[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 (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.
Worth ItYK Osiris
Released on February 28, 2019, this track became a huge hit! It’s a distinctive song whose music video opens with a paparazzi-like camera angle.
YK Osiris is being bombarded with questions from reporters.
The song centers on relationships with women.
Its biggest appeal lies in the straightforward lyrics and flow.
While it doesn’t employ many new techniques, it seems to convey its message honestly.
Very favorable impression.
Relationship feat. FutureYoung Thug
In recent years, a genre called trap has become popular in the hip-hop scene.
Characterized by hard-hitting beats and synth sounds, trap is often described as club-oriented hip-hop, and one of its leading figures is Young Thug.
In “Relationship,” he collaborated with fellow trap star Future, resulting in a major hit.