[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 (51–60)
Pointless 5 feat. PUNPEESuchadarapā & STUTS
This track blends a street vibe with a cool sound.
Released on May 17, 2024, it drew significant attention when the music video dropped.
Produced by trackmaker STUTS, with raps by Scha Dara Parr and PUNPEE, it’s a song whose calm atmosphere brings a sense of peace when you listen.
It’s recommended not only for hip-hop fans but also for those who aren’t very familiar with hip-hop.
My ShotNORIKIYO
This is the solo moniker of the leader of SD JUNKSTA, a hip-hop unit active mainly in Sagamihara, Kanagawa.
The mature vibe backed by a long career and the originality of the tracks are excellent.
The overall flow has a nice push and pull that makes it easy to listen to—skills you don’t often see in younger artists.
I’d say it appeals to connoisseurs.
Higher (dir. Spikey John)Mall Boyz (Tohji, gummyboy)
A young rapper with a background of being born in London and raised in Yokohama, whose free-spirited artistry, unbound by anyone, captivates fans.
They went viral with tracks uploaded to SoundCloud, gaining attention especially among younger audiences and steadily raising their profile.
In 2019, they achieved a collaboration with OKAMOTO’S, further boosting expectations for what’s to come.
Life StyleT-Pablow, YZERR (Prod by Gold Digga)
Rappers T-Pablow and YZERR, whose stylish fashion sense has made them a big hit with people in their twenties, are famous as twin rappers.
What really brought them to wider public attention was their track “Life Style.” Thanks to this song, their crew BAD HOP also became widely known.
The melody has a bright vibe that evokes a tropical feel.
The theme of the song is something like “having fun and getting lively with your crew,” and the track fits that theme perfectly.
[Japanese Hip-Hop] Classic Japanese Rap Tracks (61–70)
8UP (feat. Yvng Patra)¥ellow bucks
Rapper ¥ellow Bucks, based in Nagoya.
His October 2025 collaborative track “8UP” with Yvng Patra is a number that grabs the ear with a trap sound woven from heavy bass and razor-sharp hi-hats.
Its hungry message—pushing the scene forward while staying connected to the next generation—stokes the listener’s fighting spirit.
It’s a hip-hop tune you’ll want to play when you’re looking to fire yourself up.
guidanceYZERR
YZERR and NAMEDARUMA sparked one of the biggest beefs in Japan.
It was a huge dispute that also involved Japanese Maganese and RYKEY, among others.
YZERR’s track “guidance” is a classic released in the middle of that beef.
The song dropped as a response to NAMEDARUMA’s diss track “FEEL OR BEEF BADPOP IS DEAD.” His lyrics warn them and call out the contradictions in their flexing, showcasing the clear gap in caliber between YZERR and the others as a rapper.
BAD HOP has also faced plagiarism accusations, which NAMEDARUMA brought up too, but in this track’s lyrics YZERR acknowledges fault there, so as heads, all we can do now is watch and support the continued moves of BAD HOP, including YZERR.
And the respect he pays at the end to hip-hop born from the streets makes for a verse that’ll have you reaching for a handkerchief.
Definitely give it a listen while following the lyrics closely.
Theme SongSUMMIT
A theme song from SUMMIT, a label you can confidently buy from thanks to its reliable roster including PUNPEE, SIMI LAB, and C.O.S.A.
Produced by OMSB—SIMI LAB’s rapper and trackmaker—the result is a truly gritty, mature track.
Be sure to check out the artists on SUMMIT!