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 (41–50)
I Think I’m FallingKOHH
“I Think I’m Falling” is a summer tune by KOHH released in 2019.
While based on a trap-style rhythm, it layers Future Bass-like synths for a very stylish finish.
Its laid-back tempo makes it perfect for relaxing, too.
The summer-themed music video, set mainly by the sea, is also a must-see.
TricksterSKY-HI
This is SKY-HI, famously known as a member of AAA.
At first listen it may sound quite pop, but beneath the catchy surface lie exceptional skills and profound messages! It’s no exaggeration to say he’s one of the most handsome in the rap scene.
His high-level fast-rap skills and popularity among women are top-notch.
Summer Ride (feat. ¥ellow Bucks)LANA
The perfect song for a summer coastal drive is LANA’s summer tune released in July 2025.
Featuring the renowned “hitmaker” ¥ellow Bucks and produced by JIGG, its West Coast-style groovy track feels effortlessly smooth.
The lyrics, inspired by LANA’s hometown of Shonan, capture a glittering summer filled with the exhilaration and freedom of a weekend that never ends.
The contrast between LANA’s husky vocals and ¥ellow Bucks’ breezy rap is sure to elevate the mood as your in-car soundtrack.
It’s a refreshing number that colors your summer memories, tied in with her arena tour set for 2025.
Summer Film’s feat. Kubo Takai, Sora-neRin Oto
A track where three next-generation rappers collaborated in 2019.
With its laid-back beat and relaxed vibe, this slow-tempo song lets each of their charms shine through.
The flow of the rap is fire—Kai Kubota takes the opening, Rinon handles the middle, and Sorane closes it out.
It’s also interesting how the lyrics quote lines from various songs, like Sorane’s “Room 103” and KREVA’s “Neiro.” The lyrics, which could fit all kinds of love, perfectly match the open, summery atmosphere.
HEAT ISLAND feat.FIRE BALLRHYMESTER
It’s a cool hip-hop number that bowls you over with its fiery, insistent energy.
This track is a collaboration between RHYMESTER and FIRE BALL, released in 2006 as RHYMESTER’s ninth single.
The lyrics and flow ignite your Yamato spirit and crank up the summer heat even more! Give it a listen when you need the power to survive the sweltering season.
It really gets the crowd going, so it’s also great for karaoke.
WAVEBODY (Remix)JP THE WAVY
Featuring a stellar lineup including JP THE WAVY, this track is a guaranteed mood-lifter for the summer.
In the music video, child actors evoking the rappers’ younger selves appear, and the 2000s-inspired visuals add a nostalgic touch that brings back warm memories.
It’s a song you can’t look away from, with powerful bonds among friends and a performance full of confidence.
The MV was released in October 2021, and the track is included on the album “WAVY TAPE 2 (Deluxe)” from the same year.
It drew attention at the time, topping LINE MUSIC’s real-time video chart, among other achievements.
It also saw heavy play in the club scene, including appearances on Red Bull RASEN.
Put it on for summer drives or when you’re hanging out with friends and want to hype things up—you’re guaranteed an even bigger boost.
Let the powerful, deep bass beat take over and enjoy it as the perfect summer BGM!
Summer Symphony Ver.2Sogabe Keiichi ft. PSG
Keiichi Sokabe’s classic “Summer Symphony Ver.2,” featuring PSG, stands out for its chill rap vibe.
As the title suggests, it’s a song about the joys of summer.
Tracks with this kind of rhyme scheme are often high-energy, but this one intentionally leans into a mellow atmosphere.
My recommended verse is, of course, 5lack’s part.
The other verses are great too, but his flow is a clear cut above the rest.
Definitely give it a listen!
