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, too! (21–30)

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!

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.

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.

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.

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.

Nakid FactRed Eye

Red Eye / Nakid Fact (official music video)
Nakid FactRed Eye

Rapper Red Eye is striking for a musical style that’s catchy yet boldly edgy in all the right places.

Though he’s a young rapper, he established his style very early, and nowadays he gives off the presence of a seasoned mid-career artist.

Among his works, the track I especially recommend for karaoke is Nakid Fact.

If you don’t sing this one with a gravelly, raspy voice, it can come off flimsy, so be mindful of your tone when you perform it.

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.