PaRappa the Rapper is a rhythm video game created by Masaya Matsuura and his NanaOn-Sha company. The game was created for Sony Playstation and was one of the first rhythm video games. While the gameplay is simplistic on certain levels, the game is remembered for its unique graphic design, its quirky soundtrack, and its bizarre plot. It is named for the main protagonist, PaRappa, a dog who enjoys rapping and whose catchphrase is, "I gotta believe!"
It spawned a merchandising in Japan, an anime series, a direct sequel for PlayStation 2, and a spinoff called UmJammer Lammy. PaRappa also appears as a playable character in the crossover fighting game PlayStation All-Stars Battle Royale for the PlayStation 3.