Captivating in many styles and forms! Love songs in Japanese rap
In recent years, music that uses rap has been seen across a variety of genres—not just hip-hop.
The appeal of Japanese rap lies in how it crosses genre boundaries and is loved by people of all generations and styles.
Here, I’ll introduce love songs that feature Japanese rap!
I’ve picked out everything from fresh tracks that resonate with younger listeners to masterpieces by seasoned veterans.
These are all songs you’ll want to listen to carefully while reading the lyrics, so please enjoy.
Various styles and forms are captivating! Japanese rap love songs (1–10)
As Love Is (feat. Tsubaki)BASI
The slightly retro sound is stylish.
This is a track by BASI, a rapper from Osaka Prefecture, released in 2018.
It sings of boundless feelings for a loved one.
Tsubaki, a rapper from Okinawa, features on the song.
The pleasantly relaxed vocals and soft soundscape are soothing.
Give it a listen when you’re feeling a little worn out.
Virtual Luv feat. tofubeatsVaVa
I can’t get enough of the mysterious percussion sounds.
This is a track by VaVa, a hip-hop MC from Tokyo.
It’s included on his second album, VVORLD, released in 2019.
Tofubeats, a trackmaker from Hyogo Prefecture, is featured on the track.
The lyrics stand out for their message that even virtual love can be a source of salvation.
I Think I’m FallingKOHH
KOHH burst onto the Japanese hip-hop scene out of nowhere and quickly rose to the top ranks with his charisma.
He became known for dope trap tunes and lyrics that felt like they were written on a vibe, but this track is a down-to-earth love song that pairs a beat with an alternative hip-hop feel and conscious lyrics.
It’s a song that showcases his potential to rap in various approaches while maintaining creative control.
Love Song feat. AISHAAnarchy
ANARCHY is a rapper from Kyoto Prefecture who started his career in 1995, delivering emotive lyrics with a masculine rap style.
His background and mindset are dramatic not only as a rapper but as a person, and once you listen with that context in mind, his music takes on a distinctly different, even deeper appeal.
LONELY NIGHTStofubeats
Created by TOFUBEATS—an up-and-coming trackmaker who’s also a hardcore Book-Off digger—and YOUNG JUJU, an MC from Tokyo’s glamorous large crew KANDYTOWN, the song “LONELY NIGHTS” is a new-generation urban blues concept track.
Over a beat that feels like cruising through the city at night, its sing-song flow is irresistibly smooth.
The treble elements—playful like toys or video games—carry your consciousness in a pleasing way, giving the track a strangely captivating charm.
Hey GirlOZROSAURUS
This is a mellow, grown-up love song created through the collaboration of OZROSAURUS, known as the “Kaiju of Yokohama,” and CORN HEAD, a ragamuffin DJ with top-tier career and skills.
Featured on their second album, JUICE, which follows the debut that instantly boosted their profile, this track is rooted in mainstream hip-hop, but CORN HEAD’s raga flow adds a unique flavor, resulting in a distinctive raga hip-hop tune.
Merry Go Round feat. BASI, Tsubaki, VIGORMAN, WILYWNKAGeG
A mellow love song produced by trackmaker GEG—who also works as part of Hentai Shinshi Club—packed with the charms of smooth city pop, jazzy hip-hop, and alternative hip-hop.
Over his richly crafted track, a lineup of today’s hottest rap acts comes together: VIGORMAN from Hentai Shinshi Club, BASI from Insist, and the Americamura-reppin’ young gun WILYWNKA.
It’s a track to watch for its sophisticated sound design and the fresh word choices of the rappers.