Popular Hip-Hop: Japanese Artist Rankings [2026]
Hip-hop is a music genre that has developed alongside its own culture, including dance, rap, and sampling.
Although it originated in the United States, there are many artists in Japan who have been influenced by hip-hop.
This time, we’ll introduce a ranking of popular Japanese artists who perform hip-hop.
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- [Hip-Hop Classics] Timeless HIPHOP / Golden Oldies
Popular Hip-Hop: Japanese Artist Rankings [2026] (71–80)
Good job, summer!HALCALI78rank/position
A summery tune where laid-back raps from the duo glide comfortably over a tropical, languid beat.
The lyrics capture the bittersweetness of summer’s end and a faint flutter of romance, letting you sink into a sentimental mood just by listening.
Included on their first album “Halcali Bacon,” released in September 2003, this hidden gem managed to stay on the Oricon charts for 20 weeks despite never being released as a single.
The track produced by Tomoyuki Tanaka of Fantastic Plastic Machine is outstanding as well—no wonder it drew renewed attention, becoming a global viral hit on social media with dance videos from 2025 onward.
Give it a spin during a sunset drive or on a long night when you want to reminisce about summer, and let your body sway gently to the groove.
PHONEHITOMIN79rank/position
“PHONE” is a very upbeat track released in 2010 by rapper HITOMIN, who has gained popularity mainly on social media.
The lyrics, which skillfully blend English and Japanese, are full of style and could serve as a great reference for writing your own lyrics.
The tempo isn’t that fast, so with enough practice it seems like it would be easy to sing at karaoke.
If you pay close attention to your English pronunciation, you can capture a vibe closer to the original—so be sure to keep that in mind!
TOMBIKvi Baba80rank/position
“TOMBI,” which was chosen as the opening theme for the TV anime TRIGUN STAMPEDE.
This track by Osaka-born rapper and singer-songwriter Kvi Baba, released in 2023, hooks you with its addictive digital texture.
Centered around melody while incorporating rap-like elements in parts, it’s a song that even rap beginners should find easy to sing.
Its dark, industrial vibe also makes it a perfect reference when writing lyrics with a similar feel.
Popular Hip-Hop: Japanese Artist Rankings [2026] (81–90)
Make It Rain (feat. eyden & Watson)MC TYSON81rank/position
A track that fuses a homage to 2000s hip-hop with a modern sensibility.
Packed with MC TYSON’s appeal, the song revolves around the theme of “making it rain,” flaunting a luxurious lifestyle and success.
Featured on the album THE MESSAGE 6, released in October 2024, it stands out with a beat reminiscent of classics by 50 Cent and Fat Joe.
The music video depicts lavish casino scenes and lively parties, blending nostalgia with freshness.
It’s a perfect pick for driving or party BGM.
Viva HappyMitchie M82rank/position
A smash hit by 23.exe, a sound-production pro known for working on a variety of tracks, including collaborations with Taiko no Tatsujin and Namie Amuro.
It’s a high-energy upper-tune that fires off relentless rhymes over a bright, upbeat sound.
The vocals were crafted by tuning Hatsune Miku to sound like a voice actor, giving the track a super cute vibe.
The album featuring this song has a cover illustration by Yoshiyuki Sadamoto of Neon Genesis Evangelion fame, making it a must-see for anime fans as well.
Perfect for when you need a boost of happiness!
Brain Narcotics RemixRAY83rank/position
It’s a captivating crossover number where the unique styles of diverse artists fuse together.
Originally released in 2023 as a track by RAY, this is the 2025 remix version featuring a stellar lineup including CHEHON, MAKA, and Kujun.
It’s a song that reaffirms the possibilities of hip-hop and music itself, making it a great pick when you want to recharge your energy!
LOOPSIRUP84rank/position
This song is perfect for when you want to sink into a sentimental autumn mood! It’s a track from singer-songwriter KYOtaro’s solo project, crafted by SIRUP.
With a sound rooted in R&B and soul, it’s sure to resonate with fans of Black music.
At first, it sounds like it’s depicting joyful everyday moments—like café dates and drives with a lover—but hidden beneath is a bittersweet story of someone replaying memories with a person who’s no longer by their side.
The sweet, mellow vocals and laid-back groove seem to gently wrap around the protagonist’s bittersweet recollections.
Released digitally in 2018 and included on the EP “SIRUP EP2,” this refined sound will enrich your autumn moments—perfect for a solo night in or a drive.