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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, too! (21–30)

FAKE LANDFAKE TYPE.

FAKE TYPE. “FAKE LAND” MV
FAKE LANDFAKE TYPE.

A super distinctive rap that depicts a theme park where madness and pleasure swirl! If you can pull it off at karaoke, you’ll feel like the true ruler of entertainment.

It’s a 2021 release.

“FAKE LAND” is a song one of my students used to sing, and I was impressed, thinking, “Wow, their diction is so quick!” It really prioritizes rhythm and accent! It’s not pure rap—there are song-like parts too—so even if you’re not confident with rap, I think you can enjoy singing it all the way through.

Of course, I memorized it while teaching lessons as well, so listening repeatedly and singing along is key! If the fast lyrics make it hard to catch the words, I recommend slowing the playback speed on YouTube.

My Resort¥ellow bucks

¥ellow Bucks – “My Resort” [Official Video]
My Resort¥ellow bucks

In today’s hip-hop scene, the rapper ¥ellow Bucks commands overwhelming props.

Since winning Season 3 of the popular audition show “RAPSTAR Birth,” his popularity has been on a steady rise.

Among his works, the track I especially recommend is “My Resort.” It’s a standout song that lays his skillful rap over an exotic beat, with intricate techniques sprinkled throughout.

Because it’s the kind of track where the way you project your voice can make or break the cool factor, be mindful of your vocal delivery when you perform it.

overwinteringIce Bahn

Wintering / ICE BAHN [Track by TWIN-B]
overwinteringIce Bahn

ICE BAHN is a hip-hop group renowned for advanced rhyming, often hailed as the “King of Rhymers.” The group includes FORK, who’s also active on the battle scene.

Their songs are packed with rhymes everywhere.

In their signature track Ettō (Wintering), rhymes are scattered throughout as well.

When singing it at karaoke, emphasizing the so-called “stealth rhymes” might really get the crowd going.

MakuharBonbero, LANA, MFS, Watson

Bonbero, LANA, MFS, Watson – Makuhari (Music Video)
MakuharBonbero, LANA, MFS, Watson

This ambitious work brings together artists who represent the new generation of Japanese rap.

Centered on urban life and the pursuit of success, it powerfully traces the journey from past struggles to present achievements.

With contributions from fresh young creators, it has an energetic finish.

Released in April 2023, it also drew attention as a promotional track for the POP YOURS festival held at Makuhari Messe in Chiba in May of the same year.

It’s a perfect pick for those who want to try Japanese rap at karaoke or are interested in today’s hip-hop scene.

For A Reason feat. BenjazzyBonbero

Bonbero – For A Reason feat. Benjazzy (Music Video)
For A Reason feat. BenjazzyBonbero

Bonbero is a next-generation rapper from Yachiyo, Chiba, whose overwhelming skills drew widespread acclaim on Rap Star Tanjou in 2021.

Having honed his craft since middle school through local cyphers, he cites powerhouse overseas artists like J.I.D and J.

Cole as influences—so his skillful flow and sharp lyricism are unquestionably top-tier.

The title track of his album “For A Reason” is a standout that fully showcases his abilities.

Featuring BAD HOP’s Benjazzy, the back-and-forth between these two formidable rappers is, as you’d expect, highly challenging.

If you’re confident in your rapping, this is a track you should definitely try taking on.

FateAnarchy

ANARCHY is a rapper who represents Kyoto.

Despite his incredibly tough appearance, he’s famous for being a big-hearted person both publicly and privately.

When it comes to ANARCHY’s iconic tracks that command overwhelming props, it has to be Fate, right? It’s a song that tells his life story, and the passionate vibes run through the entire piece.

When singing it at karaoke, it’s not the kind of track crammed with words, so focus on your vocal tone and flow.

The future is in our hands.THA BLUE HERB

THA BLUE HERB is a hip-hop group that represents Hokkaido.

They’re veterans who’ve continued to perform as the face of Hokkaido for many years.

Among their tracks, one I especially recommend is “The Future Is in Our Hands.” Their songs are known for carrying strong messages, and this track is no exception—it’s packed with powerful intent.

The rap style hits straight to the heart, like a blend of Ryofu Karma and GOMESS.

Because of that, the vocal tone can make or break how cool it sounds.

If you sing it at karaoke, be mindful of your vocal projection.