[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 Songs (101–110)
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.
You Mine feat. t-AceAK-69
Veteran AK-69 from the prestigious hip-hop label Def Jam Recordings teams up with the self-proclaimed scumbag RockStar t-Ace.
The two car lovers lean against a black Bentley and a white Porsche as they belt it out.
A catchy melodic sense and solid flows from two artists with long hip-hop careers.
It’s an entertaining piece where you can enjoy AK-69’s assertive views on love alongside t-Ace’s crazy take on romance.
You could even say these two, hustling to make money, are the epitome of manly.
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.
LifeStashNectar
People say there aren’t any truly “thug” rappers in Japan’s hip-hop scene.
Namtara (舐達麻) is a rising star who has emerged in the Japanese rap scene, known as a very thugged-out group.
And of course, rest assured—most of the members have had run-ins with the police (lol).
Despite their rough appearance, their tracks are stylish, and DELTA 9 KID’s verse in particular is crafted with great delicacy.
They’re a group to keep a close eye on from here on out!
it’s okayLANA
This is a song whose melody resonates deeply, perfect for a summer evening.
LANA’s husky, soulful voice blends beautifully with the warm tones of the acoustic guitar, vividly portraying the bittersweet scenes of a summer slipping away.
While rooted in hip-hop, the track captures a sense of nostalgia and freshness, winning over many listeners as a new kind of pop.
It’s a gentle work that quietly stays close to universally felt emotions—fleeting summer encounters and farewells.
The song was released in August 2024 on LANA’s own label, LANA MUSIC, and was later included in her much-anticipated debut album “20” in November of the same year.
Her 2025 performance on THE FIRST TAKE once again proved the strength of her vocals and captivated countless viewers.
Give it a listen when you’re feeling a touch of end-of-summer melancholy or want to look back on precious memories.
[Japanese Hip-Hop] Masterpieces of Japanese Rap (111–120)
How About It? ft. ANARCHYwatson
This track really captures a new wave in Japanese hip-hop.
The lyrics, which weave in Watson’s hometown of Tokushima and his personal experiences, are deeply moving.
He candidly lays out the tension between self-assessment and society’s expectations, and it’s bound to grab listeners by the heart.
The collaboration with ANARCHY is spot-on too, with their distinct personalities blending seamlessly.
The song is included on Watson’s debut album, “Soul Quake,” released in December 2023.
It’s a must-listen for anyone chasing a dream or searching for their own path.
The primal impulse of hip-hop□□□
A track that distills the appeal of □□□, prominently featuring Seiko Ito’s rap.
A roughly 90-second video, “The Initial Impulse of Hip-Hop intro ver.,” was released early on YouTube and drew major attention.
A first-generation figure—someone who brought the style back from New York and passed it on to later generations—a true inheritor of the tradition.