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

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.

Walk This WayZORN

ZORN/Walk This Way feat. AKLO [Prod. dubby bunny / Dir. Takuto Shimpo] [Official Music Video] (C) 2018 Showa Records
Walk This WayZORN

This song powerfully expresses the resolve to walk your own path without being swayed by others’ opinions.

While portraying ZORN’s true-to-life everyday experiences in a straightforward way, his sincere engagement with his dual roles as a rapper and a father is deeply moving.

Released digitally in June 2018, the track was included on the album “Aestheticism & Violence.” It’s a perfect song for those who value being themselves and want to walk through daily life with pride.

In karaoke, conveying the down-to-earth lyrics authentically will surely resonate with listeners.

beautiful womanchanmina

CHANMINA – Bijin / THE FIRST TAKE
beautiful womanchanmina

Chanmina, the female rapper known by the nickname “Beyoncé of Nerima.” Her song Bijin is a track that will definitely earn you respect if a woman can pull it off.

However, be warned: despite how it sounds, the song is actually quite challenging to perform because of its distinctive, catch-and-stumble flow.

When practicing, it’s best to break it down by sections and learn it piece by piece.

Also, in the latter half where the emotions are laid bare, you’ll nail it like the original if you exaggerate the rhythm and sing it boldly!

WHORU? feat. ANARCHY (Prod. Chaki Zulu)Awich

Awich – WHORU? feat. ANARCHY (Prod. Chaki Zulu)
WHORU? feat. ANARCHY (Prod. Chaki Zulu)Awich

Rapper Awich, who made her major debut in 2020, has been thrilling fans with her powerful messages and exceptional rap skills.

The track “WHORU? feat.

ANARCHY,” included on her second album 8, delivers an impactful punch with razor-sharp lines featuring guest artist ANARCHY.

Its steady tempo makes it easy to perform, whether solo or as a duo, so it’s great for karaoke.

With its simple structure, it’s a perfect number for anyone looking to try their hand at rapping.

Brainwashing feat. DOGMA & Chinza DOPENESS (Prod. Chaki Zulu)Awich

Awich – Brainwashing feat. DOGMA & Chinza DOPENESS (Prod. Chaki Zulu)
Brainwashing feat. DOGMA & Chinza DOPENESS (Prod. Chaki Zulu)Awich

A masterpiece by skilled and distinctive rappers like Awich, DOGMA, and Chinza DOPENESS, “Brainwashing feat.

DOGMA & Chinza DOPENESS (Prod.

Chaki Zulu).” While the track has a shady, mysterious vibe, it isn’t exactly scary—in fact, there’s a somewhat comical undertone running throughout.

The key to performing this song well is in adopting a staccato-like flow.

Since many parts resemble spoken lines, adding a staccato rhythm will give it a stylish, polished feel.

Agari Sagari feat. R-Shitei & CHEHONSPICY CHOCOLATE

SPICY CHOCOLATE – Agari Sagari feat. R-Shitei & CHEHON [Music Video]
Agari Sagari feat. R-Shitei & CHEHONSPICY CHOCOLATE

It’s an upbeat track that depicts a soulful comeback, created by a powerhouse collaboration between top HIPHOP and reggae artists.

Released in August 2023, it’s used as the opening theme for TV Tokyo’s “Rhyuha-R SINCE2001.” It’s basically nonstop, rap-centered vocals—there’s a lot to take in and memorizing the lyrics can be tough—but you don’t need to worry about pitch.

As long as you lock in the timing of the melodic lines, you can pull it off in a really cool way! Instead of trying to memorize everything at once, go through the lyrics from the top in order while looking at them.

YouTube lets you change the playback speed, so that’s a great option too!

Cool hip-hop songs that sound great at karaoke | Tips for singing, too! (21–30)

TestimonyLamp Eye

The beat “Shogen,” hugely popular in MC battles.

For newer heads, it probably has a strong image as a battle beat, but for the generation that lived right through the old school era, it’s like a textbook track.

The key to performing this song well is, above all, boldness.

Not just for this song, but with old-school works in general, the flow tends to be simple, so it’s crucial to captivate with your vocal tone and pitch.

If you sing with those points in mind, you can create a cool vibe.