[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 and Timeless Masterpieces (101–110)
YesterdayThe Black Eyed Peas
It lavishly samples classic hip-hop tracks.
I’ll never forget how shocked I was when this song first came out.
In the music video, they appear on each record’s jacket—a stylish touch.
Together with the MV, it’s a must for hip-hop fans.
Suge (Yea Yea)Dababy
First off, it’s pronounced “Da-Baby.” I think anyone who watches his music videos will instantly feel it—he’s got the entertainer quality you’d expect from a comedian.
At first, people called him a one-hit wonder, but with each release and live performance, his talent gradually gained recognition.
There aren’t many rappers with a humorous, whimsical worldview who keep delivering hits.
I’m excited to hear more fun tracks from him in the future.
99 ProblemsJay Z
A work produced by RICK RUBIN, one of the founders of Def Jam and the producer behind countless classics by RUN-DMC, LL COOL J, and more! The third single from The Black Album features a track that reflects his career and unique sensibilities, boldly sampling rock.
JAY-Z’s commanding flow fits it perfectly—an exceptional piece.
Around My WayLupe Fiasco
Speaking of this intro, it has to be this song, right? It’s such a classic that I doubt anyone doesn’t know it.
No explanation needed—the more you listen, the more you want to keep listening.
It’s a timeless track in the hip-hop world.
The glowing eyes in the music video are intriguing, too.
Straight Out the JungleJungle Brothers
Jungle Brothers are a hip-hop group formed in New York in 1987 and part of the Native Tongues collective.
Alongside A Tribe Called Quest and De La Soul, they popularized a jazz-influenced sound.
This is a track from their debut album, Straight Out the Jungle.
The music video is filled with African-inspired imagery throughout.