A love song in Japanese pop rap

See you againSEAMO

SEAMO “Mata Aimashou - tears ver. -”

Released in 2006, this is SEAMO’s fourth single, and it was also included on his second album, “Live Goes On,” released in September of the same year.

The song propelled SEAMO’s name into the spotlight, and thanks to increased exposure on radio and music programs, it enjoyed a long sales run.

While the lyrics depict heartbreak, they also convey gratitude for the fun times and even the moments of jealousy, making it popular as a respect-filled love song born from a sense of appreciation.

a love storySEAMO with BENNIE K

SEAMO 『a love story』

This is SEAMO’s third single, released in July 2005, and a different version of the track featuring BENNIE K as guest artists on his first album “Get Back On Stage,” which came out in October of the same year.

Compared to the original, the addition of BENNIE K’s female rap part makes the wordplay and scenes more vividly expressed.

It’s a love song whose charm lies in lyrics that read like a letter, capturing things you can’t usually say face-to-face—everyday moments, arguments, and more.

LUV YA feat.AISPHERE of INFLUENCE

Sphere of Influence – Luv Ya

Released in October 2002, this is SPHERE of INFLUENCE’s second single, and it’s also included on the first album “THE INFLUENCE,” which came out the following week.

SPHERE of INFLUENCE is known in the HIP HOP scene for prioritizing high-quality production, and this track is no exception—its arrangement is crafted so as not to interfere with the rap or AI’s guest vocals.

The lyrics are written as a letter from a young person who left their hometown to chase a dream, making it a love song that conveys the desire to return home and reunite soon.

PLAYBOY(feat.DABO)AI

Playboy

Released in July 2003, this song is included on AI’s second album, “ORIGINAL A.I.” While AI is now strongly associated with singing R&B, before and shortly after her debut she frequently collaborated with hip-hop groups, and there are many works in which she participated as a rapper, even when not credited.

This track is a love song that conveys the message “I want you to see me,” and the counterpart role is performed by DABO, who is also well known as a rapper.

You’re not here.hannya

Hannya / You're Not Here / Official Music Video

Hannya, known for serving as the final boss on Freestyle Dungeon and for his successful Budokan live show, is a figure every hip-hop fan knows.

The song he wrote to let out the loneliness he carries is “Kimi ga Inai” (“You’re Not Here”).

In the lyrics, Hannya is depicted facing off against personified loneliness.

It’s something that anyone will likely feel is personal to them.

It’s also a great entry point to learn about his background and character.

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My Fair Lady ft. May J.“E”qual

"E"qual / My Fair Lady ft. May J. (Full Story ver.)

Released in February 2010, this song is included on “E”qual’s ninth album, SWORDFISH.

“E”qual is a member of the HIP HOP crew M.O.S.A.D., which is active mainly in Nagoya.

After TOKONA-X, who belonged to the same unit, passed away suddenly in 2004, “E”qual stayed out of the spotlight for a while, but made a remarkable comeback with an album release in 2006.

Around 2010, he also began collaborating with artists outside of HIP HOP, and this track is one such collaboration.

Hold me tightCOMA-CHI

Hug Me Tight ♡ - COMA-CHI

Released in May 2010, this song is included on COMA-CHI’s third album, “Beauty of the Beast?”.

It features an upbeat track and accessible lyrics.

The song’s message—polishing oneself and building confidence to win the attention of someone you like—has resonated with women, making it a positive, forward-looking love song.