[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)
Let’s go togetherShakkazombie
SHAKKAZOMBIE’s classic track “Tomoni Ikou” (“Let’s Go Together”).
It was released in 1997 as the B-side to the single “Niji.” Despite being a B-side, it’s hailed as a masterpiece.
The rap flow feels distinctly old-school, while the track itself exudes a deeply atmospheric vibe.
GORE’s opening verse is insanely cool—definitely give it a listen! Highly recommended if you’re into raspy, gravelly vocals.
ONE SHOT feat. Watson, Eric.B.JrAK-69
From the streets to the world, AK-69 captivates countless listeners with his musicality.
In this track, he takes on a new challenge by featuring up-and-coming rappers Watson and Eric.B.Jr.
The lyrics carry a powerful message about seizing your one chance with everything you’ve got—sure to ignite the hearts of listeners.
Released on April 19, 2024, the song is also featured as an insert track on Chukyo TV’s extreme sports program “MAKE IT!”.
Blending a driving beat with hard-hitting rap, this piece is perfect for moments when you need the courage to face adversity or are about to take a new step forward.
It’s a track packed with AK-69’s determination and passion.
Dreaming City feat. HIYADAMYo-Sea
This is a track released by Yo-Sea, a singer and rapper from Okinawa known for his distinctive soprano voice, featuring the Korean rapper HIYADAM.
It drew attention in 2018.
The sound is excellent and has been highly praised musically, raising expectations for his future success.
His voice is truly beautiful—husky, moody, and androgynous with a feminine quality.
He seems like he could thrive in R&B and related genres as well!
[Japanese Hip-Hop] Classic Japanese Rap Tracks (81–90)
FEEL OR BEEF BADPOP IS DEADNectar
Released exclusively via digital distribution on December 1, 2023, this track sent shockwaves through Japan’s hip-hop scene.
It plays like a gauntlet thrown down by Namatadora toward BAD HOP, marked by aggressive lyrics and a heavy, hard-hitting beat.
It shot to No.
1 on YouTube’s trending rankings and climbed high on various music charts, generating a major response.
It’s a must-listen not only for hip-hop fans but also for anyone interested in today’s music scene.
guidanceYZERR
YZERR and NAMEDARUMA sparked one of the biggest beefs in Japan.
It was a huge dispute that also involved Japanese Maganese and RYKEY, among others.
YZERR’s track “guidance” is a classic released in the middle of that beef.
The song dropped as a response to NAMEDARUMA’s diss track “FEEL OR BEEF BADPOP IS DEAD.” His lyrics warn them and call out the contradictions in their flexing, showcasing the clear gap in caliber between YZERR and the others as a rapper.
BAD HOP has also faced plagiarism accusations, which NAMEDARUMA brought up too, but in this track’s lyrics YZERR acknowledges fault there, so as heads, all we can do now is watch and support the continued moves of BAD HOP, including YZERR.
And the respect he pays at the end to hip-hop born from the streets makes for a verse that’ll have you reaching for a handkerchief.
Definitely give it a listen while following the lyrics closely.
10000ftID
ID is a rapper boasting overwhelming talent in the history of Japanese hip-hop.
On the hugely popular show Freestyle Dungeon, he became a third-generation Monster and maintained a high win rate.
Even at the freestyle stage, his flow sounds like a recorded track, but his “10000ft” takes a different approach from freestyling, delivering a cool and subdued rap.
Japanese rap arranged with a house vibe is rare, so if you’re curious, be sure to check it out!
My ShotNORIKIYO
This is the solo moniker of the leader of SD JUNKSTA, a hip-hop unit active mainly in Sagamihara, Kanagawa.
The mature vibe backed by a long career and the originality of the tracks are excellent.
The overall flow has a nice push and pull that makes it easy to listen to—skills you don’t often see in younger artists.
I’d say it appeals to connoisseurs.