[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 (201–210)
Wacha WachaRIP SLYME
A track by RIP SLYME, who reunited as a five-piece to celebrate the 25th anniversary of their major debut.
Its breezy hip-hop sound blends perfectly with each member’s distinctive rap style.
The funky, energetic beat naturally makes listeners want to dance.
Released digitally on May 28, 2025, it’s also included on the best-of album “GREATEST FIVE,” released that July.
Brimming with bright, positive energy, this song is perfect for getting hyped with friends or lifting your mood!
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.
Seriously highUmeda Saifā
A powerful track by a hip-hop collective born on the streets of Osaka.
Now a staple in MC battles, this song features intricately interwoven flows from the uniquely talented members—led by R-Shitei—that electrify listeners.
LIBRO’s hard-hitting production elevates each member’s exceptional rhyming skills, making it a standout masterpiece.
Included on the album “Never Get Old,” released in January 2019, it has surpassed 10 million views on YouTube.
In 2025, it was also selected as the ending theme for the TV anime Fire Force: Season 3.
It’s an absolute must-listen for anyone who wants to dive deeper into the thrill of MC battles and experience the profound artistry of Japanese rap.
RUN AWAYSm-flo ♡ chelmico
This track shines with a futuristic sound woven from high-energy drum’n’bass and rap.
Released in June 2020, it marks the first entry in m-flo’s “loves” series in roughly 15 years.
Teaming up with the ever-popular chelmico for a hot feature, the song also received a music video styled like an ’80s daytime anime.
The dynamic rap tune beautifully blends the unique strengths of both m-flo and chelmico.
It’s a perfect fit for active moments—summer drives, sports workouts, party scenes, and more.
The Way of BeatSuchadarapā
Schadaraparr, who have firmly established themselves in Japan’s hip-hop scene, celebrate their 35th anniversary with a new release featuring Robo Chu.
Within a unique soundscape where Showa-era sentiment and hip-hop blend beautifully, they deliver a message only they can.
The life-sized perspective, the comedic rhymes, and the groove woven with their longtime ally are genuinely moving.
It’s Japanese rap that resonates naturally with our hearts—something we want both the old and the young to hear.
BrainwashingAwich
Known as one of Awich’s signature tracks, this socially conscious hip-hop piece depicts characters operating behind the scenes of power.
Featuring DOGMA and Chinza DOPENESS, the song delivers sharp critiques of politics, capitalism, and the information society, and has also drawn attention as a beat for MC battles.
Included on Awich’s album “Kujaku” (Peacock) and released in January 2020, it also gained buzz for its music video, which evokes the atmosphere of Showa-era noir films.
With a heavy beat and strongly message-driven lyrics, it’s recommended not only for those practicing for MC battles, but also for listeners interested in social issues or in the expressive power of Japanese rap.
ChallengerGadoro
This work is packed with the powerful determination of GADORO, known as a rapper from Miyazaki.
It fuses the sharp rhyming he honed in MC battles with J-REXXX’s reggae flavor, featuring an aggressive beat that stands out even in battle settings.
Released by Nippon Columbia in March 2019 as the opening track of the album “SUIGARA,” it marked GADORO’s entry into the major scene, with the album comprising 12 tracks.
On the visual side, a dynamic music video directed by Kentaro Shima also drew attention.
Brimming with elements that fire up crowds in MC battle arenas, the lyrics capture the stance of facing challenges head-on, encouraging those who want to believe in their own words and move forward.