Workin' Hard
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| "Workin' Hard" | |
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| Song |
Workin' Hard is a song by Fujii Kaze. It was released as a digital single on August 25, 2023.[1] It was later included on Pre: Prema (DISC 2 of the first-press edition of Prema, and the standalone digital release of Pre: Prema on April 3, 2026).[2]
Background
"Workin' Hard" was written as the theme song for the 2023 FIBA Basketball World Cup (broadcast in Japan on Nippon TV and TV Asahi).[3] Before recording, Fujii Kaze attended B.League matches, Japan national basketball team games, and NBA events in the United States, eventually recording the song in Los Angeles.[3]
The song was produced by American producer DJ Dahi, known for his work with Kendrick Lamar and SZA.[3] "Workin' Hard" is the first Fujii Kaze song on which Yaffle is not involved as producer.[4]
Credits
- Writer (music and lyrics): Fujii Kaze
- Sound producer: DJ Dahi
- Mixing engineer: Jeff Ellis
- Mastering engineer: Dale Becker
Release
The song was released in a staggered manner: a four-part pre-release on TikTok on August 8, 2023, followed by the full version on August 25, 2023.[3]
Music video
The official music video premiered on YouTube on August 25, 2023, directed by MESS.[3][5]
Artist commentary
In a Billboard Japan interview, Fujii Kaze characterised the song as his "third debut song", framing it around themes of "process over results", "something beyond winning and losing", and "everyone is doing their best just by being alive".[6]
References
- ↑ "Workin' Hard". Fujii Kaze OFFICIAL SITE. Retrieved 2026-04-25.
- ↑ "Pre: Prema". Fujii Kaze OFFICIAL SITE. Retrieved 2026-04-25.
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 3.2 3.3 3.4 3.5 "Workin' Hard". Wikipedia. Retrieved 2026-04-25.
- ↑ "Fujii Kaze "Workin' Hard" is more than a cheering song — exploring its hidden Kendrick Lamar–like theme". Mikiki by TOWER RECORDS. Retrieved 2026-04-25.
- ↑ "Fujii Kaze - Workin' Hard (Official Video)". YouTube. Retrieved 2026-04-25.
- ↑ "Fujii Kaze interview: how his "third debut song" Workin' Hard came together". Billboard JAPAN. Retrieved 2026-04-25.
See also
External links
- Workin' Hard – Fujii Kaze OFFICIAL SITE
- Workin' Hard on Apple Music
- Workin' Hard (Official Video) – YouTube