Popular overseas rappers. Recommended Western/English-language rappers.

DancerFukkun:)Tatsuki Fukuda
Primarily active in Tokyo, I have experience as a backup dancer for artists, a music video dancer, and a commercial dancer. I continue to work as a dancer while also engaging in article production. After discovering Michael Jackson in junior high school, I began dancing in my second year of high school. Since starting dance, in addition to the J-Pop and Japanese rock I had been listening to, I began exploring Western R&B, rap, alternative music, and other tracks commonly used for dance. In elementary school, I spent three years in a choir, and because I love singing, I often go to karaoke for fun. These days, I enjoy a wide range of music, from Japanese rock and rap to K-pop.
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!

Introducing recommended Western rappers!

Hip-hop, which began spreading worldwide in the 1980s.

While it’s said to have originated in the Bronx, music with a hip-hop-like vibe actually existed in Europe—which has a much longer national history—even before then.

This time, we’ve selected rappers with exceptional skill and style from across hip-hop’s long history!

Not just from the US and UK, but also from countries like Spain and France—we’ve picked artists from around the world.

If you’re digging for high-level, cutting-edge tracks, this is a must-see!

Popular overseas rappers. Recommended Western rappers (71–80)

LOUDERFlesh n Bone

Flesh n Bone – LOUDER (Official music video)

LOUDERFlesh n Bone

Bone Thugs-N-Harmony, who became known worldwide as a hip-hop group in the mid-1990s.

The one singing this track, “LOUDER,” is Flesh-n-Bone, known as one of the group’s standout members.

Bone Thugs-N-Harmony are famous for having many highly skilled rappers, and even among them, Flesh is especially skilled.

This song is what you’d call trap, but unlike the low-skill flows often found in trap, it lets you enjoy a sophisticated, 2000s-style high-level flow.

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Clap BackJa Rule

Ja Rule – Clap Back

Clap BackJa Rule

This is a classic by rapper Ja Rule, who, while leaning relatively toward a party vibe, has collaborated with a wide range of international artists thanks to his distinctive flow and strong vocals.

The track is easy to groove to, with a danceable finish, and lets you enjoy hardcore rap.

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CantaloopUS3

Us3 – Cantaloop (Flip Fantasia) ft. Rahsaan, Gerard Presencer

CantaloopUS3

A standout classic from the middle school era that helped pioneer jazzy hip-hop, this masterpiece by rapper Us3 blends a downer yet danceable track to create a perfectly cool vibe.

As a brilliant fusion of acid jazz and rap, it remains a highly popular song today.

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Bust A MoveYoung MC

Young MC – Bust A Move

Bust A MoveYoung MC

This is a classic track by Young MC that has maintained strong popularity, pairing a high-pitched, middle-school-style beat with rapid-fire rapping, and later spawning an electro remix.

Known as a hip-house classic, it has a uniquely distinctive vibe that sets it apart.

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Whatcha SayJason Derulo

Jason Derulo – Whatcha Say [Official Music Video]

Whatcha SayJason Derulo

This is a classic by rapper Jason Derulo, who introduced a style that paved the way for a new generation of rap flows with a catchy hook and laid-back delivery.

The rhythmically bouncing mid-tempo tune is easy on the ears, great for dancing and getting into the groove, making it a favorite among clubgoers and dancers alike.

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In conclusion

This time, focusing on skill, we picked standout rappers from around the world—not just the US and UK.

Rappers from the US and UK, who lead the sound of the times, have a distinct appeal that differs from Japan’s.

I felt that techniques like rapping skills will continue to be imported from abroad and influence the scene here.

At RAG Music, besides this article, we have many other features on Western hip-hop, so be sure to check those out too!