Recommended hip-hop/rap

[Japanese Hip-Hop] Classic Tracks of Japanese Rap

Active club DJkento
Active club DJ. With over five years on the front lines of the club scene, they freely cross over from dance music to US hip-hop and Japanese rap. Blending in their own edits with assured mixing, they craft a unique groove that captivates the floor.
Editor-in-Chief, RAG MUSICHane Keisuke
Editor-in-chief of RAG MUSIC. JFC-certified fact-checker. After working in a music studio and handling wedding sound, joined the RAG MUSIC editorial team in 2016. Experienced with a variety of instruments: marching band in elementary school, clarinet in junior high school wind ensemble, and drums in a band from high school onward. Drawing on my own musical activities and the experience gained through my work, I produce daily articles, including various song introductions, features on music festivals around the country, and live reports. In music, I enjoy not only rock from Japan and abroad but, lately, a wide range of J-pop as well.

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!

[Japanese Hip-Hop] Classic Japanese Rap Songs (91–100)

Brain Narcotics RemixRAY

RAY / Brain Narcotics Remix feat. CHEHON, MAKA, Kujun, POWER WAVE, CIMA & keith [Official Music Video]

Brain Narcotics RemixRAY

It’s a captivating crossover number where the unique styles of diverse artists fuse together.

Originally released in 2023 as a track by RAY, this is the 2025 remix version featuring a stellar lineup including CHEHON, MAKA, and Kujun.

It’s a song that reaffirms the possibilities of hip-hop and music itself, making it a great pick when you want to recharge your energy!

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Way UpAK-69 & ¥ellow Bucks

AK-69 & ¥ellow Bucks – Way Up (Prod. by Tee) [Official Video]

Way UpAK-69 & ¥ellow Bucks

This track is a powerful collaboration between AK-69 and ¥ellow Bucks, both from the Tokai region.

With its breezy beat and hard-hitting lyrics, it’s the kind of song that gets you excited as you listen.

It’s included on the EP “Flying To The Top,” released on February 9, 2024, and it sparked major buzz right after it dropped.

Notably, producer Tee crafted the sound, bringing out the best of both artists’ distinct styles.

The song celebrates the journey to success and burning ambition, giving listeners confidence and hope.

Perfect for boosting motivation—whether you’re driving or gearing up for a workout.

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[Japanese Hip-Hop] Classic Japanese Rap Songs (101–110)

White NiteDS455 + BIG RON

DS455 + BIG RON – White Nite

White NiteDS455 + BIG RON

Despite first impressions, it’s actually a romantic love song.

It earnestly voices a man’s feelings for the woman he admires.

The track features a gentle melody and a pleasant beat, making it easy to listen to even for newcomers to hip-hop.

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Change My LifeIn Man

Inman – Change My Life – (Official Music Video)

Change My LifeIn Man

Inman, a rising young talent, reportedly started rapping in order to rhyme, and has been active on the MC battle scene since the late 2010s.

He didn’t seem interested in being a recording artist at first, but as his career progressed, he became more intrigued, and on Freestyle Dungeon in 2020 he announced that he would release music.

The long-awaited release is this track, “Change My Life.” It’s highly regarded overseas, and the YouTube comment section is filled mostly with comments in English.

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Invisible Lights feat. Kvi Baba & ZORNDJ TATSUKI

DJ TATSUKI – Invisible Lights feat. Kvi Baba & ZORN

Invisible Lights feat. Kvi Baba & ZORNDJ TATSUKI

I’m collaborating with hip-hop MC ZORN and the rapper Kvi baba.

It’s a beautiful track with airy, floating synthesizer sounds.

The smoothly flowing lyrics are really pleasant to listen to, too.

You can really feel the strong influence of Western music.

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Remember feat. YOUNG JUJU (Prod. Chaki Zulu)Awich

Awich – Remember feat. YOUNG JUJU (Prod. Chaki Zulu)

Remember feat. YOUNG JUJU (Prod. Chaki Zulu)Awich

Awich is a female rapper from Okinawa whose singing ability is so remarkable that she was suddenly hailed as a “diva” when she burst onto the scene in 2017, earning praise for expressive power said to be world-class.

This track features YOUNG JUJU, and the song was produced by Chaki Zulu, a charismatic producer drawing significant attention.

I believe his sound can hold its own on the global stage.

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Ill Street BluesDJ MASTERKEY feat. K DUB SHINE

Ill Street Blues – K-DUB SHINE

Ill Street BluesDJ MASTERKEY feat. K DUB SHINE

Released in 2001, this track is included on DJ MASTERKEY’s first album.

The MC is K DUB SHINE from King Giddra.

I think it does a great job expressing a jaded vibe along with social issues and frustrations.

Since the King Giddra image is so strong, the absence of ZEEBRA might feel a bit strange.

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