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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Popular Hip-Hop: Japanese Artist Rankings [2026] (1–10)
And I Love You SoAK-698rank/position
This is one of AK-69’s signature songs, known for its mellow beat and lyrics that express deep feelings for a loved one.
It candidly conveys affection and gratitude toward a partner in everyday life, resonating with many listeners.
The track was included on the album “THE CARTEL FROM STREETS,” released in September 2009, and later featured on the best-of album “Road to The Independent King.” It is often used as wedding BGM, especially for the couple’s re-entrance after a costume change, and is loved by a wide audience.
It’s a recommended song when you want to feel the bond with someone special or share your gratitude with a loved one.
Mercury feat. Onomatopoeia Ministertofubeats9rank/position
Track maker tofubeats, who achieved early success with songs created from used CDs, used records, and a computer, has earned high acclaim.
His 12th single “Suisei” (Mercury), featuring guest vocalist Onomatopedaijin, has been covered by numerous artists since its 2011 release.
The superb word choices in the lyrics may offer new discoveries for beginners in rap.
It’s a recommended hip-hop track that’s helpful to sing along with for its phrasing, spacing of words, and laid-back delivery.
tropical nightRIP SLYME10rank/position
A track that brilliantly captures the vibe of a midsummer night, evoking the excitement of clubs and parties.
With its energetic beat and playful lyrics, it showcases RIP SLYME’s signature style to the fullest.
Released in July 2007, the song is included on the album “FUNFAIR.” There’s even an anecdote about how tough the music video shoot was.
It’s easy to sing at karaoke and perfect for making summer memories.
Why not enjoy its exhilarating sound that you’ll want to listen to during the hot season?
Popular Hip-Hop: Japanese Artists Ranking [2026] (11–20)
YOKAZEHentai Shinshi Kurabu11rank/position
A modern and emotional track from Hentai Shinshi Club that lets youthful worries and anxieties dissolve in the night breeze.
Over a mellow beat crafted by GeG, the lyrics by VIGORMAN and WILYWNKA blend beautifully.
Resonating with young listeners—gentle at times, powerful at others—this message-driven song was released in April 2020 from their second EP, “HERO.” In July 2021, their performance on the YouTube channel THE FIRST TAKE drew major attention and sparked further buzz.
It’s a deeply moving song that many listeners reach for on summer nights, during drives, or in solitary moments—an exquisite track that strikes the heart.
Summer Jam ’95Suchadarapā12rank/position
Schadaraparr is a three-member music group known for helping popularize hip-hop in the J-pop scene, thanks in part to the massive success of their collaboration with Kenji Ozawa on “Konya wa Boogie Back.” Their 10th single, “Summer Jam ’95,” was released as a re-cut from their fifth album, “5th WHEEL 2 the COACH.” Since it contains no English lyrics and doesn’t feature rapid-fire phrases, it should be relatively easy to try at karaoke.
The rap flows like a conversation, making it a number you can sing casually with friends.
Kawasaki DriftBAD HOP13rank/position
Set in the city of Kawasaki, this compelling track showcases the powerful flows of eight rappers.
Featured on the mini-album “BAD HOP HOUSE,” released in June 2018, it is known as one of the group’s signature works.
The lyrics, brimming with ambition and defiance, vividly depict the realities of the streets and a burning passion for music.
The song expresses a determination to break away from one’s past and keep moving forward, resonating with those striving toward their dreams.
Filled with a resolve to overcome hardship and prove oneself, the words offer courage to anyone who has faced setbacks.
As you areCentipede & Rhyme Man14rank/position
This is a hip-hop track themed around love and personal growth.
Born from the collaboration between Mukade and In-Man, the song was released digitally in February 2023.
Its lyrics, which depict feelings for a loved one and one’s own growth, are striking and have resonated with many listeners.
It has received high acclaim across music charts, including taking the No.
1 spot on Apple Music’s weekly ranking for two consecutive weeks.
In March 2023, they also appeared on CDTV Live! Live!, giving the song its first television performance.
It’s a perfect track for those who want to get hyped at karaoke or reflect on love and life.
Be sure to sing it with friends and have fun!