Recommended hip-hop/rap

[Hip-Hop Classics] Timeless HIPHOP / Golden Oldies

Former vocal coach specializing in Western musicRyo
Under the theme of “vocal skills that stand up on the world stage,” I have experience teaching as an online vocal coach specializing in Western music, and I usually listen to genres like nuevo flamenco, bolero, canzone, and R&B. In my teens, I questioned the idea that “foreign music equals English,” and started exploring songs from around the world. My commentary is characterized by a unique perspective shaped by listening to music of every genre, in every language, from every country. I mainly cover world music, so be sure to check it out!

Hip-hop hadn’t been very popular in Japan for a long time, but it’s recently started getting attention, thanks in part to the spread of MC battles.

That said, even if people know recent tracks, many might not be familiar with the older ones.

So this time, we’ve picked out some classic hip-hop tracks recommended for those listeners.

We’ve mainly chosen songs from the 1980s to the 2000s, so you can also get a sense of hip-hop’s history.

Please take your time and enjoy.

[Hip-Hop Classics] Standard HIPHOP · Timeless Masterpieces (111–120)

Southern Hospitality (feat. Pharrell Williams)Ludacris

Ludacris – Southern Hospitality (Official Music Video) ft. Pharrell

Southern Hospitality (feat. Pharrell Williams)Ludacris

Ludacris is not only a popular rapper but also active as an actor.

“Southern Hospitality,” included on his 2000 release and blockbuster album Back for the First Time, is one of the iconic tracks that ushered in 2000s hip-hop.

Of course, it was a hit for Ludacris himself, but it’s also worth noting that the producer was The Neptunes, who were on an unstoppable roll at the time.

For younger music fans, it may be easier to recognize them as the producer team that includes Pharrell Williams, who created the 2013 smash hit “Happy.” It’s a song you can enjoy from the perspective of a masterpiece crafted in the early days by talented musicians.

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[Hip-Hop Classics] Standard HIPHOP / Timeless Masterpieces (121–130)

Move Your FeetJunior Senior

Junior Senior – Move Your Feet (Official music video, HD)

Move Your FeetJunior Senior

While the heart of hip-hop is in the United States, there are many unique groups in other regions as well.

Junior Senior from Denmark is one such duo.

They are known for tracks rooted in electropop, and their signature song “Move Your Feet” became a worldwide hit as an endlessly happy, danceable tune.

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Mirror ft. Bruno MarsLil Wayne

Lil Wayne – Mirror ft. Bruno Mars (Official Music Video) ft. Bruno Mars

Mirror ft. Bruno MarsLil Wayne

Lil Wayne, one of the rappers boasting the world’s best rap skills, has been recognized as a prodigy since childhood and even signed with a record label at the age of 11.

While many of his songs have violent elements, the track “Mirror” features Bruno Mars—known for his sweet vocals—as a guest, making it a very catchy song.

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What’s UnderstoodNyck Caution feat. Joey Bada$$

Nyck Caution ft. Joey Bada$$ – “What’s Understood” (Official Music Video)

What's UnderstoodNyck Caution feat. Joey Bada$$

A classic track by Nyck Caution, a young MC from Brooklyn.

His good friend Joey Bada$$ backs him up.

The track is produced by Atlanta hitmaker Metro Boomin, and the trippy top layers feel great.

The lyrics reflect on Nyck’s past.

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Red RoomOffset

Offset – Red Room (Official Video)

Red RoomOffset

Migos, the hip-hop trio that debuted in 2013 and is often credited with popularizing triplet flows.

This is the lead single from Offset—one of Migos’s members—off his solo debut album “Father of 4,” released in February 2019.

The album as a whole stands out for its introspective look back at the past, and this track likewise offers a glimpse into his inner world.

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OOOUUUYoung M.A

Young M.A “OOOUUU” (Official Video)

OOOUUUYoung M.A

This is a track that became a hot topic featuring the very popular female rapper Young M.

A.

Her super cool vocals match the vibe of the song perfectly, and it seems that artists like Nicki Minaj and Remy Ma have also released remixes.

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Me And My Crazy WorldLost Boyz

Lost Boyz – Me And My Crazy World (Official Video)

Me And My Crazy WorldLost Boyz

Lost Boyz, a hip-hop group from New York, USA.

Their 1997 release “Me and My Crazy World” is a supreme number whose groovy rap instantly cranks up the excitement for summer.

At the same time, the track has an interesting twist, featuring strings and synth tones that sparkle like glass beads.

The quirky, story-driven music video—so characteristic of the ’90s—is also worth checking out, so why not watch it together with the song?

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