RAG MusicHIPHOP-Rap
Recommended hip-hop/rap

Cool hip-hop songs that sound great at karaoke | Tips for singing them too!

Hip-hop is now becoming established as one of the major genres in Japan.

You’re hearing it more often around town and on social media.

This time, we’ve picked out tracks that are especially cool to perform at karaoke.

The focus is on Japanese rap, but we’ve also included overseas tracks, so it’s recommended for fans of US hip-hop too.

We’ve also touched on how to perform the songs, so it’s a must-read for anyone who feels less confident about rapping.

Cool Hip-Hop to Sing at Karaoke | Tips for Singing, Too! (1–10)

Selfishralph

ralph – Selfish (Prod. Double Clapperz)
Selfishralph

“Selfish (Prod.

Double Clapperz)” is a cool hip-hop track by rapper ralph, crafted with producer Double Clapperz, with whom he shares a close relationship.

From the intro, a chant-like choral phrase repeats and pulls you in deeper the more you listen.

Layered on top, ralph’s bass-heavy rap hits with machine-gun intensity—absolutely irresistible.

The track’s distinctive groove is the key, so if you focus on that while performing, it’ll go great!

I’m in ChargeTOKONA-X

TOKONA-X, the legendary rapper representing Nagoya.

He passed away at the young age of 26, but the classics he left behind are still talked about among heads and continue to command overwhelming props even after his death.

Among his works, the track I especially recommend is “I’m in Charge.” Even within Japanese hip-hop, it’s a top-tier, highly polished piece, crafted into a power-style fast rap reminiscent of Tech N9ne.

The vibes are overwhelming and the speed-rap is intense, making it extremely challenging—but if you can pull it off, it’s seriously cool.

Don’t focus only on the speed; make sure to rap with attention to projection and pitch as well.

Flying BAK-69

AK-69 – 「Flying B」(Official Video)
Flying BAK-69

AK-69, a major rapper representing Nagoya.

Like KREVA and Creepy Nuts, he’s hugely active in the mainstream scene, so even people who don’t usually listen to hip-hop have probably heard of him.

He’s produced numerous hit songs, but the one I especially recommend is Flying B.

If you’re a man, don’t you want to live as cool as the protagonist in this track? If you sing it with fiery energy and pay attention to his cool vocal tone, you’ll likely sound great.

Cool hip-hop songs that sound great at karaoke | Tips for singing them too! (11–20)

free spaceGadoro

GADORO – Free Space (Prod. CHIVA from BUZZER BEATS)
free spaceGadoro

Riding on a fast-paced beat, this signature track by GADORO humorously portrays life and personal values.

It compellingly sings about an authentic way of living, positively contrasting ideals with reality.

Featured on the album TAKANABE, the song teams up with producer CHIVA from BUZZER BEATS, capturing listeners with a pleasant sense of release.

The music video features Machiura Pink, with direction by ISSEI—both are must-see elements of the work’s visual world.

Since its release in April 2024, the song has drawn significant attention and is perfect for anyone who wants to relax and live true to themselves.

WAKARIMASENMIYACHI

MIYACHI – WAKARIMASEN (OFFICIAL VIDEO)(PROD. MIYACHI)
WAKARIMASENMIYACHI

Rapper MIYACHI from New York.

After drawing attention in 2017 with “BAD & Buji (MIGOS REMIX),” his track “WAKARIMASEN” is a hip-hop song that’s sure to be a hit at karaoke.

Featuring a surreal hook about “not understanding English because he’s Asian American,” it’s the kind of song that will make you chuckle.

There’s occasional English mixed into the lyrics, but it’s fine—just learn it slowly, one phrase at a time.

When it’s showtime, don’t rush; if you ride the overall vibe and loosen the lyrics a bit, it’ll still land cool.

YOKAZEHentai Shinshi Kurabu

Hentai Shinshi Club / YOKAZE (Official Music Video)
YOKAZEHentai Shinshi Kurabu

This is the signature track of Hentai Shinshi Club, which includes WILYWNKA, formerly known as TAKA, who was also active in the High School Rap Championship.

As the members themselves assert, they don’t necessarily insist on sticking to the hip-hop format.

YOKAZE is a feel-good number whether you listen to it in the car or while walking, and it’s relatively easy to rap even for beginners.

Because the low, whisper-like rap tends to get muffled, try minimizing echo and other reverbs when singing it at karaoke.

NINOKUNI feat. TsubakiOZworld

OZworld – NINOKUNI feat. Tsuwaki (Prod. Howlin’ Bear) [OZ’s Parallel World]
NINOKUNI feat. TsubakiOZworld

This track stands out for its mellow sound and beats.

Within lyrics that delve into the spiritual realm and philosophical themes, universal questions about reality vs.

illusion and the nature of self are conveyed through the smooth flows of OZworld and Tsuwaki.

The song is included on the album “OZWORLD,” released in June 2019, and fuses a distinctive sci-fi worldview with a melodic sound.

It strikes an excellent balance between message-rich lyrics and catchy production, making it a guaranteed mood-booster at karaoke.

Highly recommended for those who want to explore new expressions in hip-hop or seek songs with profound messages.