The Top 5 Underground Hip Hop Artists You Need to Know

This article is a collaborative effort, crafted and edited by a team of dedicated professionals.

Contributors: Andranick Tanguiane, Fred Lerdahl,

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If you’re a fan of hip hop, then you need to check out these five artists. They’re all making waves in the underground scene and are definitely worth your attention.

Who is considered “underground hip hop?”

Underground hip hop is a subgenre of hip hop music that encompasses the independently released and lesser known artists, on the fringes of the mainstream hip hop industry. These artists often exist outside of the commercial rap music industry and are not signed to major record labels. They may release their music through independent record labels, or self-release their albums.

While some underground artists may achieve moderate success within the underground scene, others may remain relatively unknown. Nevertheless, these artists often have a strong following among hardcore hip hop fans and are respected for their gritty and often innovative style of rapping.

Some of the most popular underground hip hop artists include Aesop Rock, El-P, Brother Ali, MF DOOM, and Sage Francis.

What are the top 5 underground hip hop artists?

The underground hip hop scene is thriving, with new artists emerging all the time. It can be hard to keep up with all the new music, but it’s worth it to seek out these hidden gems. Here are five underground hip hop artists you need to know.

1. Aminé
Aminé is a rapper and singer from Portland, Oregon. He first gained attention with his 2016 single “Caroline,” which peaked at number 11 on the Billboard Hot 100. Since then, he has released two albums, including 2018’s good for you, which debuted at number 24 on the Billboard 200. Aminé is known for his catchy hooks and playful lyrics.

2. Noname
Noname is a rapper, singer, and poet from Chicago, Illinois. She first gained attention as a featured artist on Chance the Rapper’s 2013 mixtape Acid Rap. Her debut albumTelefone was released in 2016 to critical acclaim. Noname’s work often deals with personal and social issues, such as race and feminism.

3. IDK
IDK (formerly Jay IDK) is a rapper from Baltimore, Maryland. He first gained attention with his 2015 mixtape Subtrap, which was followed by his debut album IWasVeryBad in 2017. IDK is known for his deep and introspective lyrics. He often tackles social issues in his music, such as police brutality and mental health.

4. Tyler, the Creator
Tyler, the Creator is a rapper, singer, producer, and director from Los Angeles, California. He is the founder of the Odd Future hip hop collective. Tyler’s music often deals with dark subject matter such as rape and murder. He has been accused of being misogynistic and homophobic in his lyrics; however, he has also been praised for his inventive style and creativity.

5 . Earl Sweatshirt
Earl Sweatshirt is a rapper from Los Angeles, California who initially gained attention as a member of Odd Future. He released his debut mixtape Earl in 2010 when he was just 16 years old. Earl’s music often deals with dark subject matter such as depression and drug abuse.

1. Logic – “Under Pressure”
2. Chance the Rapper – “No Problem”
3. Kendrick Lamar – “Alright”
4. J. Cole – “No Role Modelz”
5. Childish Gambino – “3005”

What makes them stand out from other artists?

All of these artists have something unique that sets them apart from the pack. Whether it’s their innovative style, powerful lyrics, or §uicideboy$’s one-of-a-kind beats, they each offer something new to the hip hop world.

$uicideboy$
The New Orleans duo is quickly becoming one of the most sought-after groups in hip hop. Their unique sound, which they describe as “cloud rap”, combines elements of trap and punk to create a truly original sound. They’re also known for their dark and often violent lyrics, which are sure to shock and captivate listeners.

Lil Peep
Lil Peep was one of the first artists to popularize “emo rap”, a subgenre that blends elements of hip hop and emo/ punk music. He was known for his raw and honest lyrics about mental health, drug addiction, and love. Lil Peep tragically passed away in November 2017, but his music continues to live on and inspire other artists.

Denzel Curry
Denzel Curry is a Miami native who rose to prominence with his 2016 album Imperial. His unique style blends elements of trap, punk, metal, and hip hop to create an aggressive sound that is sure to get your head nodding. His lyrics are often political and social commentary, with a focus on the struggles of inner-city youth.

Yung Lean
Yung Lean is a Swedish rapper who first gained notoriety with his 2013 song “Ginseng Stripes”. His music is characterized by its dreamy and ethereal beats, as well as Yung Lean’s characteristic mumble rap style. Yung Lean has built up a devoted following among Young Thug fans and those who appreciate eccentric rap music.

How can you find more of their music?

If you’re a fan of underground hip hop, you know that the music can be hard to find. With so many artists and so little mainstream recognition, it can be tough to track down your favorite underground rappers.

Fortunately, there are a few ways you can find more of their music. One way is to search for them on online music stores like iTunes or Amazon. You can also find many underground hip hop artists on streaming services like Spotify or Pandora.

Another great way to discover new music is to check out websites that specialize in underground hip hop. These websites often have rankings of the top artists in the genre, as well as articles and interviews with the artists themselves. Finally, don’t forget to talk to your friends! Chances are, they’re fans of underground hip hop too and can introduce you to some new artists you’ll love.

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