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 (201–210)

Vision feat. JESSE (RIZE / The BONEZ)JUBEE

JUBEE – Vision feat. JESSE (RIZE / The BONEZ)【OFFICIAL MUSIC VIDEO】

Vision feat. JESSE (RIZE / The BONEZ)JUBEE

The collaborative track by JUBEE and JESSE brings a fresh breeze to Japan’s hip-hop scene.

In this work, the musical styles of JUBEE, active in hip-hop, and JESSE, whose main battleground is the rock scene, fuse brilliantly, gripping listeners’ hearts and never letting go.

Released on May 22, 2024, the song centers on themes of life’s challenges and growth, inspiring the courage to believe in your own potential as you listen.

A powerful beat anchored by sampled electric guitar combines with the duo’s commanding vocals to deliver a stimulating and satisfying experience.

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RETTER (feat. JAKEN)Centipede & Rhyme Man

Centipede & Rhyme Man – RETTER (feat. JAKEN) – (Official Music Video)

RETTER (feat. JAKEN) by Mukade & Inman

Often called the “00 generation,” Hyakutari and Inman have been drawing attention as leading figures of the younger scene thanks to their overwhelming rap skills.

Featuring JAKEN, a rising star from Osaka, RETTER delivers a thrilling barrage of verses that really amps up the energy.

The sexy yet cynical lyrics, paired with their rhythmic flows, leave a powerful impression.

With its fearless message and cool vibe, it’s a track that makes you expect even greater things from them going forward.

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Hoshino Takashi

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In conclusion

We’ve introduced a roundup of classic Japanese rap tracks all at once.

From the latest hits to timeless classics, we’ve gathered a wide selection.

Whether you’re a HIPHOP fan or someone looking to start listening, use this article to discover your new favorite songs and artists!