Popular Japanese rappers. Recommended Japanese (J-pop) rappers.
Japanese hip-hop has now gained enough mainstream recognition to appear on J-POP charts.
From veteran rappers who have built the scene to up-and-coming artists who’ve risen to prominence in recent years, a wide variety of rappers are active today.
In this article, we’ll introduce these rappers all at once, regardless of generation!
It’s a lineup that will catch the eye of hardcore hip-hop heads as well as those who are just thinking about getting into hip-hop.
Let’s dive right in!
Popular Japanese rappers. Recommended Japanese (J-hip hop) rappers (1–10)
GOOD VIBES ONLY feat. JP THE WAVY, EXILE SHOKICHISALU
SALU is a rapper from Hokkaido.
Before the current freestyle boom, there was a broader hip-hop boom.
In terms of timing, it was the early 2010s, and the rapper who sparked it was SALU.
If you had to describe his rap in one word, it would be “chill.” In the early 2010s, old-school rap still dominated Japanese hip-hop, but he brought a chill sound from the US and changed the direction of the scene.
SALU is a rapper who’s only going to get more popular, so we can probably expect him to make waves globally in the future.
Let me feat. CHICO CARLITODakki
Tsubaki is a new-generation rapper representing Okinawa.
His lyrics ooze back-alley street-head vibes—sloppy about time, money, women, and all the rest—and that’s exactly what makes them stylish and hip-hop to the core.
His smooth flow shines musically, and the dirty lyrics intertwined with jazzy tracks brim with the appeal of a true hip-hop player.
If you’re tired of squeaky-clean music and squeaky-clean rappers, you might find yourself drawn to Tsubaki’s loose, dangerous allure.
City LightT-Pablow
As a member of BAD HOP, T-Pablow has been drawing major attention in the hip-hop scene.
He first made a name for himself by winning the 2012 BAZOOKA!!! High School RAP Championship, performing under the name K-9 at the time.
He later continued his career under the name T-Pablow, appearing in 2015 on Freestyle Dungeon as a “Monster,” and many fans still remember his razor-sharp rap style.
His releases with BAD HOP, active since 2014, have also attracted a wide range of listeners, and he’s an artist whose future work is increasingly exciting to look forward to!
family circumstancesZORN
ZORN is a rapper from Shin-Koiwa in Katsushika, Tokyo.
His profile rose in 2013 when he joined Showa Record, and he’s known for a style that conveys his street experiences and personal beliefs through complex rhymes.
Many of his songs portray his true, everyday self, resonating deeply with fans.
In July 2019, he left Showa Record and began an independent path.
Since leaving, he has released more songs about his hometown of Shin-Koiwa and his close friends, giving his work a more intimate feel.
In his private life, he’s a father of three daughters, and he pours his love for his family into his music.
His songs carry down-to-earth messages with a wistful, emotional vibe that lets listeners feel his unvarnished self.
I messed up.hannya
Hannya is a rapper with the unique background of being a former Bosozoku from Sangenjaya, Tokyo.
From his early days with the Moso-zoku crew, when he was caught up in criminal activity, to now earning props as a solo act and steadily building an acting career, he’s an unconventional figure in the scene.
While his lyrics often draw attention for their compelling storytelling, it’s not just that—his hardcore presence, like a body built through relentless discipline, gives him a standout appeal that puts him a head above the rest in the Japanese hip-hop community.
To Us Who Were Once GeniusesR-shitei (Creepy Nuts)
In recent years, if there’s one rapper whose name has reached music lovers even outside the hip-hop crowd, it has to be this person: R-Shitei, the MC of the hip-hop duo Creepy Nuts.
He has built an impressive track record in numerous MC battle tournaments, and his appearances as a “monster” on Freestyle Dungeon left a strong impression.
Beyond his prowess as a battle MC, he’s also been dropping hit tunes with Creepy Nuts and climbing the charts, and has even appeared in TV dramas as an actor.
He’s definitely someone to keep an eye on in the future.
As Love IsBASI
Rapper BASI from Osaka started his music career in 1998 when he formed the hip-hop band Insist.
His mellow, laid-back vibe is distinctive, and his lyrics, which often chronicle everyday life, resonate with many listeners.
His signature tracks charm with soul-influenced rhythms and lyrics rooted in the day-to-day.
His albums feature stellar guests like Tsubaki and SIRUP, resulting in works that feel fresh and forward-looking.
In his personal life, he married around 2010 and is known to value family.
He favors streetwear and vintage clothing.
He’s the perfect artist for those who love mellow rap that draws inspiration from everyday life.