Check Out the New 22-Minute Pokérap Featuring All 1025 Pokémon!
Anyone who tuned into the original Pokémon anime back in the ‘90s will surely recall the iconic “Pokérap,” that catchy tune that wrapped up episodes with James “D Train” Williams and Babi Floyd rapping through the names of all 151 original Pokémon. The anime revisited this concept for the Johto and Hoenn seasons, but since then, the Pokémon roster has exploded to a staggering 1,025, and that’s before the upcoming Winds and Waves expansion adds even more. To celebrate the series’ 30th anniversary, The Pokémon Company has crafted a modern version of the “Pokérap” that showcases every Pokémon released to date, clocking in at an impressive 22 minutes.
This new track, performed by Masayoshi Oishi, kicks off with a vibe reminiscent of an anime opening theme rather than traditional hip hop, but it shifts genres throughout, resembling a progressive orchestral suite. It transitions from swing to salsa, smooth jazz, heavy metal, and more, before returning to that lively anime OP feel. With a runtime akin to a full episode of the Pokémon anime, the song features plenty of dynamic highs and lows. While it’s in Japanese, which might leave some names unfamiliar to non-speakers, I’ve already spotted several of my favorites, making me cheer like someone who needs visuals to grasp the stories in books.
You can easily identify when a Pokémon is a favorite of The Pokémon Company, as they receive unique animations or special mentions during the song. The video is definitely worth a watch, if only to appreciate how they ensure every Pokémon gets a moment in the spotlight, blending official art, game screenshots, and even clips from the anime. Even if you have a niche favorite that seems overlooked, you’re bound to find them in this 22-minute celebration.