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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- Ranking of Popular Japanese Music and J-Pop Artists Among High School Students [2026]
- [Hip-Hop Classics] Timeless HIPHOP / Golden Oldies
Popular Hip-Hop: Japanese Artist Rankings [2026] (71–80)
Merry Go Round feat. BASI, Tsubaki, VIGORMAN, WILYWNKAGeG76rank/position
GeG, the producer of Hentai Shinshi Club.
Released under his name, “Merry Go Round feat.
BASI, Tsuwaki, VIGORMAN, WILYWNKA” features not only Hentai Shinshi Club members VIGORMAN and WILYWNKA, but also the “Ai no Mama ni” duo, Tsuwaki and BASI.
My recommendation has to be WILYWNKA’s verse.
His flow is on a whole different level for a Japanese rapper (lol).
BushidoGood Gas & JP THE WAVY77rank/position
This is a powerful track where traditional Japanese culture and contemporary trap sound fuse together, delivering a resonant message.
Riding over a heavy beat, JP THE WAVY’s smooth flow unfolds, brilliantly expressing quintessential Japanese elements like Mount Fuji and samurai alongside themes of self-affirmation and bonds with friends.
Featured on the soundtrack for F9, released in June 2021, it marked the only participation by an Asian artist.
Through a collaboration with globally active producer Good Gas, the song opened up a new frontier for Japanese hip-hop.
It’s perfect for moments when you want an energetic boost—like driving or working out—and is also recommended for overseas listeners interested in Japanese culture.
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.