A Guide to Vocaloid Rap: A roundup of popular hip‑hop-style Vocaloid tracks

FAKEMisumi

Misumi – FAKE feat. flower & Hatsune Miku

This is a track I especially recommend to hip-hop fans who don’t usually listen to Vocaloid.

Created by Misumi—also known for popular songs like “The Cat Laughs at Midnight” and “Aria”—it was released in 2018.

Its heavy, weighty rhythm and decadent worldview are captivating.

It’s also perfect as background music for a nighttime drive.

Gekokujō Girlhiroki

hiroki. – Gekokujō Girl feat. Haru / Gekokujo

The thick electric sound is incredibly cool! This track by Vocaloid producer hiroki.

, known for hits like “Ningyo Kaibougaku” and “Monochrome,” was released in April 2023.

The lyrics, which convey a powerful resolve of “I’m about to take on the challenge,” are seriously badass.

But as you might guess from the title, the protagonist is a girl.

Once you notice that, doesn’t it strangely start to feel kind of cute, too? The excitement in the latter half of the song sends your energy soaring!

There is no word as shallow as love.Dennoko-P

[Vocaloid] There Are No Words As Shallow As Love / Dennoko-P

A song released on April 6, Aoki Lapis’s birthday, that depicts feelings of inferiority and inner conflict toward Hatsune Miku.

The ever-changing development and striking words create a chaotic atmosphere.

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and yet, it’s strangely easy to listen to.

The rhymes riding on the high-speed groove feel great.

The phrase “I love you” is so simple that, depending on the person or the timing, it can sometimes come across as shallow.

When your admiration or the things you love feel like they’re starting to warp, this song is sure to save you.

And I really love the lyrics in the latter half.

So to speak, foolish.Hagino

In a manner of speaking, Foolish / Hatsune Miku

It’s a polished Vocaloid track that pairs a sophisticated instrumental with a matter-of-fact, “normal-temperature” vocal tone.

Created by Vocaloid producer Hakino and released in October 2022, it was an entry in the Rookie Ranking of VocaColle 2022 Autumn.

The contrast between the airy lead synths and the punchy bass timbre is striking.

That sonic image meshes well with the wry, slightly jaded lyrics that show exasperation with the world.

It might feel especially immersive when you listen while walking through a crowded cityscape between high-rise buildings.

C.H.O.I.C.ETorero

【VOCARAP】 C.H.O.I.C.E 【Torero】

Torero, who handles a wide range of sounds from rap to samba.

The poppy, cute melodies make your heart skip a beat—you’ll find yourself humming along.

The way the rhymes are woven in is really fun, too! This track is produced in a style that uses multiple Vocaloids within a single song—Hatsune Miku, Kagamine Rin, Megurine Luka, GUMI, Kagamine Len—so there are lots of ways to enjoy it.

I hear the illustration of Len that appears in the PV was drawn by Torero himself.

If you like pop tunes or Perfume, you’re sure to love it!

Hip-Hop Step Jumpfun hobby

Hip-Hop Step Jump / Gakushumi feat. Hatsune Miku

A cute and fun Vocaloid rap that makes you want to jump and groove! Created by Vocaloid producer Rakushumi, it was released in February 2023.

The unique lyrics, unfolding from the perspective of a rabbit MC, are so well-crafted they’ll put a smile on your face just by reading them.

And because the track is rhythmically produced with a lean number of sounds, the high-energy flow fits perfectly.

It’s a piece I can recommend as a “start with this!” when you want to boost your bubbly mood.

Lapis AI Composition LaboratoryDennoko-P

Lapis's AI Composition Laboratory / Den no Ko P

It’s a work with a shocking ending.

It’s a track by Dennoko-P, an indispensable figure in the Vocaloid rap scene, released in 2023.

It was submitted to the Gag Song Posting Festival 2023.

The song features Aoki Lapis introducing an AI that automatically composes the rest of a track if you input the first two measures.

That concept, along with the somewhat retro-futuristic sound, is so characteristic of Dennoko-P.

As for how it ends, I’ll let you find out for yourself, but the way the lyrics maintain a narrative while solidly rhyming… this could be incredibly useful as a reference for making rap.