[Hip-Hop Classics] Timeless HIPHOP / Golden Oldies
Hip-hop hadn’t been very popular in Japan for a long time, but it’s recently started getting attention, thanks in part to the spread of MC battles.
That said, even if people know recent tracks, many might not be familiar with the older ones.
So this time, we’ve picked out some classic hip-hop tracks recommended for those listeners.
We’ve mainly chosen songs from the 1980s to the 2000s, so you can also get a sense of hip-hop’s history.
Please take your time and enjoy.
- A roundup of 90s Western hip-hop: classics from the golden era
- [US] Great Hip-Hop Classic
- [Western Music] A landmark masterpiece in hip-hop history! A fundamental album you should know
- [Japanese Hip-Hop] Classic Tracks of Japanese Rap
- A Guide to Western Rap: Introducing Legendary Classics
- [2026] A Compilation of Classic and Popular Tracks for Hip-Hop Beginners
- Stylish hip-hop! A roundup of classic albums in Western jazzy hip-hop
- [Latest] Western Hip-Hop Trends [2026]
- Hip-hop classics that changed history
- Japanese Hip-Hop Popularity Rankings [2026]
- From Pop to Hip-Hop: Nostalgic Rap Recommendations for People in Their 30s
- Western Hip-Hop Popularity Rankings [2026]
- [Western music] Classic upbeat hip-hop tracks
[Hip-Hop Classics] Standard HIPHOP / Timeless Masterpieces (121–130)
What’s UnderstoodNyck Caution feat. Joey Bada$$
A classic track by Nyck Caution, a young MC from Brooklyn.
His good friend Joey Bada$$ backs him up.
The track is produced by Atlanta hitmaker Metro Boomin, and the trippy top layers feel great.
The lyrics reflect on Nyck’s past.
Red RoomOffset
Migos, the hip-hop trio that debuted in 2013 and is often credited with popularizing triplet flows.
This is the lead single from Offset—one of Migos’s members—off his solo debut album “Father of 4,” released in February 2019.
The album as a whole stands out for its introspective look back at the past, and this track likewise offers a glimpse into his inner world.
It Takes TwoRob Base & DJ E-Z Rock
One of their popular early tracks, released in their 1988 debut.
Highly regarded by DJs for absolutely rocking the nightclub floor, it remains a beloved classic.
It’s built on soulful, funky samples and incorporates elements of the then-dominant electro-funk and house music.
Well known as the lead track for the album’s title number, “It Takes Two.”
OOOUUUYoung M.A
This is a track that became a hot topic featuring the very popular female rapper Young M.A.
Her super cool vocals match the vibe of the song perfectly, and it seems that artists like Nicki Minaj and Remy Ma have also released remixes.
[Hip-Hop Classics] Standard HIPHOP / Timeless Masterpieces (131–140)
No Problem feat. 2 Chainz & Lil WayneChance The Rapper
One rapper who has been rapidly rising to prominence in recent years is Chance the Rapper.
He originally released his self-made mixtapes on the internet, where they caught fire and earned him widespread attention, making him a true symbol of the internet generation.
Musically, he flexibly incorporates sounds from genres far from traditional hip-hop—such as indie rock and electronic—which may well be a product of a generation that listens freely to whatever music they like.
There’s no doubt he’ll continue to grow into an even bigger star.
BothGucci Mane feat. Drake
A collaboration between American rapper Gucci Mane and Canadian rapper Drake.
Released as a single in 2017 from the 10th album, The Return of East Atlanta Santa.
The track was produced by Southside and Metro Boomin.
T-ShirtMigos
A song by the American hip-hop group Migos that samples D4L’s 2005 track “I’m Da Man.” It might be interesting to think about what “T-Shirt” means.
It’s a hidden gem with deep ties to street culture.