From the neon-lit streets of Tokyo to the rhythmic heartbeats of Bangkok and Seoul, a new generation of Asian rappers is rewriting the rules of the game. These rising artists bring a perfect storm of lyrical firepower, sonic innovation, and cultural influence—creating waves far beyond their local scenes. Whether they’re flowing in Japanese, Korean, Mandarin, or Thai, one thing’s clear: they’re making serious noise on a global scale.
Here are six of the most exciting up-and-coming rappers in Asia that need to be on your playlist right now.
Only U (Japan)
Tokyo’s Only U is redefining Japan’s rap scene with his blend of emotion and grit. With a signature husky voice and a smooth yet powerful delivery, Only U injects his music with vulnerability, poetic lyricism, and a streetwise edge. His ability to switch between raw storytelling and catchy hooks makes him one of the most captivating new voices out of Japan.
From heartbreak ballads to nighttime trap anthems, Only U’s catalog is stacked with mood-heavy gems. Start your journey with the emotionally charged “Chrome Hearts”, followed by the introspective “ Future Self” and the moody banger “Stranger’.” Each track is a testament to his authenticity and vision.
Shotty J (Thailand)
Shotty J is Thailand’s rap dynamo—boisterous, bold, and brimming with street charisma. He’s earned respect for his intense delivery and sharp lyricism, blending trap swagger with a Thai twist that gives his sound a unique flavor. His confident mic presence and raw storytelling are helping lead the Thai hip-hop renaissance.
Shotty J doesn’t just ride beats—he owns them. Whether he’s spitting rapid-fire or slowing it down for dramatic effect, he commands attention. Kick off with his hard-hitting “H8U”, the anthemic “R.O.B”, and the no-holds-barred “ Carry on Freestyle”
Ak Benjamin (Taiwan)
Taiwan’s Ak Benjamin is the alt-rap dreamweaver you didn’t know you needed. Known for his melancholic soundscapes and diary-like lyrics, Ak blends emotional vulnerability with smooth melodic rap. His songs often delve into heartbreak, mental health, and identity, all delivered in a sonic package that’s dreamy, dark, and unforgettable.
He’s quickly amassing fans in Taiwan and beyond for his ability to feel both intimate and cinematic. Must-listens include “Young DiCaprio Freestyle” a heart-wrenching confessional; “Mr. Insecure” which fuses emo rap with lo-fi beats; and “Lone Wolf” a haunting ballad of detachment and resolve.
Molly Yam (South Korea)
South Korea’s Molly Yam is an underground icon in the making—fusing moody goth aesthetics with razor-sharp rap skills that demand attention. Known for his striking visual style—black nails, dark streetwear, and haunting stage presence—Molly Yam is more than just a rapper; he’s a full-blown artistic persona. His sound is as dark and captivating as his look, blending icy trap beats with lo-fi melancholia and introspective bars.
What sets Molly apart is his ability to balance raw emotional vulnerability with stone-cold confidence. He delivers verses with precision and depth, often exploring themes like alienation, inner chaos, and the shadows of modern youth culture. If you’re new to his sonic world, start with the industrial-tinged “ Burning Slow ”. dive into the immersive “What you wanna be” and don’t miss “WET” a standout track packed with swagger and lyrical finesse.
Ozworld (Japan)
Ozworld is Japan’s psychedelic rap samurai. Blending anime aesthetics with cyberpunk trap beats and hypnotic autotune, this Okinawan artist has cultivated an entire sonic universe. He’s a visual artist as much as a musical one—every track feels like stepping into a digital fever dream.
But don’t let the trippy visuals fool you—Ozworld’s bars are sharp, his production is innovative, and his musical identity is unmatched. For a deep dive, start with the glitchy and infectious “Gear 5 -remix” the catchy “NINOKUNI” and the low-slung vibe of “RASEN in OKINAWA”
Nowimyoung (South Korea)
South Korea’s Nowimyoung (나우아임영) is riding high on a wave of buzz for good reason. His silky flow and confident delivery make every verse feel smooth yet hard-hitting. He balances commercial appeal with lyrical depth, making tracks that are easy to vibe to but still packed with meaning.
Teaming up with Sik-K on the seductive “AH AH” brought him major attention, but Nowimyoung has proven he’s no one-hit wonder. For a proper introduction, spin “Iphone”—a fiery display of rap power—along with “AH AH” and “I’m Like” He’s poised to be one of Korea’s next rap icons.
Whether you’re into hard-hitting trap bangers, moody emo rap, or genre-defying sonic experiments, these six artists are reshaping the Asian hip-hop landscape one bar at a time. Each of them brings something bold, fresh, and unapologetically original to the table—proving that the future of global rap isn’t just coming from the West anymore. It’s being carved out in the neon alleys of Tokyo, the underground clubs of Seoul, and the gritty corners of Bangkok and Taipei. So if you’re looking to level up your playlist and tap into the next wave of greatness, these six names should be right at the top of your radar. Stay ahead of the curve—because these rappers are just getting started.
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