[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 Tracks of Japanese Rap (131–140)
MaybachChiba Yūki (Yuki Chiba) & Murda Beatz
It’s an urban, cool hip-hop track themed around the journey to success and self-affirmation.
A collaborative song by Yuki Chiba and world-renowned Canadian producer Murda Beatz, it was released in May 2025.
The heavy bass and striking beat fuse together, while Yuki Chiba’s low-register voice and rhythmic flow give the entire track a cool vibe.
Perfect for night drives or whenever you need to fire yourself up!
aknbee (a playful gesture of pulling down the lower eyelid and sticking out the tongue; often written as ‘akanbe’ or ‘akkambe’)Gadoro
It’s a moving track that captivates rap fans.
The song by GADORO was released in November 2024.
It candidly expresses his weaknesses and inner struggles, and you can strongly feel his determination to move forward from there.
The dramatic Westside beat crafted by DJ PMX brings out the raw power of GADORO’s lyrics.
The words that sink into your heart will surely give listeners a push.
Definitely put it on when you need to fire yourself up.
Boss Bitch（Remix) feat.LANA & Elle Teresa7!!
Rapper 7, who was selected as a finalist on the music audition show “Rapstar Tanjou 2023,” has been drawing major attention.
With a distinctive voice and charismatic looks, she’s an artist supported both in Japan and abroad.
This track released under 7 and ZOT on the WAVE showcases her powerful individuality.
It also made waves for featuring LANA and Elle Teresa on the remix.
The song is included on the album “7 (Boss Bitch Edition),” released in February 2024, and stands out for its assertive declaration of unwavering self-confidence over an aggressive trap beat.
It’s the kind of empowerment anthem you’ll want to play when you need a boost of confidence or want to elevate your mood.
For fans of female rap, it’s an irresistible release.
No problem.Umeda Saifā
Umeda Cipher is a hip-hop group that emerged from cipher sessions held at Osaka and Umeda Stations.
Their major-label first album, RAPNAVIO, includes the track Kama-hen, which features a star-studded lineup of rappers starting with R-Shitei from Creepy Nuts.
The breathless back-and-forth of their flows is enough to get you hyped just by listening.
It’s a fresh hip-hop track that’s guaranteed to amp up the crowd if you take it on with friends at karaoke.
Half-hearted Robber a.k.a. Spring, Summer, Autumn, WinterMACKA-CHIN
Released in 2001, this is a track from MACKA-CHIN’s first solo album.
Known as an MC from NMU, MACKA-CHIN has mostly focused on producing for other MCs and hasn’t often performed as a solo vocalist.
This song features his characteristically clear, deliberate rhyming style, and the track’s sound differs from his work with NMU.
Money Baby ft. AwichKEIJU
This is a profound love song that contrasts money and affection.
Released in October 2024 by KEIJU and Awich, the track centers on the emptiness that material wealth cannot fill and the redemption found in true love.
Premiered before an audience of 8,000 at the finale of KEIJU’s first nationwide tour, it sparked major buzz as the pair’s first eagerly awaited collaboration in seven years.
The lyrics candidly express the mindset of modern people grappling with loneliness, questioning the true value of love that money can’t buy.
It’s a recommended listen for anyone struggling in a romantic relationship or reflecting on the essential richness of life.
Squeezepīnattsu-kun
Set to an intense, dark beat, this work portrays a powerful determination to survive in modern society.
Released in June 2024, it’s included on the album “BloodBagBrainBomb.” The lyrics leave a strong impression with their unwavering resolve to push forward with conviction, undeterred by criticism or compromise.
With Peanut-kun’s unique perspective and lyricism, it sharply explores themes like social critique and self-identity.
The track is also slated to be performed on the nationwide “BloodBagBrainBomb Tour,” starting in July 2024.
It’s a perfect song for those who question contemporary society or want to carve out their own path.