The soundtrack for The Fast and the Furious: Tokyo Drift marked a major shift in the musical identity of the franchise. While The Fast and the Furious (2001) and 2 Fast 2 Furious (2003) leaned heavily into American hip-hop and R&B, the third installment expanded its sonic palette by incorporating Japanese influences, electronic textures, and a stronger cinematic score. It was also the first film in the series scored by Brian Tyler, whose musical themes would later become central to the franchise’s sound.
The official soundtrack album was released on July 18, 2006, through Universal Motown Records. It blends hip-hop, rap, rock, and electronic music to reflect Tokyo’s underground street-racing culture. The standout track, “Tokyo Drift (Fast & Furious)” by Teriyaki Boyz, became instantly recognizable and remains one of the most iconic songs associated with the series. Its minimalist beat and confident delivery perfectly match the film’s focus on drifting and the neon-lit energy of Tokyo nights.
Other featured artists on the album include DJ Shadow, Don Omar, Far East Movement, N.E.R.D., Dragon Ash, and more. The soundtrack feels intentionally international, capturing the fusion of American car culture with Japan’s drifting scene. Unlike earlier entries, where licensed tracks dominated the experience, Tokyo Drift began moving the franchise toward a more cohesive musical direction.
Alongside the commercial soundtrack, a separate score album composed by Brian Tyler was also released. Tyler introduced thematic orchestral elements that would later evolve into the recognizable musical backbone of the series. His work in Tokyo Drift laid the foundation for the expanded orchestral identity heard in Fast & Furious (2009) and subsequent films such as Fast Five (2011). In that sense, this installment serves as a turning point between the early street-racing era and the larger-scale action identity the franchise would adopt later.
Compared to the first two films, Tokyo Drift feels more atmospheric and stylized. The blend of electronic rhythms, hip-hop beats, and orchestral scoring mirrors the film’s setting and tone, making the music an essential part of its identity rather than just background accompaniment.
Release Date: July 18, 2006
Label: Universal Motown Records
Tracks: 12 (official soundtrack album) + 30 (Score)
Composer (Original Score): Brian Tyler
Genre: Hip-Hop / Electronic / Rock / Film Score
The Fast and the Furious: Tokyo Drift: Tracklist
- Teriyaki Boyz – Tokyo Drift (Fast & Furious) – From The Fast and the Furious: Tokyo Drift Soundtrack
- DJ Shadow – Six Days (Remix)
- The 5.6.7.8’s – The Barracuda
- Evil Nine – Restless
- Far East Movement – Round And Round
- N.E.R.D – She Wants To Move
- Teriyaki Boyz – Cho L A R G E
- Dragon Ash – Resound
- Atari Teenage Riot – Speed
- Don Omar – Bandoleros
- Don Omar – Conteo
- Brian Tyler – Mustang Nismo
Score Soundtrack
- Brian Tyler – Touge
- Brian Tyler – The Fast and the Furious: Tokyo Drift
- Brian Tyler – Saucin’
- Brian Tyler – Neela Drifts
- Brian Tyler – Preparation
- Brian Tyler – N2O
- Brian Tyler – Mustang Nismo
- Brian Tyler – Underground
- Brian Tyler – Hot Fuji
- Brian Tyler – This Is My Mexico
- Brian Tyler – Welcome To Tokyo
- Brian Tyler – DK Vs. Han
- Brian Tyler – Downtown Tokyo Chase
- Brian Tyler – Aftermath
- Brian Tyler – Empty Garage
- Brian Tyler – DK’s Revenge
- Brian Tyler – Journey Backwards
- Brian Tyler – Sumo
- Brian Tyler – Shaun’s Crazy Idea
- Brian Tyler – Dejection
- Brian Tyler – Kamata
- Brian Tyler – Two Guns
- Brian Tyler – I Gotta Do This
- Brian Tyler – Megaton
- Brian Tyler – Neela Confronts DK
- Brian Tyler – Winner…Gets…Me
- Brian Tyler – War Theory
- Brian Tyler – I Don’t Need You To Save Me
- Brian Tyler – Neela
- Brian Tyler – Symphonic Touge
