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] (81–90)
LOOPSIRUP85rank/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.
WekapipoSOUL’d OUT86rank/position
This track, featured on SOUL’d OUT’s debut album, is characterized by lyrics that convey positive energy and courage.
Its content inspires listeners to stay optimistic, delivering messages that encourage facing everyday challenges and driving personal transformation.
Released in August 2003, the work reached a peak position of 16 on the Oricon chart and was certified Gold by the Recording Industry Association of Japan, winning the hearts of many.
While paying respect to 80s hip-hop, it encapsulates the group’s unique style, making it a perfect song to bring the crowd to life at karaoke.
Summer SituationSTUTS×SIKK-O×Suzuki Mamiko87rank/position
When it comes to songs that evoke a nostalgic summer landscape, “Summer Situation” comes to mind.
It’s a collaboration between trackmaker STUTS—who has produced numerous tracks—SIKK-O, and Mamiko Suzuki.
The result is a deep track tinged with a certain wistfulness, featuring three distinct, masterful flows.
The lyrics, brimming with genuine feelings for friends you spend your days off with, are also a highlight.
It’s a number you’ll want to listen to against the backdrop of a stylish summer sunset.
Perfect for anyone looking to chill out in a laid-back moment.
STAY TUNESuchmos88rank/position
If there’s one song that embodies acid jazz—a genre where jazz meets club music—it’s Suchmos’s “STAY TUNE.” The band members are said to admire Jamiroquai, the British group that represents acid jazz.
Add electric piano and choppy guitar to a tight, high-velocity groove, and you get a funky, stylish sound.
It’s the track that put Suchmos in the spotlight, and it even reached No.
10 on the Billboard Japan Hot 100 as a dance tune.
PassionUA89rank/position
The song that catapulted the soulful, wildly captivating singer UA to fame is “Jounetsu,” right? Released on June 21, 1996 as her fourth single, it’s an R&B-infused track that became a long-running hit.
It fully showcases UA’s inimitable charm—her unique vocal tone and singing style that no one can imitate.
Highly recommended for those looking for Black music sung in Japanese.
Be sure to pay attention to the lyrics, which quietly burn with passion!
Take It Easy feat. Tsubaki (Prod. GeG)WILYWNKA90rank/position
WILYWNKA, one of the most popular young rappers from Osaka, collaborated with another hugely popular young rapper, Tsubaki, on this track, “Take It Easy.” The chill, stylish beat produced by GeG pairs perfectly with the two artists’ flows.
It’s the kind of song that can help you unwind on a hot summer day.
Popular Hip-Hop. Japanese Artists Ranking [2026] (91–100)
Street DreamsZeebra91rank/position
Zeebra, a legend of Japanese rap, is now active across various fields, focusing on producing as well as appearing on TV and radio.
His classic track “Street Dreams” is a work that threw a stone into the pond of Japanese rap, which was often said to be of low caliber.
While its passionate lyrics about Japanese rap leave a strong impression, the track itself is also incredibly emotional, so it’s frequently played at MC battle events.
Be sure to check it out!
