Masaya Matsuura made a name for himself when he introduced the Parappa the Rapper series and set off a growing trend in the rhythm-based video game genre. The founder of NanaOn-Sha talks about the potential of the now flourishing game genre and how developers should explore its vast potential. You can read about his interview in the full article after the jump.

Those who are hankering for more PSP games but can't exactly afford premium-priced titles at the moment can check out some new deals from Toys "R" Us. UMDs of PaRappa the Rapper and SOCOM U.S. Navy SEALs Fireteam Bravo 2, both SCEA titles, are now enjoying a hefty 50% slash off their prices, letting PSP gamers enjoy an early Christmas.

The hip-hoppin' music title PaRappa The Rapper is now only US$ 14.99, way cheaper than its original US$ 29.99 pricetag. Now even more gamers can bust their moves in tune with Master Onion's Rap. For those who'd prefer more nitty-gritty action, SOCOM U.S. Navy SEALs Fireteam Bravo 2 can now be bought at a paltry US$ 9.99.

The Read link below leads to the SOCOM page while this link takes you to the PaRappa page.

Just when you thought the characters from PaRappa the Rapper couldn't get any zanier, their official website has announced a new contest entitled, "Cheap Cheap's Cook Up a Character Contest." Now you could be responsible for the next video game rapping sensation to grace the Parappa the Rapper series... well, not really, but you WILL get yourself your very own character immortalized in art.

The contest is open to all U.S. residents of 18 years and above who are currently registered PlayStation Underground members and have up until September 30 to submit their character entries. No, you don't have to be a rapper or even know how to rap to join this contest either. They do require that you send your character ideas in a .jpg or .pdf format to their email at community_support@playstation.sony.com.

The top ten finalists from the contest will automatically receive a PaRappa PSP Skin, a charm and a beanie, while one lucky winner will be chosen by Rodney Greenblatt (the game's creator) and have his or her winning entry redrawn and framed, as well as winning a copy of the Parappa the Rapper game for the PSP.

Interested in knowing more? We thought so. Feel free to click on the source link for additional information and contest details.

Being the creator and musical genius behind PaRappa the Rapper (PSOne, PSP), PaRappa the Rapper 2 (PS2), and UmJammer Lammy (PSOne), Masaya Matsuura has a lot of things on his mind right now.

Fresh from the announcement of Musika for the iPod, Matsuura was tagged by 1Up for an interview. Interesting tidbits have surfaced from the sit down, including hints of a possible sequel for the NanaOn-Sha rhythm-based games. With PaRappa the Rapper on the PSP just released, 1Up asked Matsuura if he was interested in doing another PaRappa game in the future.

Matsuura replies with: "Of course, PaRappa was made 10 years ago. [The gameplay style] is a little different in Musika than PaRappa. If I had a chance to make another PaRappa for some hardware, of course I would love to do that."

To fuel our hopes even more, Matsuura's even revealed that even Sony is interested in a sequel as well. Time for the fans to start crossing their fingers and screaming "I gotta believe!" But now that both parties - meaning Maatsura and Sony - have expressed interest, what's stopping them from really penning the said sequel?

Apparently, another factor seems to be the prospect of downloadable content on the PS3 via the PlayStation Network, and to respond to the question, Matsuura says:

Personally, I really love the downloadable games on PS3, but currently I don't have any discussion with Sony Computer Entertainment people right now. We are exchanging casual e-mails, meeting up sometimes. I would not be surprised if these kinds of discussions will be started in the near future.

If this pushes through, we just might see the rapping dog back, a-kicking, a-punching, and a-blocking his way to the PSN.

 

When PaRappa the Rapper is in the 'hood, you know it's time to move. Okay, that doesn't really rhyme, but is being unable to rap really a crime? This blogger can't groove even for a dime, but watching other people do it makes it all fine. What's this gig about, you ask? Fierce competitors cracked, cracked, cracked the egg into the bowl, and the champions of Chop Chop Master Onion's Rap Showdown have finally taken the floor.

The victor, Adam S., did more than his best. In fact, he even dressed up his son as PaRappa so they could rap together. The father-and-son combo was topnotch, and they really looked like they tried hard. Add to that some good camera work, having actual props, and downright good rapping, then we've got a winner.

It's time. Let's give the floor to Chop Chop Master Onion's Rap Showdown winners! Find them at Sony's site via the Read link below.

 

Armchair rappers seeking to groove to the beat of PaRappa the Rapper's unforgettable raps and tunes, listen up - the game's official soundtrack is ready and able to be downloaded onto your PSP or portable music device, courtesy of the good folks over at Sony and PSP Fanboy. Now doesn't that sound like great news or what? Kick, punch, it's all in the mind, baby!

Here's the list of the tracks you'll be able to download:

• Chop Chop Master Onion's Rap
• Instructor Mooselini's Rap
• Prince Fleaswallows' Rap
• Cheap Cheap the Cooking Chicken's Rap
• Love You
• All Masters' Rap
• Live Rap with MC King Kong Mushi
• Funny Love

A very awesome playlist, but eclipsed by Chop Chop Master Onion's Rap track, of course. Who could forget PaRappa kicking and chopping to the groovy Kung-Fu Vegetable Master's beat? The download is completely free with no strings attached, and it makes us happy that Sony's pretty much given this bit of videogaming music joy away. For the download, simply click on the read link we've given below. Righteous rapping!

 

When PaRappa the Rapper is in the house, we know there's more than just chopping onions and driving lessons. Chop Chop Master Onion's Rap Showdown was announced just last month, yet hundreds of aspiring rappers and series fans already sent in their entries.

The dough is finally shaping up and the winner is about to be crowned. Ten finalists have been chosen, and it's up to you to vote for your favorite rapper. To do that, just head over to the PlayStation site, which you can find via Read link below.

We were quite amused watching the videos. Contestants range from teens, to dads dressing up their sons as PaRappa. Still, we'll have to say each and everyone in the top ten deserve their spots. Most of them are ghetto style, but some also nailed the PaRappa feel.

Whoever gets branded as crowd favorite will earn a trip for two to PAX (Penny Arcade Expo) at the Washington State Convention and Trade Center in Seattle, WA, August 24, 25 and 26, 2007. One double-occupancy hotel room for three nights and spending money for meals and transportation for three days are also included in the package. Two PSPs and two copies of PaRappa the Rapper are also for grabs.

Kick, Punch, it's all in your mind
If you wanna test me, I'm sure you'll find
The things I'll teach ya, is sure to beat 'ya
But nevertheless you'll get a lesson from teacher now!

Even after ten years, Master Onion's rap is still memorable. Luckily for fans of Sony's PaRappa franchise, you can relive the game's greatest moments on with the PSP port of PaRappa the Rapper!

Featuring the same lovable songs, downloadable remixes, and a lot of rapping fun, we're sure you'll find something to love about the plucky puppy with the block-rocking beats. While you're deliberating the values of rap, why not stop a while and have a look-see at this E3 trailer for the game. Trust us, there's no swearing here, and the rap is all completely wholesome. Enjoy!

Here's a new gameplay video for all you PaRappa the Rapper fanatics out there. The clip below not only teaches players how to sing and dance properly but how to bake a cake as well. Yep, you read right - the song is about baking a cake and it's not as boring as it sounds.

Anyway, you will see here a chicken chef helping Parappa hone his culinary skills and showing him how to break eggs properly (which is kind of weird coming from a chicken, when you really think about it). Of course, you have to follow the song to its exact beat lest you want to get one angry chicken.

Aside from this, PaRappa the Rapper will also feature a variety of songs inspired by other skills such as karate and whatnot. The title was originally developed by NaNaOn-Sha and will be released by Sony in North America this July.

Remember when we mentioned that Sony was starting up its ad campaigns to promote PaRappa the Rapper? In case you think you've got the mad skillz to be able to create your own rap routine based on the game's songs, we've got a contest for you.

Sony has just sent word via their PlayStation site that they're now inviting gamers to their "Chop Chop Onion's Rap Showdown" competition. This contest will have players choose one of three PaRappa clips featured at the home site, with the player challenged to do their very own rap version of the song. The competitor's video must be in a Capella, and must use the original lyrics. The top 10 performers for this competition will stand a chance to receive these following prizes:

• PaRappa PSP skins
• PaRappa PSP charms
• PaRappa's signature beanie
• A copy of the game
  

Of these top ten, the lucky contestant that gets elected as the "Ultimate" PaRappa Rap Master will win tickets for this year's PAX (Penny Arcade Expo). Breaking down the details of this sweet prize:

• Airfare for you and a friend to PAX (Penny Arcade Expo) at the Washington State Convention and Trade Center in Seattle, WA, August 24, 25 and 26, 2007
• One double-occupancy hotel room for three nights
• Spending money for meals and transportation for three days
• Two PSPs and two copies of PaRappa the Rapper

We advice guys planning to join up to move quickly - the first 100 registrants will also be awarded free PaRappa-themed Paul Frank T-shirts. That's the basic rundown for this latest game promo - guys interested in reading the full contest rules are advised to click on the read link for full details.