[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 Battles] Frequently Used Classic Beats and Popular Tracks (31–40)
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.
god; deity; kamiPSG
PSG is a hip-hop unit representing Itabashi, formed by PUNPEE, 5lack, and GAPPER, active in the late 2000s hip-hop scene.
One of their classic tracks is “Kamisama.” It’s a staple beat in MC battles—more recently, the clash between JAKE and Authority comes to mind.
Despite the pop-sounding title, the track itself is sharply crafted and cool, making it a song that often produces the best bouts.
BUSTDOWNAbara!
The track produced by the digital rock unit Abara! has gained overwhelming support in the world of MC battles.
Its distinctive sound—melding a heavy beat with a growling guitar riff—provides the perfect foundation to elevate MCs’ fiery flows.
The blend of electronica and rock elements also excels at amplifying the tension and excitement of battles.
Featured on the mini-album “GLITTER PRIDE,” released in January 2015, this piece was performed at their solo show at Roppongi morph-tokyo, sending the venue into a frenzy.
It’s a highly recommended track for anyone looking to get into MC battles or who’s interested in hip-hop culture.
One listen and you’ll instantly understand why the crowd erupts at the very first scratch.
Ante UpM.O.P.
This track, known as a staple beat for MC battles, combines intensity with a distinctive atmosphere.
Released in August 2000, it was included on the album ‘Warriorz.’ Showcasing M.O.P.’s aggressive rap style, the song fully captures a gritty street vibe.
Elements sampled from ‘Soul Sister, Brown Sugar’ give it a unique flavor.
It has been featured in many works, including the films ‘The Last Castle’ and ‘Brown Sugar,’ and its appeal is widely recognized.
Highly recommended for those seeking an energetic mood.
BrainwashingAwich
Known as one of Awich’s signature tracks, this socially conscious hip-hop piece depicts characters operating behind the scenes of power.
Featuring DOGMA and Chinza DOPENESS, the song delivers sharp critiques of politics, capitalism, and the information society, and has also drawn attention as a beat for MC battles.
Included on Awich’s album “Kujaku” (Peacock) and released in January 2020, it also gained buzz for its music video, which evokes the atmosphere of Showa-era noir films.
With a heavy beat and strongly message-driven lyrics, it’s recommended not only for those practicing for MC battles, but also for listeners interested in social issues or in the expressive power of Japanese rap.
[MC Battle] Frequently Used Classic Beats and Popular Tracks (41–50)
Bebop dancingWAZGOGG
This track is beloved by fans as a song that revolutionized MC battles.
Featuring a fast 165 BPM tempo that brilliantly fuses jazz bebop with hip-hop, it showcases DJ WAZGOGG’s exceptional taste.
Released in November 2019 on the album “Sengoku MC BATTLE – BEST BOUT ORIGINAL BEAT,” it has been used as an official beat for the MC battle event “Sengoku MC BATTLE.” The song has elevated countless MCs’ freestyles and sparked buzz on YouTube and TikTok with dance videos and remixes.
It’s a perfect pick for those looking to get into MC battles or music fans interested in the fusion of jazz and hip-hop.
100JAZEE MINOR
Jazzy Minor, who enjoys immense popularity in MC battle circles, has a track that’s widely favored by many freestylers.
It features energetic beats and a catchy hook, with a memorable, ear-catching phrase in the hook section.
Released in June 2014 as a collaboration with AKLO, the song incorporates elements of club music and stands as a party anthem.
After being included on the album “Black Cranberry,” a remix version featuring a lineup of star artists was also produced, and its YouTube views have surpassed 3.2 million.
It’s a perfect track for anyone—from MC battle beginners to veterans—looking to sharpen their flow.
In conclusion
We tend to focus on each rapper’s skills and unique flow in MC battles, but in hip-hop, the beat is just as essential, isn’t it? If this article leads you to realize, “Oh, the MC battles I enjoyed back then were sampling from this track,” that would make me happy. The deeper you dig and the more you listen to hip-hop’s deep cuts, you might just find yourself wanting to craft your own beat too.