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 tracks in Japanese hip-hop (31–40)
good boy, bad boy feat SEEDA, KREVAKumai Gorō
A collaboration track between underground representative SEEDA and two artists active on the front line of the overground scene! The lyrics themselves are bittersweet, but it’s a masterpiece that genuinely lifts you up.
The melody line is catchy yet somehow tinged with a sense of melancholy.
A Premonition of BeginningsKetsumeishi
Even people who don’t usually listen to hip-hop probably know Ketsumeishi, and their tracks lean toward J-pop, so they’re easy to listen to.
Their song “Hajimari no Yokan” is a summer tune released in 2017.
Thanks to its catchy chorus melody, it should go down smoothly even for hip-hop beginners who don’t normally listen to rap.
T.U.B.E.chinza DOPENESS
The tropical vibe of this track heightens the anticipation for summer! The creator is the humorous and unique Chinza DOPENESS.
It’s the title track from a mini-album released in 2013.
With lyrics that say, “Forget the busyness of the city and fully enjoy the summer,” just reading them makes you want to head out somewhere.
The chorus lines are catchy, and the interplay of rhythm and flow is a joy.
Its upbeat feel makes it perfect as BGM for summer drives! Be sure to add it to your playlist!
Lego!! RemixKEN THE 390
Here’s a summer track from KEN THE 390, well-known as a judge on Freestyle Dungeon! The music video has that summer vacation vibe—so good.
Everyone’s got such high skills that no one gets overshadowed, and each person’s character really stands out.
Parts of Tamaki ROY’s verse were frequently sampled in some circles.
SummertimeRIRI, KEIJU, Kobukuro Nariaki
From the very first crash of waves, this song instantly puts you in a sophisticated summer mood.
Created in 2019 as the CM song for Shiseido’s ANESSA, it was produced by singer-songwriter Nariaki Obukuro and features a collaboration with R&B singer RIRI and rapper KEIJU.
While it has an ethereal atmosphere, the lyrics gently resonate as they sing about the sparkle of everyday life and the flutter of romance.
The simple beat is also cool, with KEIJU’s lyrical, slick rap answered by RIRI’s vocals.
A roundup of Japanese rap to listen to in summer: Classic J-hip-hop tracks (41–50)
jamSuzuki Mamiko feat. iri
Rapper Mamiko Suzuki, who is also active as a member of the female rap duo chelmico, puts her cute looks to good use across various media.
Her 2021 release “Jam” is a track that brings comfort to a leisurely summer.
The lo-fi-tinged sound paired with her rhythmic flow is cool, and many listeners will relate to the lyrics that depict precious moments spent with friends and lovers.
It’s a soothing summer song, further enriched by the soft choral work sung together with singer-songwriter iri.
Pretenders feat. C.O.S.A. & Yo-SeaSTUTS
A perfect BGM to soak in on a summer night is this track where the talents of STUTS, C.O.S.A., and Yo-Sea blend seamlessly.
Set over a mellow beat that makes you forget the bustle of the city, it paints a bittersweet yet beautiful scene of people wearing masks, hiding their true feelings, and surrendering themselves to a fleeting night.
It may well draw listeners into a pleasantly extraordinary world.
The song is included on the album “Orbit,” released in October 2022, and it also has a music video featuring striking night views of Chatan, Okinawa.
Give this refined sound a spin during a drive or while relaxing at home—it’s sure to enrich your summer nights.