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Recommended hip-hop/rap

The cry of the inner heart resounds! A classic of enchanting poetry reading

Poetry reading is a form of art that involves reciting poems.

It’s hard to grasp just by looking at it… so I did some research!

It seems that many poetry reading tracks, like the renowned “Pellicule” by the much-mentioned Fukashigi/wonderboy, place emphasis on the recitation of the poem.

They can feel more like “spoken narration” than singing.

Rap has a cool technical side that values rhythm and rhyme, and its feel is satisfying, while poetry reading tends to focus on themes like relatable everyday life, making the words sink in more deeply.

It might be closer to a cry from the inner heart.

Hoping you’ll find one song you can truly relate to, I’ll introduce some captivating masterpieces of poetry reading!

The inner cry of the heart resounds! Masterpieces of captivating poetry readings (11–20)

It’s no longer the Heisei era.NEW OLYMPIX

NEW OLYMPIX – It’s no longer the Heisei era 2019.2.3 The last Ozasa Festival of Heisei
It's no longer the Heisei era.NEW OLYMPIX

A poetry reading with an avant-garde vibe.

The song “It’s No Longer the Heisei Era” by the band NEW OLYMPIX.

It’s a work that defies the usual “this is what the song is like” kind of introduction—there’s nothing to call it but new music.

Ad-libbed lyrics and an arrangement that gradually builds in intensity.

The way those two elements mesh is addictive, and I find myself replaying it over and over.

I think it’ll especially resonate with music lovers of their generation.

nightjarkinoko teikoku

Picking “Yotaka,” which features spoken-word poetry, from Kinoko Teikoku’s 2013 album eureka.

Within its floating, airy melody, vocalist Chiaki Sato’s lower register—different from her usual cute tone—resounds, unfolding a fantastical world that feels as if you’re being swallowed by a vast cosmos.

Because the piece employs poetry reading, where each word comes through distinctly, it allows you to savor the literary lyrics on a deeper level.

round and roundyakozen

Nogozan / Guruguru (at Sapporo KRAPS HALL)
round and roundyakozen

This is the sixth single by the two-piece folk band Yakozen—also known for having singer-songwriter Pistol Takehara as a member—which unfortunately disbanded in 2009.

Chosen as the theme song for the TV drama “19borders,” the track features Takehara’s emotional vocals over a wistful piano accompaniment that really resonates.

Its bittersweet, beautiful melody, lyrical poetry, and driving spoken-word passages create a finely tuned tension, crafting an atmosphere that’s both delicate and powerful.

It’s a number whose message is amplified precisely because of its poetry-reading style.

He was alive, wasn’t he?aimyon

Aimyon – I Was Alive [OFFICIAL MUSIC VIDEO]
He was alive, wasn’t he?aimyon

A singer-songwriter who has won support from a wide range of listeners with lyrics captured from a unique perspective and songs that carry a faintly nostalgic atmosphere, Aimyon’s major-label debut single encapsulates it all.

The stark, era-tinged scene-setting, the darkness of an SNS-driven society, and the cry from the heart that lays bare her own powerlessness together create imagery strong enough to let listeners fully share in her worldview.

Combining poetry reading with melody is an experimental move for any artist, but the fact that she chose to express it in her major debut speaks to a bottomless talent.

It’s a landmark poetry-reading masterpiece that engraved Aimyon’s presence indelibly on the J-pop scene.

machine oilzutto mayonaka de ii no ni.

Machine Oil – ZUTOMAYO | FULL Drum Cover | I tried playing it [ZUTOMAYO]
machine oilzutto mayonaka de ii no ni.

A track by the music unit Zutto Mayonaka de Iinoni, known by the nickname “Zutomayo,” which operates with a fluid lineup centered around the frontwoman ACA-ne.

The A-melody’s poetry reading rides over a distinctive slap-infused bassline and shamisen arrangement, creating a striking contrast with the refreshingly exhilarating, Zutomayo-esque catchy chorus melody.

It’s a number where the comical lyrics and musical style mesh perfectly, revealing a new side of Zutomayo distinct from their single releases.

Clap your hands.SUIKA

A laid-back sound with a touch of reggae seeps deep into your body.

It’s a track by SUIKA, a group known for fusing hip-hop with poetry reading, included on their 2008 album “Kakkoii.” Its bright message—let’s clap in a circle and feel happy!—gives you a boost.

Every word overflows with energy, and the song itself seems to shine—anyway, it’s an irresistibly happy piece!

In conclusion

I looked into classic pieces of poetry readings and realized there are so many! Their deep messages make you want to listen closely.

They give voice to feelings that can’t be put into words and to the cries within, and I’m sure they’ll stay by your side.

I hope you find one song that truly resonates with your heart!