[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 (121–130)
Contact TOSHIKI HAYASHI (%C) remixSuzuki Mamiko
An EP released as the first solo work by MC Mamiko of the girls’ rap duo Chelmico.
From the tracks on the EP, DJ and trackmaker Toshiki Hayashi (%C)—who also serves as live DJ for Hooliganz and Public Musume.—handled the remix.
It’s stylish, and I want even people who don’t usually listen to hip-hop to give it a try.
Bright roomLEX & LANA
A track by LEX and LANA that captivates with its translucent vocals and lyrics that pierce the heart.
Released in April 2024, the song leaves a strong impression with its warm atmosphere that evokes the bond between siblings.
Their journey from a dark past toward a bright future carries a powerful hope that lights up listeners’ hearts.
It’s also intriguing that the song was created for the POP YOURS festival.
It’s perfect not only for hip-hop fans but for anyone who wants to keep moving forward.
You’ll surely be captivated by the harmony woven from LEX’s distinctive voice and LANA’s clear, soaring vocals.
Tokyo ClassicRIP SLYME
A quintessential track by RIP SLYME that unfolds a stylish yet somehow nostalgic, near-futuristic soundscape.
It’s the title track from their landmark, million-certified album “TOKYO CLASSIC,” released in July 2002.
The song seems to capture both the glitter of the big city and the suffocating pressure beneath it, while conveying a strong will to enjoy life in their own style without being swept along by others.
The choral section, which leaves a mysterious afterglow, feels like it bolsters that resolve.
When you’re on the verge of losing your sense of self amid the urban bustle, its comfortable groove will give you the energy to face tomorrow.
seven daysTwigy
This unpretentious, chill vibe is totally ahead of its time.
It’s simple hip-hop—rap laid over a looped, minimalist piano melody—but the distinctive flow and the layered, perfectly off-kilter dissonances give it a trippy mood.
He’s an indispensable rapper in the history of Japanese hip-hop, and lately his popularity has been surging again thanks to a remix by PUNPEE.
Listening now, he might even be the progenitor of the laid-back rap style that connects to artists like Chinza Dopeness.
[Japanese Hip-Hop] Classic Tracks of Japanese Rap (131–140)
Foxxi misQDJ PMX Miss Luxury (P.V. Version) feat. MACCHO, GIPPER, KOZ, HI-D.
It’s a classic released in 2008.
This one, too, is actually a love song marked by sweet rhymes.
Even rappers who usually come off hardcore have someone they think the world of.
It’s a poppy hip-hop tune where you can savor that kind of love story.
So What! (Tuff ‘n’ Smooth Mix)DJ Krush meets Ronny Jordan
This is a track called “So What!” featuring Japan’s trackmaker DJ Krush and UK acid jazz guitarist Ronny Jordan.
When I first started listening, I thought it was just a typical guitar jazz tune, but then it modulated, the drum beat kicked in, and I got goosebumps.
I think it might be the coolest fusion of hip-hop and jazz.
SEVENTH HEAVEN feat. Chinza DOPENESS & G.RINAZEN-LA-ROCK
ZEN-LA-ROCK, known as an old-school fanatic.
Released in 2017, it became a hit.
It drew attention at the time as it marked his first full album release in five years.
Collaborations include the scene’s eccentric genius Chinza DOPENESS—who enjoys fervent support for his one-of-a-kind hooks and flow—and culture maker G.RINA.
By the way, the music video was shot in Korea, resulting in visuals with a distinctive atmosphere!