A roundup of Japanese rap to listen to in summer: classic tracks of Japanese hip-hop
When you think of Japanese rap summer songs, does any track come to mind?
Even listeners who don’t usually listen to hip-hop probably know signature songs by popular groups and tracks by legendary artists who’ve led the scene—there are so many to choose from.
In this article, we’ll introduce a bunch of hip-hop tracks you’ll want to play as summer approaches.
Alongside timeless classics, there are plenty of great picks from artists who’ve been getting attention recently.
We hope you discover some amazing songs here.
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A roundup of Japanese rap to listen to in summer: Classic J-Hip Hop tracks (71–80)
YOKAZEHentai Shinshi Kurabu
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.
RUN AWAYSm-flo ♡ chelmico
This track shines with a futuristic sound woven from high-velocity drum’n’bass and rap.
Released in June 2020, it marks the first installment in about 15 years of m-flo’s “loves” series.
Teaming up with the popular hot-feature duo chelmico, the song also comes with a music video styled like a daytime anime from the 1980s.
The dynamic rap tune showcases the distinctive strengths of both m-flo and chelmico in perfect harmony.
It’s a song you’ll want to experience in active settings—summer drives, workout sessions, party scenes, and more.
Fade OutS.l.a.c.k.&Ces2
When you want to spend a quiet summer, 5lack is the way to go! His laid-back vibe paired with tight, on-beat raps and a smooth vocal tone will impress any hip-hop fan.
At first it might sound simple, but his skills are actually top-tier!
A roundup of Japanese rap to listen to in summer: classic J-hip hop tracks (81–90)
one thousand percentKICK THE CAN CREW
KICK THE CAN CREW, a long-established hip-hop group that continues to showcase timeless talent, released “Sen Percent” in 2017—a refreshing hip-hop tune built around a sampled loop.
Its light and breezy vibe makes it the perfect track to listen to on a hot summer day.
Perfect QueenZeebra
A music video featuring a deep blue ocean that’s perfect for summer! Released in July 2003, this is ZEEBRA’s eighth single, and it’s also included on his third album, TOKYO’S FINEST, which came out the same year.
While ZEEBRA—also well known as a member of the hip-hop unit King Giddra—has often performed songs expressing gratitude, he had rarely showcased a love song himself until then.
The music video features a model who would later become his wife, and it’s said the project was created as a form of proposal to her.
I can see you againKetsumeishi
Ketsumeishi is a four-member hip-hop group that made their major debut in 2001 with Familia.
Their 2007 release, Mata Kimi ni Aeru, is a bright track where an upbeat, summery sound pairs perfectly with emotional rapping.
The song was also used in a commercial for Shiseido’s ANESSA, featuring the hugely popular model Yuri Ebihara, known by her nickname “Ebi-chan.” She appears in the music video as well, and the makeup and fashion capture a nostalgic 2000s vibe—so if you’re interested, be sure to check it out.
THE FUTURE ONEAKLO & XBS
A track created to celebrate Nike’s 30th anniversary.
The hard-hitting track and cool beat are a perfect match.
A buzzworthy collaboration between a veteran and a hot rookie! AKLO is also an artist expected to make big strides from here on out.