Underground Hip Hop Artists to Watch Out For
Hip hop has been a cultural phenomenon that has dominated the music industry for the last few decades. Its popularity has given birth to various sub-genres, including mainstream and underground hip hop. While the mainstream genre is often associated with commercial success, the underground scene is where you'll find the real gems.
In this article, we'll be focusing on six underground hip hop artists that you should watch out for. These artists have created a niche for themselves with their unique styles, lyrics, and beats. Let's dive in!
Hopsin
Hopsin is an American rapper and record producer who gained popularity in the underground scene in the late 2000s. He started his career as a member of the group 'Funk Volume' and later went on to pursue a solo career. Hopsin has gained a massive following because of his unorthodox rapping style, honest lyrics, and introspective themes.
His 2013 album 'Knock Madness' received critical acclaim and cemented his status as a talented artist. Some of his standout tracks include 'Ill Mind of Hopsin 5', 'Sag My Pants', and 'Nocturnal Rainbows'. If you're a fan of conscious rap with a bit of a dark twist, Hopsin is one artist you should definitely check out.
Jean Grae
Jean Grae is a South African-born American rapper, producer, and actress. She started her career in the late 1990s and has been a force to reckon with ever since. She's known for her sharp lyrics, socially conscious themes, and unique storytelling ability.
Jean Grae has released several albums and has collaborated with various artists in the underground scene, including Talib Kweli and MF DOOM. Her storytelling abilities are evident in tracks like 'Kill Screen', 'My Story', and 'Going Crazy'. Her introspective themes and creativity make her one of the most exciting artists to listen to in the underground hip hop scene.
Oddisee
Oddisee is a rapper, producer, and songwriter from Washington D.C. His music blends various elements, including jazz, soul, and funk. Oddisee has gained a massive following because of his unique sound and socially conscious lyrics.
His 2017 album 'The Iceberg' received critical acclaim and delved into themes such as society, race, and politics. Some of his standout tracks include 'Brea', 'Like Really', and 'Want to Be'. If you're looking for an artist that blends various elements to create a unique sound while still delivering socially conscious lyrics, Oddisee is one artist you should check out.
Brother Ali
Brother Ali is an American rapper, producer, and activist from Minneapolis, Minnesota. He started his career in the underground scene in the early 2000s and has since released several critically acclaimed albums.
Brother Ali's unique voice, socially conscious themes, and storytelling abilities make him one of the most exciting artists in the underground hip hop scene. Some of his standout tracks include 'Forest Whitaker', 'Own Light', and 'Us'. If you're a fan of thought-provoking lyrics and socially conscious themes, Brother Ali is one artist you should definitely check out.
Quelle Chris
Quelle Chris is an American rapper, producer, and songwriter from Detroit, Michigan. He's known for his unique flow, off-kilter beats, and witty lyrics. Quelle Chris has released several critically acclaimed albums and has collaborated with various artists in the underground hip hop scene.
His 2019 album 'Guns' delved into themes such as gun violence, racism, and politics. Some of his standout tracks include 'Straight Shot', 'WYRM', and 'PSA Drugfest'. If you're looking for an artist that delivers witty lyrics over off-kilter beats while still tackling important themes, Quelle Chris is one artist you should definitely check out.
Open Mike Eagle
Open Mike Eagle is an American rapper, producer, and songwriter from Chicago, Illinois. He's known for his unique flow, socially conscious themes, and literary references. Open Mike Eagle has released several critically acclaimed albums and has collaborated with various artists in the underground hip hop scene.
His 2020 album 'Anime, Trauma and Divorce' delved into themes such as mental health, relationships, and anime. Some of his standout tracks include 'Death Parade', 'Sweatpants Spiderman', and 'Everything Ends Last Year'. If you're looking for an artist that blends literary references, poignant lyrics, and unique flow, Open Mike Eagle is one artist you should definitely check out.
Conclusion
The underground hip hop scene is a treasure trove of talented artists that are pushing the boundaries of the genre. The six artists mentioned in this article are just a handful of the talented individuals you'll find in the scene. Each artist has a unique sound, lyrical style, and themes, making them stand out in their own way.
If you're a fan of thought-provoking lyrics, socially conscious themes, and unique sounds, these artists are definitely worth checking out. Keep an eye out for their upcoming releases, and you're sure to stumble upon some hidden gems that you'll love.