Alif Wolf: Saitama, RAPSTAR and the Music After Prologue
Alif Wolf is a rapper based in Saitama, Japan. After participating in RAPSTAR 2025, the artist released tracks including “Prologue” and “What Did You Say?” Two HIPHOPCs interviews connect these records with a way of writing that begins with present feelings and develops through listening back, revising and working with other people.[1][2][3][5]
Alif Wolf at a glance
| Artist | Alif Wolf |
|---|---|
| Base | Saitama, Japan |
| Roles | Rapper and lyricist |
| Approach discussed in interviews | Writing from present feelings, then returning to a recording to revise it |
| Starting points | “Prologue,” “What Did You Say?” and “On My Wave” |
A name and room for the listener
In the first interview, Alif Wolf explained Alif as an English name and Wolf through the image of a lone wolf. Discussing songs about pain, Alif Wolf said the lyrics leave things unsaid rather than explain every detail.[1]
RAPSTAR 2025 also brought an opportunity to make music with other people after a largely solitary writing process. Alif Wolf recalled the stimulation of meeting and creating with fellow participants. In the second interview, the artist said the starting point remained the same: making a track from whatever feeling was present at that moment.[1][2]
From Prologue to What Did You Say?
“Prologue,” released on November 17, 2025, was described in the first interview as the opening of a life imagined as a book. “Magic Voice” followed on January 17, 2026. These dates come from the official distribution listings, while the meaning attached to “Prologue” comes from the artist’s account.[1][3][4]
By the April 2026 interview, Alif Wolf was also describing a period when the pressure to keep making music had made writing difficult. An invitation from 03- Performance helped restore a sense of enjoyment. The forceful flow of “What Did You Say?” reflected the feelings the artist wanted to express then. Alif Wolf continued to describe present emotion as the starting point for making music.[2]
The single was released on April 29, 2026. Its official credits name Alif Wolf for lyrics and rap, Homerus and Leonardo for composition, and 01 RECORDS STUDIO for recording, mixing and mastering.[5]
Returning to a recording with fresh ears
Alif Wolf described recording a flow, saving it, waiting and listening again before making changes. In the April interview, the artist said that returning after about an hour could produce a different reaction. Emotion may start the process, but listening and revision also shape what reaches the audience.[2]
Together, the interviews trace solitary writing, exchanges with fellow artists and a renewed enjoyment of making songs. They give listeners a way to follow changes in delivery alongside the artist’s own explanations.[1][2]
Releases after the interviews
Official listings record “Countdown” on June 5, 2026, followed by “On My Wave,” jointly credited to Alif Wolf and Liza, on August 19. These later singles extend the listening route beyond the spring interview and introduce a further collaboration.[6][7]
Selected timeline
| 2025 | Participates in RAPSTAR 2025 and later discusses the experience with HIPHOPCs.[1] |
|---|---|
| November 17, 2025 | “Prologue” is released.[3] |
| January 17, 2026 | “Magic Voice” is released.[4] |
| April 29, 2026 | “What Did You Say?” is released; HIPHOPCs publishes its second interview.[2][5] |
| June 5, 2026 | “Countdown” is released.[6] |
| August 19, 2026 | Alif Wolf and Liza release “On My Wave.”[7] |
Where to start listening
- “Prologue” — the opening chapter described in the first interview.
- “What Did You Say?” — the flow and feelings discussed in the second interview.
- Alif Wolf & Liza, “On My Wave” — a later collaboration.
HIPHOPCs interviews
Official information
Explore related profiles and interviews
Sources and review date
Last checked: . Personal recollections and plans are attributed to the interviews. Release dates and credits are checked against the linked official catalogues.
- HIPHOPCs: first Alif Wolf interview — Japanese original: December 4, 2025; English edition: September 22, 2026
- HIPHOPCs: Alif Wolf on What Did You Say? — Japanese original: April 29, 2026; English edition: August 21, 2026
- Apple Music: Prologue
- Apple Music: Magic Voice
- TuneCore Japan: What Did You Say? release date and credits
- Apple Music: Countdown
- Apple Music: Alif Wolf & Liza, On My Wave
Image source: HIPHOPCs: Alif Wolf interview (Japanese). Alif Wolf. Photo supplied by Alif Wolf.
