So recently I took some time to reflect on some of my favorite hip-hop artists and I realized that most of them aren’t actually “mainstream” or “radio hit” makers. It made me ask the question: What are people who get most of their music from the billboards missing out on?
As a hip-hop artist myself, I am very sympathetic to artists who are really good at the craft but don’t get the same recognition as some who don’t have the same skillsets. This could be for reasons ranging from musical content, musical sub-genre or just an overall lack of opportunities. So I’m here to introduce, and link you to, dope, new, and interesting artists that you probably wouldn’t hear about other than by word of mouth.
Recommended for you
1. Azizi Gibson
This guy can rap about manga and make it seem like the coolest thing in the world (automatic top 10 in my opinion). With his laid back approach to musical etiquette, the grim reaper had me sold the moment I heard Dragon Ball Z star “Vegeta” narrating his album Prehistoric Till Death.
Aside from his quirky song subjects disguised in a mixture of sounds similar Waka Flocka, Chief Keefe, and Wiz Khalifa, he has a particular way of making any topic no matter how serious sound almost comedic by nature. I definitely recommend this artist if you are a listener who wants to turn up to ridiculous music and also appreciates bars.
2. Mick Jenkins
One of the few artists out of Chicago that can make jazzy hip-hop sound both contemporary and upbeat. I felt almost jealous of his lyrical talent (almost) when I heard his tape The Water[s] for the first time. He revealed a completely different side of himself when he released his tape The Wave[s], showing a more jazz centered contemporary sound to his music.
Combined with an amazing pen game and dope production from Them Peoples and OnGuard, Mick is possibly the most entertaining hip-hop artists who can push a potent message without relying on fast speech and heavy bass. This is definitely a good way to create some mellow vibes while you commute.
3. KB
One of my favorite artists of all time. He has a unique way of turning powerful and spiritual messages into songs that you can dance to and also have a heavy emotional response to. I think I replayed his album Tomorrow We Live about a dozen times before I finally said it’s time to move on.
KB is probably the most underrated artist on Reach Records not to mention the Reach Records is possibly the most underrated hip-hop label in the industry. While everyone else is bumping Future and Drake and parties, I’ll be dabbing to some KB. Definitely, a great artist for you if you appreciate bars with a little bit of melody in your hip-hop.
4. Noname Gypsy
The type of artist who is much better known for her features than her actual collection of work. She makes every track dope when she spits a verse, but she never makes herself the center of attention. She should be. When I first heard her on Chance the Rapper’s tape Acid Rap I was hooked to her sound.
This made it even more exciting to hear when she collaborated with Mick Jenkins on The Water[s]. I’ve only found a few of her songs online but she is definitely a gem worth searching for (if you choose not to click the link that I’m providing).
5. Vic Mensa
Before Kanye and Jay-Z saw his potential, Vic Mensa was putting out heat every time he released a track. His lyrical ability and eccentric musical creativity were able to make me appreciate his artistry from the first few tracks.
After listening to Innanet Tape initially, I had mixed feelings about the music. After a few listens I learned to not only appreciate, but enjoy his style. He is definitely worth listening to if you have a thing for less intrusive instrumentals and more lyrics.
6. Alex Wiley
The more independent member of Hurt Everybody, Alex is one of the few artists that can create the most intense visuals without actually showing visuals. He makes you feel like you are on a trip in his mind and you're also going through whatever he is right alongside him. After listening to Village Party, I was very impressed. Village Party 2 brought him into a completely different light, which I didn’t even think was possible. This is a very versatile artist and another reason why Chicago hip-hop is becoming a musical powerhouse.
If anything, you should listen to his latest mixtape for the chill Chance the Rapper feature. This is a great artist for anyone looking to experience the music rather than just listen to it. It requires a very open mind and a love for good instrumentals.
7. Tink
Not necessarily a hip-hop artist, but she does rap. She has some impactful social commentary about police brutality and her perspective on relationships. This isn’t an artist I would play in a group car ride but I admittedly at one point bumped some of her slow jams when I'm in the mood. At the same time, I listened to songs like Tell the Children and felt the connection between her experiences and what’s happening in our society. This is a good artist to listen to if you want to experience some new mixtures of R&B and hip-hop.
8. Joyner Lucas
One of those artists who forced his way onto everyone’s iPod by promoting his music as if it was the best thing since sliced bread. We hear you, Joyner. His popularity began to climb when we caught him on the BET cypher spitting some hot fire for the viewers.
This appearance was mainly due to his latest tape Along Came Joyner and his music video for “Ross Capachioni,” which is his most popular song to date. The video was very impactful and finding out it was based on a true story was that much more surprising.
If you’ve ever heard of him, it’s because you’ve seen a viral video of his like “Words with Friends” or “Backwards” being shared by someone you know. He has a very creative depiction of events when it comes to video production. This artist is good for those who appreciate storytelling and lots of wordplays.
9. Supa Bwe
Another member of Hurt Everybody, and another anime lover (always a plus for me). Supa Bwe is the most experimental hip-hop artist that I’ve seen in a long time.
He is able to create music that tests the limits of what can be considered hip-hop and still sound good doing it. Although his tapes 2K47, Magic City, and The Dead Occasion don’t have cohesive themes, they are definitely pushing boundaries in their sonic appeal. This is an artist for those with very open minds and ready to experience some experimental sounds.
10. nobigdyl
The only artist I know that can remix a Taylor Swift song and Justine Beiber song and turn them both into dope hip-hop tracks. This artist is probably the most fun person that I’ve seen in the music industry. Following his social media is actually a blessing, but listening to his music is even better. This is a great artist to listen to if you like that acoustic band sound with your hip-hop and a few dope bars and metaphors.
11. Dumbfounded
From rapper, to battle rapper, to rapper again, this is the most dope and funniest battle rapper you will probably ever see. I don’t know him for his musical hip-hop but I have been told that those are equally as good as his battles. I recommend him to those who like bars with a little comedy mixed in.
12. Flatbush Zombies
This is a group of three really dope Brooklyn artists (Darko, Zombie Juice, and Erick the Architect). They make really dark, almost zombie like music, go figure. Their unique descriptions of the world made listen to their entire tape straight through.
Being introduced to them with their song “Amerikkkan Pie” was a very interesting experience, to say the least. I would advise those who listen to go in with an open mind for music and a grasp on lyrical knowledge as well.
13. Blu & Exile
Dope old school west coast sound. He doesn’t make music nearly as much as he used to but he has a smooth flow and bars that go beyond the casual listener’s spectrum of comprehension.
I don’t have a personal knowledge of his discography but from what I’ve heard so far, I think that this artist is good for those who want to hear some real raw hip-hop that resembles the original west coast sound.
14. CyHi The Prynce
Most famous for his Kanye and Def Jam “Diss.” Before he ended his own career, he made really dope music for Kanye’s label but was benched by the label in favor of his more popular label-mates. It’s not surprising that this frustrated him to the point where he felt like he had to get out, but I’m pretty sure this just put the nail in the coffin. If he ever makes any new music, you should definitely listen to it because he makes music with that real heavy hip-hop sound.
15. Kayiness
I may or may not be biased because this is family, but Klark Kent has the greatest bars of all time! He is quite possibly the future of Brooklyn hip-hop (even though Troy Ave supposedly restored the feeling). He is a self-proclaimed perfectionist, so most of his music have been taken down in favor of his newer bodies of work, but make no mistake; it is still just as dope. In my most objective opinion, I believe that his music is definitely very impactful and filled with metaphors, wordplay, and raw bars.
If I could get you to read a thesis paper about underrated artists, I definitely would write one, but 15 artists should suffice for now. You may have even heard of some of these artists already, but a little bit of a different perspective on them couldn’t hurt either.
If you’re a real fan of hip-hop, you’ll let people know about these artists that are just waiting to be listened to by the masses!
Especially Kayiness and J. Blacksmith. Those are the greatest artists of all time.
