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Recommended hip-hop/rap

Hip-hop classics that use Auto-Tune

Autotune, an effect indispensable to modern hip-hop.

In Japan, it’s sometimes called the “kero-kero voice.”

Because old-school rap has long been mainstream in the Japanese hip-hop scene, songs using autotune used to be rare, but with the recent hip-hop boom, it’s become popular.

This time, we’ve selected new-school tracks where you can fully savor that autotune sound.

We’ve gathered only well-known, authentic songs, so take your time and enjoy them to the very end.

Hip-hop classics that use Auto-Tune (11–20)

pushin P (feat. Young Thug)Gunna & Future

Gunna & Future – pushin P (feat. Young Thug) [Official Video]
pushin P (feat. Young Thug)Gunna & Future

Rapper Gunna, whose style shows striking influences from artists like Cam’ron, OutKast, and Young Thug, is someone anyone following contemporary hip-hop will know.

The track where Gunna collaborates with Future—who is also one of his inspirations—is pushin P (feat.

Young Thug).

The lightly applied Auto-Tune doesn’t interfere with the track; instead, it adds accents in a perfectly balanced way.

a m a r iJ. Cole

J. Cole – a m a r i (Official Music Video)
a m a r iJ. Cole

J.

Cole is a rapper with an unusual background as a former professional basketball player.

He graduated from St.

John’s University, a prestigious private university in the United States, and is also an intelligent rapper with knowledge of computer science.

One of his many remarkable works is the classic “a m a r i.” It’s crafted with a distinctive musicality, featuring a flow unlike that of other rappers, and uses a light touch of Auto-Tune.

WockeshaMoneybagg Yo

Moneybagg Yo – Wockesha (Official Music Video)
WockeshaMoneybagg Yo

Rapper Moneybagg Yo, who gained popularity among many heads for his thugged-out lyrics and character.

Recently, he’s reportedly converted to Islam, and his style is gradually shifting to reflect that side more strongly.

One of his classic tracks is Wockesha.

With a subtle touch of Auto-Tune, it’s perfect for relaxed listening.

By the way, the lyrics talk about that purple stuff you drink in a double cup.

MyselfNAV

Nav is a rapper from Toronto, Canada, with Asian roots.

If you follow English-language hip-hop, you’ve probably heard his music at least once.

His track “Myself,” released in 2017, is one of his signature songs.

The production has a dreamy quality and a distinct character you don’t really find in other tracks.

There’s Auto-Tune applied throughout, but the way his pop-leaning, Auto-Tuned rap blends with the ethereal vibe of the track balances it out nicely so it never feels overdone.

Narrow Road ft. Lil BabyNLE Choppa

NLE Choppa – Narrow Road ft. Lil Baby [Official Audio]
Narrow Road ft. Lil BabyNLE Choppa

Rapper NLE Choppa from Memphis is known as a young artist set to carry the future of the hip-hop scene, and his rise since the 2020s has been tremendous, producing numerous standout tracks.

Among his works, one where you can especially appreciate the use of Auto-Tune is Narrow Road ft.

Lil Baby.

While Auto-Tune might evoke an image of melodious, sweet-sounding rap, this track is crafted with a decidedly hard edge.

Ballin’ ft. Roddy RicchMustard

Mustard – Ballin’ ft. Roddy Ricch
Ballin’ ft. Roddy RicchMustard

Mustard, a rapper from Los Angeles.

In addition to rapping, he’s also active as a DJ and music producer.

He’s created many hits, but “Ballin’ ft.

Roddy Ricch” is a standout for its excellent use of Auto-Tune.

It doesn’t rely solely on Auto-Tune—there’s solid flow at the core, with Auto-Tune used as an accent.

As a result, it never feels overdone.

It’s a truly high-sense, stylish track.

In conclusion

This time we’ve selected hip-hop that uses Auto-Tune, and it gives off a stylish vibe you don’t find in old-school. In Japan lately, there’s a trend of people dismissing Auto-Tune, but both old-school and new-school have their own appeal, so I really hope the entire hip-hop scene can get excited together.