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 (21–30)
tropical nightRIP SLYME
Delivering a hot night! Speaking of RIP SLYME, they’re known for their summer tracks, and this song—with its sexy sound and music video—is a perfect fit to color those summer nights.
DJ FUMIYA really crafts stylish sounds! Enjoy it on a night spent with your lover.
everything; the whole lot; lock, stock, and barrelKREVA
KREVA’s hit song “Issai Gassai” sings of a faint summer romance.
It’s a work themed around summer, yet it carries a somewhat cool vibe.
The chorus melody has a distinctly period feel, but the rhymes are as high-level as ever.
There are lots of hidden rhymes, so definitely try to find them! Unusually high for a hip-hop track, it reached No.
11 on the Oricon charts.
If you’re in the mood for nostalgia, give it a listen!
Merry Go Round feat. BASI, Tsubaki, VIGORMAN, WILYWNKAGeG
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).
SushiJinmenusagi
Jinmenusagi is a highly acclaimed rapper known for his sophisticated style, despite originally coming from the net-rapper scene.
Born from his travel experiences in Thailand, this track features a dreamy, drowsy sound that evokes a sense of freedom away from the bustle of the city.
Released in June 2024, it marks his first solo single in nine months.
The music video was also shot in Thailand, effectively capturing the song’s atmosphere.
It’s a perfect track for when you want a brief escape from the summer heat or when you’re craving a new experience.
ItsunaroubaKICK THE CAN CREW
One of the groups leading Japan’s hip-hop scene, KICK THE CAN CREW released their summer anthem “Itsunarouba” as a single in 2001.
Its lyrics, urging you to make the most of the short summer and enjoy it to the fullest, are both refreshing and passionate, inspiring the feeling of “Let’s treasure this moment that exists only now.” Even after all these years since its release, it remains one of KICK THE CAN CREW’s most popular tracks, cherished by many fans.
Hey GirlOZROSAURUS
Amazingly, their first live debut was at the age of 12.
For many, when it comes to OZROSAURUS’s summer tracks—now that they’ve risen to the top—this is the definitive song! It’s one of the first titles that comes up when talking about classic love songs in hip-hop.
The manly lyrics resonate deeply as well.
Take It Easy feat. Tsubaki (Prod. GeG)WILYWNKA
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.
