[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 and Popular Tracks (21–30)
Head‑On Showdown feat. MC☆Nigari a.k.a. Red Lightning, KOPERU, CHICO CARLITO, ShinpeitaKEN THE 390
Rapper KEN THE 390, known for lyrics that exude intelligence, has gained widespread popularity.
He’s produced numerous classics, and among them, “Makkō Shōbu” (Head‑On Showdown) is especially famous and is frequently used in battle scenes.
The beat tends to produce great matchups, and since the featured rappers are all heavyweight battle MCs, it might have been intended for battle use from the start.
If you like high‑vibes, high‑energy tracks, definitely give it a listen.
LEGACYIce Bahn
This is one of ICE BAHN’s signature tracks, highlighted by its powerful beat and intricately crafted rhymes.
It’s a standout piece that fuses the advanced rhyming skills honed in the world of MC battles with a heavy, hard-hitting sound.
The track can be seen as the culmination of their “Rhyme Supremacy” ethos, and its resonant message is part of its appeal.
It’s included on the album LEGACY, released in November 2018.
This ambitious work came after FORK’s tenure as the second- and third-generation Monster on TV Asahi’s Freestyle Dungeon.
Their achievement of winning the 2005 “3 ON 3 FREESTYLE MC BATTLE” also shines through.
It’s the perfect song for those just getting into MC battles or anyone who wants to fully experience authentic Japanese rap.
[MC Battles] Frequently Used Classic Beats and Popular Tracks (31–40)
TestimonyLamp Eye
LAMP EYE, known as a legendary hip-hop group, is currently active as KAMINARI-KAZOKU.
with YOU THE ROCK and TWIGY joining the lineup.
Their track “Shogen” is LAMP EYE’s most famous work.
Strictly speaking, its title is “Shogen 1,” and the series runs through “Shogen 9.” It’s a familiar staple in battle scenes and has been used in numerous iconic battles.
If you like classical, stylish beats, be sure to check it out.
FateAnarchy
ANARCHY is a rapper who represents Kyoto.
He used to have a strong underground image, but lately he’s been appearing in the media more, so even people who aren’t heads probably know him.
“Fate” is one of ANARCHY’s signature tracks—a gritty, masculine song that portrays climbing up from the ghetto.
It’s frequently used in battle scenes where things get intense, and it has produced many classic matchups.
It’s an essential track for understanding Japanese hip-hop, so if you’re planning to study hip-hop from here on out, be sure to check it out.
Do The GARIYA ThingRappa Gariya
Rappa Gariya is a hip-hop group earning props with hot vibes.
They’ve been active since the 1990s and continue to thrive today.
Among their works, the particularly popular “Do The GARIYA Thing” is a track frequently used in battle scenes.
It’s one of the songs that produced classic matches; the most famous battle over this beat is between SIMON JAP and Tipleso.
The punchline “The other Simon is cooler” is still talked about to this day.
I messed up.hannya
A track known as a staple beat for MC battles is one of Hannya’s signature works.
His light, nimble sense of rhythm and flow stands out, and the lyrics—comically depicting everyday troubles and slip-ups—resonate with many listeners.
The way he humorously portrays familiar situations, like being stopped for a police check, is likely why it’s so popular in the MC battle scene.
Included on the album Nekosogi, released in February 2005, this song pairs with a hard-hitting beat produced by SUBZERO to make it a go-to crowd-pleaser at battle venues.
It also goes off live, and with the official music video released on YouTube in 2022, it reached a new audience.
Even those not well-versed in hip-hop are sure to get hooked on Hannya’s world through this track.
Still D.R.E.Dr. Dre
This is a classic hip-hop track that’s especially familiar in the Kanto region.
It reaffirms Dr.
Dre’s standing in the music industry, and his collaboration with Snoop Dogg is captivating.
Released in November 1999 as the lead single from the album “2001,” it features a distinctive keyboard phrase that leaves a strong impression, showcasing Dr.
Dre’s unwavering style and talent.
The lyrics strongly convey his passion for music, his way of life, and the legacy he has built.
It’s also popular as a go-to beat for MC battles, making it an essential track for hip-hop fans.