Hip-hop has long been a foundational part of popular culture in America, but in Japan it's still an outsider compared to the more traditional pop markets. However, the Japanese take on hip-hop culture has begun to boomerang its way back West—Japanese rappers are suddenly springing up on Frank Ocean and Travis Scott tracks. Such is the circle of life that is rap music.
In recent years, the alternative rap voices of Japan's major cities have started to multiply. Hip-hop first came to Japan via the likes of 1980s cult movie Wild Style and the proliferation of breakdancing. In the 1990s it began infiltrating Japan's fashion world, and hip-hop style became popular among the country's youth not long after. By the 2000s, Japan's own rappers had begun to find their individual rhythms, flow, and voices. Now, they're blossoming. Here are some new Japanese rappers to keep your eye on…