[Japanese Hip-Hop] Classic Tracks of Japanese Rap
Thanks to the freestyle boom of the 2010s, Japanese rap has come back into the spotlight.
As US rap has become more accessible to the general public via the internet, HIPHOP’s popularity has been growing in Japan as well.
This time, we’ve curated a selection of classic Japanese rap tracks!
We’ve picked gems from old-school eras like the 1990s and 2000s, as well as standout hits from talented up-and-coming rappers leading today’s scene.
Whether you love classic rap or today’s trap, there’s something here for you—so be sure to read to the end!
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[Japanese Hip-Hop] Classic Japanese Rap Tracks (71–80)
AimayutaPizza Love
After being inspired by Lil Pump, the humor-packed rapper who went viral in America, he uploaded videos to YouTube and received an enormous response, sparking a buzz in Japan from April 2019.
While this style tends to be avoided by fans of straight-up, no-frills hip-hop, there’s no doubt it’s musically entertaining.
He surely must love hip-hop as well.
A new hope shrouded in mysteries, with an unwavering, consistent persona.
Yamanote LineNORIKIYO
When you’re on the train, your mind tends to wander, doesn’t it? This is a song called “Yamanote Line” by the rapper NORIKIYO.
The neo-soul beat is stylish and wonderful.
Over that track, he sings about the casual scenes you notice on the train.
If you ride the train regularly, you’ll likely relate to this song.
Perfect companion for your morning commute!
Empire Of The Sun feat. T-Pablow & ZeebraBAD HOP
A monumental track that carves a new page in hip-hop history has been born.
Created during the special period leading up to BAD HOP’s breakup, this work features T-Pablow reflecting on his own path and Zeebra honoring their achievements.
Through rap, they express truth and sing of the strength to overcome hardship—moving listeners in the process.
Released in February 2024, the song is included on the deluxe edition of BAD HOP’s final album.
It’s a must-listen for anyone who wants to connect with hip-hop’s history or feel the importance of self-realization.
THE SEQUELNectar
It hits you with a piercing sense of realism and a beat that creeps up and takes over.
It’s a track by the hip-hop crew Nujabes (Namida Dama), released as a single in June 2025 and included on the album “GODBREATH BUDDHACESS (THE RE-UP EDITION)” released the same month.
This album is a reassembled version of the acclaimed 2019 release “GODBREATH BUDDHACESS,” now featuring this new track.
The members’ deeply personal experiences are etched into the lyrics, intertwining with rich, weighty production that grips the listener and doesn’t let go.
If you want to feel the true air of the streets, don’t miss it.
LEGACYIce Bahn
This is one of ICE BAHN’s signature tracks, highlighted by its powerful beat and intricately crafted rhymes.
It’s a standout piece that fuses the advanced rhyming skills honed in the world of MC battles with a heavy, hard-hitting sound.
The track can be seen as the culmination of their “Rhyme Supremacy” ethos, and its resonant message is part of its appeal.
It’s included on the album LEGACY, released in November 2018.
This ambitious work came after FORK’s tenure as the second- and third-generation Monster on TV Asahi’s Freestyle Dungeon.
Their achievement of winning the 2005 “3 ON 3 FREESTYLE MC BATTLE” also shines through.
It’s the perfect song for those just getting into MC battles or anyone who wants to fully experience authentic Japanese rap.
BOUNCE feat. SANTAWORLDVIEW (Prod. YamieZimmer)Leon Fanourakis
You can’t help but widen your eyes, can you? There didn’t use to be many rappers who sang like this, right? And even if there were, the image was of people doing hip-hop in a gritty, hard-hitting style.
Seeing him bouncing along with the office workers in the music video feels kind of heartwarming, too.
He released a track featuring SANTAWORLDVIEW, sending many hip-hop fans into a frenzy.
Too-Insane Skill 10 feat. Rhymester UnionRappa Gariya
A three-MC hip-hop unit that has continually delivered their striking style to the world ever since they sent the ferocious “Yabasugiru Skill” to the legendary 1995 compilation album Infamy.
On this release, they feature Infumiaigumi, the Naniwa backyard rhyme collective that has repeatedly fused and split, constantly evolving and deepening their craft.
A classic Japanese rap track where both parties’ rhyme-centric skills intertwine over a cool, rock-influenced beat.
You hardly ever hear such a richly layered track these days!