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 (21–30)

Roll UpWiz Khalifa

Wiz Khalifa – Roll Up [Official Music Video]

Roll UpWiz Khalifa

This is a classic track by Wiz Khalifa, a rapper who currently enjoys the highest level of recognition and popularity, frequently being featured by many artists.

He’s idolized by kids as a charismatic figure, and his hard yet relatable lyrical style is embraced worldwide.

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Straight Outta ComptonN.W.A

N.W.A. – Straight Outta Compton (Official Music Video)

Straight Outta ComptonN.W.A

Emerging from Compton in the suburbs of Los Angeles in the late 1980s, N.

W.

A were pioneers who established a new genre: gangsta rap.

Their songs, which unflinchingly depicted the realities of the streets, drew criticism from the media and the government at the time, yet captured the hearts of many young people.

They debuted in 1987 on Ruthless Records, and their album Straight Outta Compton achieved major commercial success.

The group produced members such as Eazy-E, Dr.

Dre, and Ice Cube, who went on to great solo success, and they were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2016.

With socially critical lyrics and innovative sound, N.

W.

A laid the foundation for the modern hip-hop scene, and their music is recommended for fans who resonate with raw, realistic expression.

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TriumphWu Tang Clan

Wu-Tang Clan – Triumph (Official HD Video) ft. Cappadonna

TriumphWu Tang Clan

Wu-Tang Clan is a legendary hip-hop group formed in New York in 1992.

Known as revolutionaries of East Coast hip-hop, they’ve captivated countless fans with their distinctive sound and style.

Their debut album, Enter the Wu-Tang (36 Chambers), is highly acclaimed as a landmark in hip-hop history.

The group’s name comes from Hong Kong martial arts films, and their innovative incorporation of that world into their rap drew widespread attention.

Their 1997 album, Wu-Tang Forever, reached No.

1 on the Billboard 200 and earned a Grammy nomination, cementing their global reputation.

Defined by hardcore beats and razor-sharp rhymes, they’re a must-listen for any hip-hop fan.

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Song CryJay Z

JAY-Z – Song Cry

Song CryJay Z

This is a classic by the legendary rapper Jay-Z, who pushed a hardcore gangsta-rap style—without relying on sampling—to the level of pure expression.

His exceptional sensibility influenced countless later rappers, and the song’s polished perfection, which cemented his status as a true icon, is nothing short of breathtaking.

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In Da Club50 Cent

50 Cent – In Da Club (Official Music Video)

In Da Club50 Cent

It’s a classic track by 50 Cent that also drew attention for the fact that the jewelry and luxury cars weren’t his own but rentals.

The song is a bona fide club anthem—just hearing the intro gets many clubgoers hyped—and it’s also renowned as a battle anthem.

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StrongerKanye West

Kanye West – Stronger

StrongerKanye West

This is a classic track by Kanye West that skillfully samples Daft Punk’s masterpiece and reconstructs it with heavy, razor-sharp flows.

He is often cited as one of the artists who defined the rap scene of the 2000s, and has released many works that showcase his masterful command of production.

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Big PoppaThe Notorious B.I.G.

The Notorious B.I.G. – Big Poppa (Official Music Video)

Big PoppaThe Notorious B.I.G.

The Notorious B.

I.

G.

, a figure who epitomized the gangsta rap scene of the 1990s.

Known as the face of East Coast hip-hop, his 1993 debut album Ready to Die made a bold statement at a time when West Coast hip-hop dominated the mainstream.

He produced hits like Juicy and Mo Money Mo Problems, captivating many fans with his distinctive flow and deep lyrics.

He passed away in March 1997 at the young age of 25, but his posthumous album Life After Death reached No.

1 on the Billboard 200.

He’s an artist recommended not only for rap enthusiasts but also for anyone interested in music history.

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