[Hip-Hop Classics] Timeless HIPHOP / Golden Oldies
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.
- A roundup of 90s Western hip-hop: classics from the golden era
- [US] Great Hip-Hop Classic
- [Western Music] A landmark masterpiece in hip-hop history! A fundamental album you should know
- A Guide to Western Rap: Introducing Legendary Classics
- [2025] A roundup of classic and popular tracks hip-hop beginners should listen to
- Stylish hip-hop! A roundup of classic albums in Western jazzy hip-hop
- [Latest] Trends in Western Hip-Hop Music [2025]
- Western Hip-Hop Popularity Rankings [2025]
- [Western music] Classic upbeat hip-hop tracks
- Rap songs you want to sing at karaoke—tracks everyone can sing together and get hyped
- Great Black Music: Recommended Masterpieces
- Western Music: A Collection of Iconic Big Beat Tracks (Great for Rock Fans Too)
- Popular overseas rappers. Recommended Western/English-language rappers.
Hip-Hop Classics: Essential HIPHOP and Timeless Hits (21–30)
Jump AroundHouse Of Pain
Composed of two MCs and one DJ, the old-school hip-hop group House of Pain is sometimes described as the first successful white group, and their signature track “Jump Around” has become a club favorite.
The song, which repeatedly hypes the crowd to “Jump!!,” remains hugely popular here in Japan as well.
93 ‘Til InfinitySouls Of Mischief
This song, released in 1993, is used by many dancers.
The fashion they wear in the music video is incredibly cool, and classic hits never lose their luster no matter the era.
That’s precisely why they’re called masterpieces.
[Hip-Hop Classics] Standard HIPHOP · Timeless Masterpieces (31–40)
In Da Club50 Cent
If you like hardcore, “thug” style hip-hop, I recommend In Da Club.
Released in 2003, this track packs in quintessential hip-hop elements—violence, money, and women—and became a global hit.
It’s performed by 50 Cent, whose background is quite tragic; he reportedly made a living as a dealer from the age of 12.
It’s precisely that life experience that gives his music its persuasiveness.
Mama Said Knock You OutLL Cool J
Speaking of a Kangol hat and bling-bling, that’s LL Cool J.
A man who continues to influence the hip-hop world to this day.
In 2017, he became the first hip-hop musician to receive the Kennedy Center Honors.
He’s a multi-talented performer who also works as an actor.
The CrossroadsBone Thugs-N-Harmony
Bone Thugs, known for their melodious gangsta rap style that captivates both women and men, are veterans active since 1991 and legends who have collaborated with the likes of Eazy-E, 2Pac, and Biggie.
They won the 1997 Grammy Award for Best Rap Performance with this track.
Strictly BusinessEPMD
A milestone debut and a hit single—an essential classic you can’t leave out when talking about the genre! This track pioneered rap trends in West Coast hip-hop from the late ’80s to the early ’90s.
They initially started their duo under the name EEPMD (Easy Erick and Parrish the Microphone Doctor).
Later, they changed their name to EPMD (Erick and Parrish Making Dollars) and released this work.
California Love2Pac
The East–West feud of gangsta rap.
If The Notorious B.
I.
G.
was the hope of the East Coast, then 2Pac was the hope of the West.
A California native discovered by Dr.
Dre, this genius quickly rose to prominence in the world of hip-hop.
As exemplified by “California Love,” his funky beats and sexy sound were also extremely popular.
However, in 1996 he too was gunned down by rival East Coast forces.
The back-to-back assassinations of two geniuses—2Pac and The Notorious B.
I.
G.
—shocked the entire nation, and it’s said that this tragedy became a turning point toward reconciliation between East and West.
What would hip-hop look like if both of them were still alive? Now it’s a sad legend.