The Best Underground Hip Hop Groups
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. His diverse discography often includes collaborations with other respected hip-hop artists, such as Danger Mouse and Madlib. An influential figure in the world of underground hip-hop, MF Doom has built a dedicated fan base thanks to his genre-defining albums like Operation: Doomsday and Madvillainy.
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- #24 of 121 onThe Most Respected Rappers, Ranked
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- #11 of 77 onThe 75+ Best Rappers From New York, Ranked By Hip Hop Heads
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. (Diggin' In The Crates), a collective of rappers and producers from New York City. Although his life was tragically cut short at the age of 24, Big L left behind a rich legacy with his iconic albums Lifestylez ov da Poor & Dangerous and The Big Picture.
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- #37 of 113 onThe Best Rappers of the '90s
- #45 of 121 onThe Most Respected Rappers, Ranked
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. Boasting a fiercely independent career, he has self-released all his music without the backing of a major record label. His seminal releases Revolutionary Vol. 1 and Revolutionary Vol. 2 are celebrated for their raw storytelling and hard-hitting analysis of social and political issues.
More Immortal Technique- Dig Deeper...The Best Immortal Technique Songs
- #78 of 121 onThe Most Respected Rappers, Ranked
- #130 of 234 onThe 230+ Greatest Rappers Of All Time, Ranked
Atmosphere, consisting of rapper Slug (Sean Daley) and producer Ant (Anthony Davis), has been captivating underground hip-hop fans since the late '90s with their unique blend of introspective storytelling, emotive production, and poetic lyricism. Hailing from Minneapolis, Minnesota, the duo's signature sound can be heard in their seminal releases like The Lucy Ford EPs, God Loves Ugly, and When Life Gives You Lemons, You Paint That Shit Gold.
More Atmosphere- #80 of 111 onThe Best Hip Hop Groups of All Time
- #29 of 138 onThe Best Underground Rappers
- #36 of 48 onRappers With the Cleanest Image
Jedi Mind Tricks have carved their niche with thought-provoking lyrics and an innovative sound that combines hardcore beats with raw, emotional storytelling. This Philadelphia-based duo consisting of veteran rapper Vinnie Paz and producer Stoupe the Enemy of Mankind have been pushing boundaries since the early '90s, with a string of acclaimed albums such as Violent by Design and Servants in Heaven, Kings in Hell. Their uncompromising lyrical content tackles social issues, politics, and personal struggles and continues to resonate with fans globally.
More Jedi Mind Tricks- Dig Deeper...The Best Jedi Mind Tricks Songs
- #8 of 138 onThe Best Underground Rappers
- #137 of 186 onThe Best Rap Lyricists of All Time
Representing Detroit to the fullest, Feloni brings a fresh perspective to the underground hip-hop scene as an openly lesbian artist/rapper/producer with a strong emphasis on empowering women within her lyrics. With her thought-provoking rhymes and high-octane deliveries over hard-hitting beats produced by herself or other talented producers like Brian Bolen, Feloni proves that she's more than just a one-dimensional character in this industry.
More Feloni- #988 of 1,150 onThe Greatest Musical Artists Of All Time, Ranked
- #143 of 180 onThe Best New School Rappers
- #22 of 138 onThe Best Underground Rappers
A prolific producer, rapper, and multi-instrumentalist based in Los Angeles, Madlib is renowned for his penchant for experimental soundscapes and genre-defying collaborations. With a wide range of aliases such as Quasimoto, Madlib has become one of the most creative forces within the underground hip-hop realm. His work on projects like Madvillainy with MF Doom or Piñata with Freddie Gibbs showcase his impressive versatility.
More Madlib- #6 of 81 onThe 80+ Best Rap Producers Of All Time, Ranked
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An East Coast mainstay known for his dense lyrical content and thought-provoking wordplay, Aesop Rock has been a fixture in underground hip-hop since the late '90s. The rapper, who often combines abstract metaphors with intricate rhyme patterns, boasts a discography that spans nearly two decades and includes celebrated releases like "Float," "Labor Days," and "The Impossible Kid." Aesop Rock's cerebral approach to rap has earned him a dedicated fan base and critical acclaim.
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- #204 of 234 onThe 230+ Greatest Rappers Of All Time, Ranked
- #91 of 121 onThe Most Respected Rappers, Ranked
Heralded for his complex delivery, dexterous wordplay, and introspective storytelling, Queens-based rapper Pharoahe Monch has been making waves in the underground hip-hop scene since his days as one-half of the duo Organized Konfusion. With solo releases like Internal Affairs and Desire, Monch's undeniable talent has garnered critical acclaim and respect from peers across the genre.
More Pharoahe Monch- #197 of 234 onThe 230+ Greatest Rappers Of All Time, Ranked
- #32 of 138 onThe Best Underground Rappers
- #82 of 186 onThe Best Rap Lyricists of All Time
With a career spanning three decades, R.A. The Rugged Man has earned a reputation as one of underground hip-hop's most skilled lyricists. Known for his fierce wordplay and gritty storytelling, this Long Island native has collaborated with heavyweights like The Notorious B.I.G., Mobb Deep, and Kool G Rap. His uncompromising style and raw emotion can be heard on landmark albums like Die, Rugged Man, Die and Legends Never Die.
More R.A. The Rugged Man- #76 of 77 onThe 75+ Best Rappers From New York, Ranked By Hip Hop Heads
- #15 of 138 onThe Best Underground Rappers
- #116 of 186 onThe Best Rap Lyricists of All Time
A conscious rapper hailing from Minneapolis, Brother Ali combines his thought-provoking lyrics with a captivating, soulful delivery. Known for his introspective storytelling and deeply personal subject matter, Ali's music has resonated with fans worldwide. With critically acclaimed albums like Shadows on the Sun and The Undisputed Truth, Brother Ali continues to tackle social issues and personal struggles through his powerful rhymes.
More Brother Ali- #35 of 138 onThe Best Underground Rappers
- #37 of 150 onThe 150 Greatest White Rappers of All Time, Ranked
- #33 of 48 onRappers With the Cleanest Image
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A pioneer of the independent hip-hop movement, Brooklyn native El-P (short for El Producto) has been crafting boundary-pushing music since the '90s as a rapper, producer, and co-founder of the legendary Definitive Jux label. With an extensive discography that includes influential solo work (Fantastic Damage) and collaborations with Killer Mike as Run The Jewels, El-P consistently pushes the envelope with his futuristic production style and razor-sharp lyricism.
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- #70 of 77 onThe 75+ Best Rappers From New York, Ranked By Hip Hop Heads
- #150 of 180 onThe Best New School Rappers
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Dead Prez
Dead Prez, consisting of rappers stic.man and M-1, have been revolutionizing underground hip-hop since the late '90s with their revolutionary content and powerful messages. The duo is known for addressing social issues such as systematic racism, capitalism, education reform, and healthy living. Their debut album Let's Get Free remains a staple in any underground hip-hop aficionado's collection.
More Dead Prez- #52 of 111 onThe Best Hip Hop Groups of All Time
- #45 of 138 onThe Best Underground Rappers
- #53 of 79 onThe Best Political Musicians
Formed by Jedi Mind Tricks frontman Vinnie Paz, Army of the Pharaohs is a supergroup consisting of some of the most talented underground MCs and producers from the East Coast. With a focus on hard-hitting beats and aggressive lyricism, AOTP's collective discography boasts five full-length albums, including fan-favorites like Ritual of Battle and In Death Reborn.
More Army of the Pharaohs- #62 of 111 onThe Best Hip Hop Groups of All Time
- #69 of 150 onThe 150 Greatest White Rappers of All Time, Ranked
- #56 of 152 onThe Best Hardcore Rappers
The late, great Eyedea (Michael Larsen) and his partner DJ Abilities (Gregory Keltgen) were pioneers in underground hip-hop known for their fierce battling skills and innovative approach to music. The Minnesota-based duo released several critically acclaimed albums like First Born and E&A, showcasing Eyedea's thought-provoking lyrics delivered with razor-sharp precision over Abilities' cutting-edge production.
More Eyedea & Abilities- #53 of 138 onThe Best Underground Rappers
- #67 of 150 onThe 150 Greatest White Rappers of All Time, Ranked
- #26 of 41 onThe 40+ Best Experimental Hip Hop Artists, Ranked
A member of the influential Odd Future collective, Earl Sweatshirt (Thebe Kgositsile) emerged as one of underground hip-hop's most promising talents thanks to his vivid storytelling and introspective lyrics. With a penchant for tackling personal struggles through his music, Earl's critically acclaimed albums like Doris and I Don't Like Shit, I Don't Go Outside helped solidify his status as a torchbearer for the next generation of underground hip-hop.
More Earl Sweatshirt- Dig Deeper...The Best Songs Feat. Earl Sweatshirt
- And Deeper...The Best Earl Sweatshirt Albums, Ranked
- #113 of 234 onThe 230+ Greatest Rappers Of All Time, Ranked
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Don't Know
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With a unique style that combines horrorcore themes with introspective lyricism, Los Angeles-based rapper Hopsin has become a favorite within the underground hip-hop community. Known for his impressive technical abilities and controversial subject matter, Hopsin has released multiple critically acclaimed projects like Raw and Pound Syndrome.
More Hopsin- #1111 of 1,150 onThe Greatest Musical Artists Of All Time, Ranked
- #80 of 234 onThe 230+ Greatest Rappers Of All Time, Ranked
- #82 of 121 onThe Most Respected Rappers, Ranked
19$uicideboy$
Hailing from New Orleans, $uicideboy$ (Ruby da Cherry and Slick Sloth) have carved out a niche within the underground hip-hop realm with their distinct blend of dark imagery, haunting production, and unapologetic lyricism. Heavily influenced by the hardcore stylings of Three 6 Mafia, their extensive discography spans several mixtapes and the critically acclaimed album I Want to Die in New Orleans.
Comprised of rapper Gift of Gab (Timothy Parker) and producer Chief Xcel (Xavier Mosley), Blackalicious is a California-based duo known for their genre-defying soundscapes, intricate wordplay, and feel-good vibes. With classic albums such as Nia and Blazing Arrow under their belt, they have cemented their status as essential contributors to the underground hip-hop scene.
More Blackalicious- #78 of 111 onThe Best Hip Hop Groups of All Time
- #91 of 138 onThe Best Underground Rappers
- #33 of 59 onThe Best Rap Duos Of All Time
Formed by veteran rappers El-P and Killer Mike, Run the Jewels is a critically acclaimed duo with an unmistakable chemistry that shines through their aggressive lyricism and hard-hitting beats. With four full-length albums to their name, including the politically charged RTJ4, Run the Jewels has become a staple in underground hip-hop and beyond.
More Run the Jewels- #22 of 111 onThe Best Hip Hop Groups of All Time
- #17 of 138 onThe Best Underground Rappers
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Los Angeles-based rapper MURS (Nick Carter) has made a name for himself within the underground hip-hop community with his clever wordplay, relatable storytelling, and diverse range of styles. With a discography that includes collaborative projects with 9th Wonder and solo releases like Murs for President, MURS' contributions to the genre are undeniable.
More MURS- #220 of 234 onThe 230+ Greatest Rappers Of All Time, Ranked
- #38 of 138 onThe Best Underground Rappers
- #163 of 186 onThe Best Rap Lyricists of All Time
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New York-based hardcore rap group Onyx, consisting of Fredro Starr, Sticky Fingaz, Sonny Seeza, and Big DS (who passed away in 2003), has been a major force in the underground hip-hop world since their debut album Bacdafucup in 1993. Known for their aggressive delivery and confrontational lyrics, Onyx's music remains influential and relevant to this day.
More Onyx- #65 of 113 onThe Best Rappers of the '90s
- #29 of 111 onThe Best Hip Hop Groups of All Time
- #51 of 138 onThe Best Underground Rappers
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Los Angeles-based rapper Blu (Johnson Barnes) has been making waves in the underground hip-hop scene with his introspective storytelling and impressive lyricism. His collaborative album with producer Exile, Below the Heavens, is considered a modern-day classic and showcases Blu's vivid storytelling over soulful, sample-heavy production.
More Blu- #235 of 237 onThe Greatest Rappers Of All Time
- #159 of 182 onThe Best New School Rappers
- #96 of 121 onThe Most Respected Rappers, Ranked
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West Coast legend Ras Kass (John Austin) has been captivating fans with thought-provoking lyrics and complex rhymes since the mid-'90s. With albums like Soul on Ice and Rasassination, Ras Kass has solidified his place as one of underground hip-hop's most talented lyricists and respected veterans.
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- #225 of 234 onThe 230+ Greatest Rappers Of All Time, Ranked
- #75 of 138 onThe Best Underground Rappers
Featuring El-P, Mr. Len, and Bigg Jus, Company Flow was an influential underground hip-hop group from New York City active in the late '90s. Their debut album Funcrusher Plus is considered a classic within the genre and showcased the group's innovative production techniques paired with provocative lyricism.
More Company Flow- #96 of 111 onThe Best Hip Hop Groups of All Time
- #58 of 63 onRappers with the Best Rhymes, Ranked
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New Jersey-based trio Lords of the Underground – comprised of DJ Lord Jazz, DoItAll Dupré, and Mr. Funke – burst onto the underground hip-hop scene in the early '90s. With hits like "Chief Rocka" and the critically acclaimed album Here Come the Lords, their golden-era sound continues to resonate with fans today.
La Coka Nostra is a supergroup featuring underground hip-hop heavyweights like Ill Bill, Slaine, and former House of Pain members Everlast and Danny Boy. Known for their gritty lyricism and a no-holds-barred approach to storytelling, La Coka Nostra's albums like A Brand You Can Trust and Masters of the Dark Arts showcase their impressive talents as experienced MCs.
Formed in Brooklyn, Non Phixion was an underground hip-hop group known for their politically charged lyrics and raw, gritty sound. Consisting of rappers Ill Bill, Goretex, and Sabac Red – with DJ Eclipse handling production duties – Non Phixion's debut album The Future Is Now showcased their uncompromising approach to hip-hop.
More Non Phixion- #83 of 138 onThe Best Underground Rappers
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- #60 of 63 onRappers with the Best Rhymes, Ranked
Hailing from Queens, New York, Action Bronson (Ariyan Arslani) brings his distinct blend of vivid storytelling, humorous wordplay, and culinary references to the underground hip-hop realm. With projects like Dr. Lecter, Rare Chandeliers, and Blue Chips, Bronson's charisma and unique style have garnered him a dedicated fan base.
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- #106 of 180 onThe Best New School Rappers
- #57 of 138 onThe Best Underground Rappers
