A classic of Mexican hip hop and Chicano rap
Chicano rap—rap by Mexican Americans.
It’s often misunderstood as “Spanish-language hip-hop = Chicano rap,” but as long as the artist is Mexican American, it counts as Chicano rap even if they’re rapping in English.
What really defines Chicano rap is its old-school vibe that pays homage to oldies.
Its refusal to chase trends is a big part of Chicano rap’s appeal.
This time, we’ve picked out some classic Chicano rap tracks!
From timeless old-school cuts to the latest hits, we’ve curated a wide range—be sure to check them out!
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Mexican hip-hop, Chicano rap classics (1–10)
For The GangRG x $tupid Young x SmokeyGM x Lil Weirdo
A release by a star-studded lineup—RG, Stupid Young, Smokey GM, and Lil Weirdo—“For The Gang.” The structure is simple: a low-key, unfussy beat with each artist dropping their own verse.
The standout verses I especially recommend are from Smokey GM and Lil Weirdo.
Chicano rap often leans on old-school flows, but these two blend trending flows while still preserving a distinctly Latin vibe in their rapping.
Definitely give it a listen.
LATINOSwifty Blue ft. Kap G
“LATINO” is a collaboration between Swifty Blue, known for his hard-edged, streetwise lyrics, and Kap G, a rapper who gained international popularity in the mid-2010s.
As the title suggests, it’s crafted in the classic Chicano rap style.
While Chicano rap is known for its old-school flows, this track lays contemporary flows over a modern beat.
If you’re into trap, this is a must-listen.
Be sure to check it out.
Me and my Dawg Ft. BozoMisfit Soto
Misfit Soto is a rapper you can’t ignore when talking about underground Chicano rap.
His name isn’t exactly well-known—and it’s no exaggeration to say he’s virtually unknown in Japan—but he earns a lot of respect from Chicano rap heads for his high-quality tracks.
A song of his I highly recommend is “Me and my Dawg Ft.
Bozo.” It’s a standout piece marked by a simple beat and hard-edged rapping that evokes an old-school vibe, reflecting a trend in the 2010s underground scene.
Mexican hip-hop, Chicano rap classics (11–20)
For The Paper Ft. Bozo & Jah FreeGangsta L
Gangsta L, a rapper from Los Angeles, is known for a musical style that sits between West Coast and Chicano rap.
His distinctive sound pairs trend-conscious production with rap that leans toward old-school.
His track “For The Paper” featuring Bozo and Jah Free also incorporates trendy trap elements in a measured, not overbearing way.
It’s Chicano rap I’d recommend to those who aren’t fond of the one-dimensional style often associated with trap.
Whip ItSolo Lucci
The quality is unbelievable for what you’d expect from Chicano rap.
Even though Chicano rap has traditionally been treated as a separate genre, when you listen to this track, that boundary disappears—it’s of a quality where you wouldn’t be surprised to call it NY style.
The Nate Dogg-level groove is fantastic too, so I highly recommend it.
OldSchoolMr. Capone-E
Mr.
Capone-E is a Pakistani American rapper—something rare among Chicano rappers.
He emerged on the scene in the 2000s and has since gained international popularity as a Chicano rap legend.
One of his signature tracks is “OldSchool.” As the title suggests, it’s crafted with an unapologetically old-school structure, and the song exudes a nostalgic vibe.
That said, if you listen closely, you’ll hear modern touches woven throughout the track, so it never feels merely dated despite its old-school leanings.
Golden StateBig Sanch
Among Chicano rappers with a gangsta style, Big Sanch stands out for his especially enduring popularity.
In Japan’s rap scene, he holds a position similar to Kan, earning respect from a wide range of listeners—from veteran heads to newer fans.
His classic track Golden State, released in 2017, gained acclaim for its downer-type flow, thug lyrics, and a hardcore beat that evokes an old-school vibe.