Recommended hip-hop/rap

From Pop to Hip-Hop: Nostalgic Rap Recommendations for People in Their 30s

DancerFukkun:)Tatsuki Fukuda
Primarily active in Tokyo, I have experience as a backup dancer for artists, a music video dancer, and a commercial dancer. I continue to work as a dancer while also engaging in article production. After discovering Michael Jackson in junior high school, I began dancing in my second year of high school. Since starting dance, in addition to the J-Pop and Japanese rock I had been listening to, I began exploring Western R&B, rap, alternative music, and other tracks commonly used for dance. In elementary school, I spent three years in a choir, and because I love singing, I often go to karaoke for fun. These days, I enjoy a wide range of music, from Japanese rock and rap to K-pop.
Former vocal coach specializing in Western musicRyo
With the motto “Learn the basics and enjoy putting them into practice,” I worked as a vocal coach specializing in Western music. As a teen, I questioned the idea that “Western music equals English,” and started listening to songs from around the world. Today, I devour music from over 80 countries and run a personal blog introducing tracks. I often listen to genres like nuevo flamenco, bolero, canzone, and R&B. I’ll keep updating articles daily to find the one perfect song you’re looking for!

We’ve put together a bunch of hip-hop tracks that people in their 30s will find nostalgic!

Hip-hop arrived in Japan in the 1980s, and by the 1990s Japanese hip-hop artists were really starting to make a name for themselves.

We’ve gathered songs that hip-hop fans from that 30-something generation are likely to have heard, so they should bring back some good memories.

We included both Japanese and international tracks, so give them a listen and relive how you felt back then.

We’re sure the memories will come flooding back.

Alright, let’s get started!

[From Pop to Hip-Hop] Recommended Nostalgic Raps for People in Their 30s (91–100)

The Rain (Supa Dupa Fly)Missy Elliott

Missy Elliott – The Rain (Supa Dupa Fly) [Official Music Video]

The Rain (Supa Dupa Fly)Missy Elliott

A debut track that shocked the 1990s hip-hop scene with its groundbreaking beats and bold visual aesthetics.

Created in collaboration with innovative sound producer Timbaland, this work of art became a major hit, reaching No.

6 on the U.S.

R&B chart.

Missy Elliott’s distinctive fashion sense and musical expression brought a fresh breeze to the music scene of the time.

The music video, directed by the renowned Hype Williams, features an impactful visual of an oversized patent leather suit that has influenced many artists.

In 2016, the song was featured in a Coca-Cola commercial starring professional golfer Jordan Spieth.

Showcasing inventive artistry and confident expression, this track is recommended for anyone who wants to celebrate their individuality.

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TandemHALCALI

Halcali – Tandem

TandemHALCALI

HALCALI is a female duo who debuted in 2002 and produced hit songs in the early 2000s.

Their track Tandem is one of their signature hits, released in 2003.

If you focus strictly on the rap aspect, it might be hard to call it hip-hop, but in terms of bringing hip-hop to a broader audience, it made a significant contribution.

With its languid track, it’s a great recommendation for a road-trip song.

Even those who aren’t into hip-hop should be able to enjoy it!

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Boom Boom PowThe Black Eyed Peas

The Black Eyed Peas – Boom Boom Pow (Official Music Video)

Boom Boom PowThe Black Eyed Peas

The Black Eyed Peas’ smash hit “Boom Boom Pow.” It’s crafted as a super catchy piece of electro music.

It’s an excellent track both as a dance tune and a party tune.

If you’re in your 30s and like Western music, there’s a good chance you already know it.

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In conclusion

I introduced rap songs recommended for people in their 30s! If you’re a rap fan, hearing these probably brought back memories and made you feel nostalgic. Ever since hip-hop came to Japan, it’s sparked another boom in the Reiwa era, and it really feels like things have come full circle. It’s also quite moving to think that today’s active artists are likely influenced by the tracks we featured. Take this opportunity to revisit the hip-hop songs you used to listen to! Thank you for reading to the end.