Search results
Feb 16, 2023 · Here’s our list of the best underground rappers you should keep an eye on because they are bound to have a big year. We were right about the best underground artists in 2020, and we'll be right about them again in 2023.
- MF Doom. 8,613 votes. Beginning his career under the moniker Zev Love X, MF Doom is known for his meticulously crafted lyrics, eclectic beats, and iconic mask inspired by comic book villain Doctor Doom.
- Mos Def. 4,668 votes. Better known today as Yasiin Bey, Mos Def garnered critical acclaim in the late 90s for his deft lyricism, intelligent social commentary, and charismatic stage presence.
- Big L. 5,670 votes. Hailing from Harlem, Big L was a skilled wordsmith known for his witty punchlines and intricate rhyme patterns. Tragically murdered in 1999, Big L's legacy lives on through his two albums – Lifestylez ov da Poor & Dangerous and posthumous release The Big Picture.
- Immortal Technique. 7,765 votes. Peruvian-born rapper Immortal Technique has built a reputation for his fiercely political lyricism, focusing on issues such as class struggle, poverty, and corruption.
- Ransom. First up is Jersey City artist, Ransom. His rhymes are symbolic of his life story: equal parts harsh and inspiring. He doesn’t shy away from the truth, no matter how gritty and raw.
- Evidence. Maybe you’ve heard of a group called Dilated Peoples? If not, you’ve got a homework assignment. Whether it’s Dilated Peoples, Step Brothers, or his solo work, Evidence is a hip hop legend.
- Westside Gunn. Ayo Ayo! Arguably the king of ad libs, WSG is the next legend on the list. Along with Benny the Butcher and Conway the Machine, he is a founding member of the Griselda collective.
- Rome Streetz. A relatively new artist on this list is the lyrically potent, Rome Streetz. Since 2016, he has been releasing non-stop powerhouse projects.
- Third Root – Passion Of The Poets. Third Root is a trio that consists of Charles Peters (Easy Lee), Marco Cervantes (Mexican StepGrandfather), and DJ Chicken George (DJCG).
- One Be Lo - Baby (Being A Black Youth) BABY (Being a Black Youth) is One Be Lo’s best project since his magnum opus S.O.N.O.G.R.A.M. (2005). One Be Lo has always been a fan of acronyms, evident here not just in the album’s title but in the tracklist as well: all song titles are composed of the four letters in BABY too.
- Jamo Gang - Walking With Lions. Jamo Gang consists of LA legend Ras Kass, NYC veteran emcee El Gant, and J57 on production. The album features DJ Premier, Slug from Atmosphere, Sid Wilson from Slipknot, Sick Jacken from Psycho Realm & Slaine from La Coka Nostra.
- Eastern Sunz - Fuel For A Fool’s Errand. Eastern Sunz is a duo from Portland, Oregon consisting of Courage and Travis T. On Fuel For A Fool’s Errand, Eastern Sunz comes with a potent blend of live instrumentation and traditional feeling boom-bap, with funky drums, jazzy basslines, and even some fresh guitar and piano work combined with well-dosed old school turntablism and sampling.
People also ask
Who are the top underground rappers?
What are the best underground Hip Hop Albums of the year?
What makes a good underground rapper?
What is underground hip hop?
- MF Doom. 516 votes. A master of intricate rhyme schemes and intricate storytelling, MF Doom is known for his enigmatic persona and often wears a signature metal-mask on stage.
- Big L. 493 votes. The late Big L was a Harlem-based rapper known for his fierce wordplay and intricate lyricism. He gained fame in the early '90s during the golden age of hip-hop through his association with D.I.T.C.
- Immortal Technique. 426 votes. With razor-sharp political commentary, controversial opinions, and thought-provoking lyrics, Peruvian-American rapper Immortal Technique has been challenging the status quo ever since entering the underground hip-hop scene in the early 2000s.
- Jedi Mind Tricks. 239 votes. Jedi Mind Tricks have carved their niche with thought-provoking lyrics and an innovative sound that combines hardcore beats with raw, emotional storytelling.
Jun 7, 2023 · 17. Benny The Butcher. One of Griselda Record’s mainstays, along with previous entries, WestSide Gunn and Conway The Machine, Benny lacerates traditions and niceties with his brusque, hostile lyrical style. His beats are cold, disconcerting, and domineering, allowing no space for tender poetics or sweet asides.
Apr 5, 2024 · While mainstream rap dominates the charts, the underground scene is where you’ll find some of the most thought-provoking lyrics, unique sounds, and groundbreaking styles. In this article, we delve into the realm of underground rappers to uncover the best talent that is redefining the hip-hop genre.
