Published, January 1st, 2024
DJ HASEBE – 90s Japanese Hip Hop Mix
DJ HASEBE, remains one of the influential figures in Japan’s urban music scene. Active since the 1990s, he has seamlessly blended talent, passion, and innovation to leave a lasting mark on the history of hip-hop and R&B in Japan. On January 1, 2025, staying true to his reputation as a pioneer and custodian of musical traditions, DJ HASEBE kicks off the new year with an extraordinary mixtape titled 90s Japanese Hip Hop Mix. This nearly 90-minute mixtape pays tribute to the golden era of Japanese hip-hop when iconic artists rose and solidified the genre’s foundations in Japan.
DJ HASEBE makes a vibrant tribute to the 1990s
Drawing from his memories and expertise, DJ HASEBE curates a timeless selection of classic tracks from Japanese rap’s heyday. The mixtape features legendary artists such as SOUL SCREAM, ZEEBRA, Buddha Brand, MICROPHONE PAGER, Ozrosaurus, ECD, RHYMESTER, and many more. These names are pillars of an era when Japanese rap carved out its unique identity, blending Western influences with local culture.
With 90s Japanese Hip Hop Mix, DJ HASEBE goes beyond compiling songs; he delivers a deep dive into a flourishing period, where each track tells a story and evokes precious memories for music lovers. The song choices and seamless transitions reflect HASEBE’s talent for capturing the essence of an era while delivering a smooth and captivating auditory experience.
Since his debut as a DJ in the 1990s, DJ HASEBE has stood out for his sharp sense of innovation and impactful collaborations. In 1993, he launched the event FAT RAT, which quickly became a must-attend for hip-hop and R&B enthusiasts. His first mixtape, DJ HASEBE 1, laid the foundation for a career defined by boldness and excellence.
In 1996, he took another significant step as a producer with the track Ice Pick, a standout collaboration featuring ZEEBRA and MUMMY-D, two legends of Japanese rap. His work with the group Sugar Soul on the hit 今すぐ欲しい (Imasugu Hoshii), performed by AIKO, and other memorable tracks are etched in history as some of the most influential in Japan’s R&B scene. His 2000 album HEY WORLD capped off a decade of creativity, cementing his status as a musical icon.
Follow Dj Hasebe’s mixtapes on his YouTube channel.
