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 Rap for People in Their 30s (81–90)

Ride Wit Me ft. St. LunaticsNelly

Nelly – Ride Wit Me (Official Music Video) ft. St. Lunatics

Ride Wit Me ft. St. LunaticsNelly

This is Nelly, a popular MC known for rapping like he’s singing.

This track, included on his debut album “Country Grammar” released in 2000, is one of Nelly’s early signature songs.

It’s a very satisfying track with rap that’s easy on the ears.

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Born 2 LiveO.C.

O.C. – Born 2 Live

Born 2 LiveO.C.

This is a classic rap track by OC, where a Golden Era-influenced, middle-school-style rhyming approach unfolds a groovy, dancer-like texture.

The modern sound is pleasing, resulting in an airy finish that’s especially recommended for listeners in their 30s.

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Dream SkyRau Def

RAU DEF “DREAM SKY”

Dream SkyRau Def

This is a classic rap track by Laudeph, who has risen to become a charismatic figure in the Japanese hip-hop scene with a style that turns his distinctive, quirky flow into a weapon of originality.

Its strong presence and easy listenability elevate it into a cool work that’s also recommended for listeners in their 30s.

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Soul ClapShowbiz & A.G.

Showbiz & A.G. – Soul Clap

Soul ClapShowbiz & A.G.

This is a classic rap track by Showbiz and A.G., defined by dancer-like drum textures and stylish development that makes skillful use of sampling.

Its old-school vibe has a refined edge, making it a sound I can recommend to listeners in their 30s.

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She SaidThe Pharcyde

The Pharcyde – She Said (original version)

She SaidThe Pharcyde

A classic rap track by The Pharcyde that enhances the mood by pairing a deep, textured, track-oriented approach with a gentle, refined flow.

Its distinctly urban atmosphere stands out, evoking a Golden Era vibe that will feel familiar and appealing to listeners in their 30s.

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