[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 (141–150)
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.
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.
ART( OBKR / Yaffle Remix ) feat. Gottz,Tohji,Shurkn PapOKAMOTO’S
OKAMOTO’S are famous as a rock band, but this track is pure hip-hop—and chic.
It even gives off the vibe of a cutting-edge artist suddenly appearing on the Billboard hip-hop charts.
Featuring young artists Gottz, Tohji, and Shurkn Pap, it’s a work that leaps over genre boundaries.
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!
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.
backseat feat. Kvi Baba & tofubeatsKEIJU
It’s a stylish hip-hop track that draws you in with its sophisticated, city-ready sound.
Created by KEIJU of the hip-hop crew KANDYTOWN, featuring Kvi Baba and tofubeats, it was released in November 2024.
It’s an emotive number with a light, swaying rhythm that makes your body move.
The lyrics bring out a theme of duality: the romantic mood cast by the city’s neon lights, and the loneliness felt at the same time.
The soft vocal delivery is spot-on, too.
Perfect for a night drive.
REVENGEUmeda Saifā
A track marked by powerful rap and a fierce beat.
It’s a song by the hip-hop crew Umeda Cypher, chosen as the theme for episode 8 of the Amazon Original drama “Oshi no Ko,” and released digitally in December 2024.
Centered on the theme of revenge, it portrays the comeback of those who’ve faced setbacks and defeat.
Perfect for anyone who wants to fire themselves up or push toward their goals.
Its energetic flow and hard-hitting lyrics are sure to give you a boost.