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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. 1. Kota The Friend.
- 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.
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- 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.
- Hus Kingpin - Portishus. Long Island native Hus Kingpin continues his run of quality releases with Portishus – a project inspired by the music of legendary British band Portishead.
- M.A.V. & Hobgoblin - Angelz & Demonz 3. M.A.V. is an emcee from Rochester, New York, and Hobgoblin is a producer from Birmingham in the United Kingdom. Together they are responsible for the excellent Angelz and Demonz series, of which this is the final installment.
- Machacha - The Hundred. The Hundred is the 100th release by indie label Copenhagen Crates, produced for the most part by Machacha (with additional work on the boards from Giallo Point, DJ TMB, DJ Swab, and Brainorchestra), and featuring hard street bars by a host of underground spitters such as Eto, SmooVth, Supreme Cerebral, Ankhlejohn, M.A.V., Jay Nice, Pro Dillinger, $auce Heist, Mooch, Estee Nack, Recognize Ali, Jay Royale, Ty Farris, Lord Jah-Monte Ogbon, Rigz, Napoleon Da Legend, and others.
- Wiki - Half God. Wiki is an emcee from NYC and Half God is his fourth full-length LP, entirely produced by Navy Blue. Wiki’s previous releases all were strong projects, but Half God is his best work yet, a fully realized work containing 16 full songs and an hour of music.
- MF DOOM. Rapp Snitch Knishes (feat. Mr. Fantastik) MF DOOM is a name you should know in the hip hop world, and it’s a bit of a shame he remained an underground artist for his entire career.
- El-P. El-P - "The Full Retard" (Official Video) El-P is one of the most important figures in all of alternative hip hop, being the biggest influence on other artists on this list like Aesop Rock.
- Kool Keith. Kool Keith - Black Elvis 2 Intro | Official Audio. In the hip hop world, there are plenty of odd and eccentric artists out there. So, you know it’s saying something when someone is generally considered the most out-there personality.
- Mos Def. Mos Def - Umi Says. Mos Def is another prolific recording artist, working with several groups like Urban Thermo Dynamics and alongside Talibn Kweli in Blackstar.
Dec 2, 2021 · Rising Charlotte rapper Mavi feels that the idea of underground rap is a more “descriptive than prescriptive” notion, and a “judgment made on the mix or the reach or style” of music.
Apr 5, 2024 · 1. Ka. Brooklyn-based rapper Ka has garnered critical acclaim for his introspective lyrics, poetic storytelling, and minimalist production. His albums, such as “The Night’s Gambit” and “Honor Killed the Samurai,” showcase his mastery of language and ability to paint vivid pictures with words.
