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 (41–50)

When The Last TimeClipse

Clipse – When The Last Time (Video)

When The Last TimeClipse

This is a classic by Kripshu that approaches a distinct, bouncy West Coast-style track with a flow you could call textbook.

Its exemplary rhyming—truly a model for rappers—still stands out today, and the song remains renowned for its enduring presence.

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JumpKris Kross

Kris Kross – Jump (Official Video)

JumpKris Kross

This is a classic track by Kris Kross, a rapper renowned as a pioneer of kid rap.

Not only does it remain highly popular today, but its enduring appeal is evident in the many covers and remixes released using its a cappella.

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HeadsprungLL Cool J

LL COOL J – Headsprung (Official Music Video)

HeadsprungLL Cool J

This is a classic track by LL Cool J, a rapper who has been active since the New Jack Swing and old-school eras.

Known for songs that are easy to listen to while still carrying a gangsta vibe, he’s also recognized as a highly prominent rapper due to his extensive work.

He has firmly established a position where his tracks are still frequently played in the club scene.

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UdsheerNO NAME

NO NAME-Udsheer

UdsheerNO NAME

I think very few Japanese people have ever listened to Mongolian hip-hop.

In fact, Mongolia’s rap scene is extremely advanced; as someone who has listened to music of all genres from over 50 countries, I’d say it’s at least a decade ahead of Japan.

One of the most famous veterans in the Mongolian rap scene is No Name.

The track I’m introducing here, “Udsheer,” is from nearly 20 years ago, yet it features a flow that’s on par with today’s rap scene.

Definitely check it out.

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Por amor al OdioRafael Lechowski

Rafael Lechowski & Glaç 06 – POR AMOR AL ODIO (Versión Jazz) con LETRA OFICIAL

Por amor al OdioRafael Lechowski

Rafael Lechowski is a Spain-based rapper known for jazz rap.

He was born in Poland, but due to the country’s highly turbulent political situation at the time, he moved to Spain with his parents when he was four.

Because of this background, he experienced poverty from a young age, yet unlike your run-of-the-mill mass-produced rappers, he didn’t go off the rails; instead, he devoted himself to music.

His tracks are incredibly tasteful, so be sure to check out his work.

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Confessions nocturnes feat. VitaaDiam’s

Diam’s – Confessions nocturnes feat. Vitaa (Clip officiel)

Confessions nocturnes feat. VitaaDiam's

Diam’s is a female rapper from France.

Besides her talent as a rapper, she’s also an exceptionally skilled singer, boasting vocal abilities that surpass many R&B artists out there.

One of her most famous songs is Confessions nocturnes feat.

Vitaa.

The featured artist is the vocalist Vitaa.

Both parts are highly compelling, so be sure to check it out.

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Hey Ya!OutKast

Outkast – Hey Ya! (Official HD Video)

Hey Ya!OutKast

This is a masterpiece by the eccentric rapper who showcases a dazzling range of styles—from lightning-fast flows like flashes of light to a unique yearning for jazz and approaches to Latin music.

Even overseas, he stands out as a singular talent, and with each release pushing further ahead of the times, he has secured an undeniable charisma.

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