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.
- Japanese Hip-Hop Popularity Rankings [2026]
- [Japanese Hip-Hop] Classic Tracks of Japanese Rap
- Popular Japanese Music / J-POP Artist Rankings [2026]
- [Hip-Hop 101] Recommended Japanese Hip-Hop Artists [2026]
- Male-Popularity Artist Rankings [2026]
- Popular Japanese music. Latest rankings [2026]
- Popular Dance Songs Ranking [2026]
- Ranking of Popular Japanese Music/J-POP Artists Among University Students [2026]
- Popular R&B. Japanese Artist Rankings [2026]
- KOHH's Most Popular Songs Ranking [2026]
- Popular EDM: Artist Rankings [2026]
- 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 Artists Ranking [2026] (11–20)
Team friendsChiba Yūki15rank/position
I think today’s middle school students are closer to hip-hop than any generation before them.
Among them, many middle school heads are probably listening to trap music, which leads the times.
What I recommend is Team Tomodachi.
This track is a hit number by Yuki Chiba, aka KOHH, that gained worldwide popularity.
It’s laid back in trap style, so the flow is very simple.
Even those not used to rapping should have no problem performing it.
Rep feat. MACCHOZORN16rank/position
ZORN has been competing in MC battle events since his youth, consistently proving his skills.
His collaboration with OZROSAURUS’s MACCHO is this track, “Rep.” Released in 2019, what you should pay attention to are the lyrics brimming with hometown pride.
Hailing from Katsushika, Tokyo, ZORN raps as if reflecting on his life in hip-hop.
The cool yet humorous message is sure to resonate even with those who weren’t born in Katsushika.
BUDS MONTAGENectar17rank/position
Namatoura, now renowned as one of Japan’s leading hip-hop groups.
Many of you may have gotten hooked on their tracks after seeing them on NEET Tokyo, right? Speaking of Namatoura’s classic songs, it has to be “BUDS MONTAGE.” Lately, its beat has even been used in battle scenes, so I’m sure many of you are familiar with it.
Namatoura’s music has a lyrical side, so in terms of rapping difficulty, it’s relatively easy.
It’s easy to perform, but because the refined lyrics and track are outstanding, it can create a cool vibe when you sing it at karaoke.
Say Anything (feat. JP THE WAVY)LEX18rank/position
LEX’s song, which sings of infinite possibilities and expressions of love, is guaranteed to get the crowd going at karaoke.
Centered on themes of a free-spirited lifestyle and material abundance, it depicts the thrill of romance and the sharing of special experiences.
Released in August 2021, the track sparked major buzz on TikTok and reached No.
1 on Billboard Japan Heatseekers Songs in September of the same year.
Featured on the album “LOGIC,” it solidified LEX’s popularity.
It’s a perfect pick for anyone who wants to light up a karaoke session or express their feelings to the fullest.
doppelgängerCreepy Nuts19rank/position
This track stands out with a four-on-the-floor, danceable beat.
Centered on themes of the multifaceted nature everyone carries and the struggle with oneself, it deftly captures the emotions of people living in modern society.
Its euphoric sound and interwoven rap layers create a worldview that further amplifies the fun of the piece.
Featured on the album “LEGION,” it was written in January 2025 as the theme song for the film “Under Ninja.” Nail the rapid-fire, rhyme-packed rap parts, and you’re guaranteed to get the crowd going.
Spring, Summer, Autumn, WinterHilcrhyme20rank/position
This song is striking for its lyrics that beautifully depict the changing of the seasons and its pleasant rap.
Hilcrhyme’s warm voice poetically expresses Japan’s four seasons.
Released as a single in September 2009, it was also chosen as the ending theme for many TV programs.
It’s a reliable choice for karaoke, and the especially emotive rap parts are sure to stir deep feelings.
An essential track for livening up karaoke with friends, it continues to be loved by many as an approachable song that lets anyone enjoy rap.
Popular Hip-Hop: Japanese Artist Rankings [2026] (21–30)
I don’t care about being poor.KOHH21rank/position
In contemporary hip-hop, trap music is indispensable.
The rapper KOHH, who performs “I Don’t Care About Being Poor,” is said to be a pioneer in popularizing trap music in Japan—a true contributor to the hip-hop scene.
This song depicts his upbringing and is crafted in classic trap fashion.
The rap is not very difficult, so you might add your own twist when singing it at karaoke.