[MC Battle] Commonly Used Classic Beats and Popular Tracks
Thanks to the popularity of TV shows like “High School Rap Championship” and “Freestyle Dungeon,” MC battles seem to have spread even to audiences who weren’t very interested in hip-hop.
Of course, each MC’s distinctive rap is a highlight, but an extremely important element in MC battles is the beat the DJ plays.
Some people may not pay attention to the beats and might wonder why the crowd erupts the moment that first scratch hits.
The more you learn about what kind of tracks the beats come from, the more you can enjoy MC battles—and you’ll also come to understand the deep appeal of hip-hop as a genre.
In this feature, we’re introducing staple beats and popular tracks used in MC battles.
We’ve curated a lineup focused on Japanese hip-hop!
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[MC Battle] Commonly Used Classic Beats & Popular Tracks (11–20)
RGTO feat. SALU, Teflon Hagane and K Dub ShineAKLO
A music producer with a unique sound and overwhelming presence, Gaius Okamoto produced AKLO’s classic “RGTO feat.
SALU, Tekiro Hagane (Teflon) & K Dub Shine.” It’s a star-studded track featuring SALU and AKLO alongside Tekiro Hagane (Teflon) and K Dub Shine, and it’s frequently used in MC battles.
SALU’s punchlines from this song are often quoted in actual battles, and the track is famous for inspiring many legendary matchups.
ChallengerGadoro
This work is packed with the powerful determination of GADORO, known as a rapper from Miyazaki.
It fuses the sharp rhyming he honed in MC battles with J-REXXX’s reggae flavor, featuring an aggressive beat that stands out even in battle settings.
Released by Nippon Columbia in March 2019 as the opening track of the album “SUIGARA,” it marked GADORO’s entry into the major scene, with the album comprising 12 tracks.
On the visual side, a dynamic music video directed by Kentaro Shima also drew attention.
Brimming with elements that fire up crowds in MC battle arenas, the lyrics capture the stance of facing challenges head-on, encouraging those who want to believe in their own words and move forward.
UZUMAKIDJ CHARI & DJ SHINTARO
The swirling track that shook the floor of MC battles was created by DJ CHARI and DJ SHINTARO with a powerful beat.
Featuring artists like Yurufuwa Gang and OZworld, their unique sound fusing hip-hop and electronic music brought a fresh breeze to the MC battle scene.
Released in January 2023, the work quickly went viral on TikTok thanks to the buzz around the “GURU GURU Dance.” Dancer MONA’s performance also leaves a strong impression.
It’s perfect for anyone looking to hype up freestyle battles or experience the new wave of Japanese hip-hop.
Surrender yourself to the DJs’ relentless beat, and you’ll feel as if you’re being drawn into a vortex.
NITRO MICROPHONE UNDERGROUNDNITRO MICROPHONE UNDERGROUND
NITRO MICROPHONE UNDERGROUND was the first group to energize Japan’s underground scene.
They went on hiatus in 2012 but resumed activities in 2019 and still enjoy a strong, dedicated following.
Their self-titled track, “NITRO MICROPHONE UNDERGROUND,” lives up to its name as a dark yet fiery anthem that represents the underground at its best.
Perhaps because the production is so polished, it may have fewer standout “best bouts” compared to other tracks, but it’s a beloved classic among heads—every time it comes up in beat checks, the crowd erupts.
Earth BluesKICK THE CAN CREW
When it comes to classic beats that ignite MC battles, nothing hits like KICK THE CAN CREW’s fiery anthem.
Its distinctive rhythm structure incorporating a 3-3-7 meter and its powerful, crowd-rallying message are its biggest draws.
With lyrics like “If you’re struggling, clap your hands,” it champions the joy of shaking off stress by dancing and getting hyped—perfect for the feverish atmosphere of an MC battle.
Released in November 2002 as a double A-side with “DJDJ [for RADIO],” it stayed on the Oricon charts for 16 weeks.
The track also won Best Live Performance at the MTV Video Music Awards Japan that same year.
It’s a must-listen, especially for MC battle newcomers and anyone looking to get into the Japanese hip-hop scene.
I REPDABO・ANARCHY・KREVA
The classic track “I REP” by legends of Japanese hip-hop—DABO from NITRO MICROPHONE UNDERGROUND, ANARCHY representing Kyoto, and KREVA, who’s been hugely successful in the mainstream.
It carries a very positive message, and the beat is crafted to match that upbeat vibe.
In MC battles, it tends to inspire respectful exchanges that fit the track and lyrics’ image.
[MC Battle] Commonly Used Classic Beats and Popular Tracks (21–30)
Beat it, I ain’t got time for your crap, so listen up.DJ RYOW
Born on the streets, DJ RYOW’s track carries a fiery message broadcast from Nagoya.
Released in April 2016, this work features top Japanese rappers such as Hannya and Kan a.k.a.
GAMI, portraying the struggles and conflicts of rising up from the regions.
In the remix version, artists like R-Shitei, Zeebra, and AK-69 join in, powerfully expressing an identity that symbolizes the city of Nagoya.
Included on the album “216,” the song is packed with regional pride and a refusal to be bound by the rules of the hip-hop scene, winning over fans’ hearts.
It’s also a highly popular beat for MC battles.