the piece adopts a raw, stripped-back style that contrasts her usual glamour, revealing a grounded, natural presence that underscores this new artistic chapter.
This release marks the first-ever solo debut from an XG member, as well as the group’s first official featured collaboration. While preserving the DNA of X-POP, “PS118” ventures into a rawer hip-hop landscape, revealing a new creative dimension for both JURIN ASAYA and XGALX without straying from the collective’s core identity. It signals a horizon of new possibilities – both for XG as a group and for the individual artistry each member is beginning to carve out.
With XG’s debut full-length album “THE CORE – 核” arriving on 23 January 2026 and their second world tour ‘XG WORLD TOUR: THE CORE’ kicking off in February, momentum around the group continues to accelerate. JURIN’s solo debut adds yet another layer to their trajectory, spotlighting the unique creative paths each member is beginning to carve out.
“PS118” marks more than just a milestone – it’s liftoff. With JURIN ASAYA at the helm, the universe of XG is only getting bigger.
About JURIN ASAYA
JURIN ASAYA is the leader of the seven-member HIPHOP/R&B girl group XG, which includes JURIN, CHISA, HINATA, HARVEY, JURIA, MAYA, and COCONA. XG, short for Xtraordinary Girls, blends unique musical styles and performances to empower a wide range of people around the world.
The group made its debut in March 2022 with the single “Tippy Toes”, which quickly gained international attention, ranking on the Billboard “Hot Trending Songs Powered by Twitter” chart—the first time a Japanese artist achieved such a feat. XG also became the first Japanese girl group to chart on Billboard globally.
In November 2024, XG released their 2nd mini album AWE, which debuted on the Billboard 200 album chart in the United States. Since 2024, the group has been on their first world tour, XG 1st WORLD TOUR “The first HOWL”, performing in 35 cities across 18 countries with a total audience of approximately 400,000. Their Tokyo Dome final in May 2025 drew around 50,000 fans.
JURIN ASAYA and XG have also represented Japanese artists on major international stages, including the 2025 Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival, where they performed as the only Japanese act on the main stage, earning widespread acclaim from global media.
Their 1st full album, ‘THE CORE – 核,’ is set to be released on 23 January 2026.
About Rapsody
A rapper from North Carolina, USA.
Known for her sophisticated lyricism and socially conscious messages, she first gained attention after featuring on Kendrick Lamar’s “To Pimp A Butterfly.”
She has been nominated for multiple Grammy Awards for albums such as “Laila’s Wisdom” and “Eve.” In 2024, she won her first Grammy Award with “3:AM,” a track from her fourth album Please Don’t Cry. Featuring artists like Erykah Badu and Lil Wayne, the album explores more personal and introspective themes than ever before.
She has also won “Lyricist of the Year” at the BET Hip-Hop Awards, and has been praised by Dr. Dre as “my favorite female MC,” solidifying her status as one of the most respected lyricists in modern hip-hop.
About XG
XG is a seven-member HIPHOP/R&B girl group consisting of JURIN, CHISA, HINATA, HARVEY, JURIA, MAYA, and COCONA.
The group’s name, ‘XG,’ stands for ‘Xtraordinary Girls,’ representing their mission to empower people around the world through unconventional music and performances that break boundaries and defy expectations.
XG made their debut in March 2022 with their 1st single ‘Tippy Toes.’ They became the first Japanese artist in history to reach #1 on Billboard’s “Hot Trending Songs Powered by Twitter” (weekly chart), and later made history again by becoming the first Japanese girl group to appear on the cover of Billboard magazine.
Their 2nd mini album ‘AWE,’ released in November 2024, marked their first-ever entry on the Billboard 200 albums chart. Beginning in 2024, XG embarked on their first world tour, “XG 1st WORLD TOUR ‘The first HOWL,’” performing 47 shows across 35 cities in 18 countries and regions, attracting approximately 400,000 fans in total. The tour finale, held at Tokyo Dome on May 14, 2025, drew 50,000 attendees, captivating the audience with their dynamic performance.
In April 2025, XG made a groundbreaking appearance as the only Japanese artist at the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival, closing the Sahara Stage and earning widespread acclaim from both domestic and international media.
Their 1st full album, ‘THE CORE – 核,’ is set to be released on 23 January 2026.
