The Best Underground Hip Hop Groups

Ranker Music
Updated March 1, 2024 126.3K views
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14.7K votes
3.5K voters

Unlike their mainstream counterparts, underground hip hop is exactly what it sounds like: rappers who haven't quite hit the mainstream, yet retain a strong, devoted following. The best underground rappers are generally independent rappers who are signed either to an indie label or no label at all and whose lyrical matter discusses either social issues, political issues and other types anti-excess subjects. Some of the best underground rappers are also known as conscious rappers and to some, as the forebearers of alternative hip hop. No matter what your definition of underground hip hop is, the best rappers in this genre are widely respected by their peers due to their ability to not give in to external pressures to strike it big, yet are remaining true to their underground rap roots.

So, who are the best underground rappers? When you think of underground hip hop artists, some of the big names (at least by underground rap standards) are Big L, Aesop Rock, Dead Prez, Madlib, El-P, Atmosphere and Blackalicious. These are some of the most respected names in rap music. Many of the best underground rappers are recognized for retaining the original hip hop ethos and message of change, and the top underground artists are critically acclaimed for producing original, refreshing sounds that deviates, yet doesn't encompass popular rap.

That said, it's up to you to determine who are the best underground rappers. If you think someone is missing from this list of underground hip hop artists, feel free to add them. This list answers the questions "who are the best underground hip hop bands of all time?" and "who is the greatest underground hip hop musician ever?" If you know enough about the genre, please vote based on the quality of the band's music instead of just voting for the most popular underground hip hop bands that you might've heard of. 

  • MF Doom
    1

    MF Doom

    526 votes

    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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  • Big L
    2

    Big L

    495 votes

    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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  • Immortal Technique
    3

    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.

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  • Atmosphere
    4

    Atmosphere

    280 votes

    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.

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  • Jedi Mind Tricks
    5

    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.

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  • FELONI
    6

    FELONI

    555 votes

    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.

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  • Madlib
    7

    Madlib

    181 votes

    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.

  • Aesop Rock
    8

    Aesop Rock

    375 votes

    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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  • Brother Ali
    9

    Brother Ali

    156 votes

    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.

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  • Pharoahe Monch
    10

    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.

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  • R.A. The Rugged Man
    11

    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.

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  • El-P
    12

    El-P

    156 votes

    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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  • Dead Prez
    13

    Dead Prez

    330 votes

    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.

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  • Army of the Pharaohs
    14

    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.

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  • Eyedea & Abilities
    15

    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.

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  • Earl Sweatshirt
    16

    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.

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  • Don't Know
    17

    Don't Know

    208 votes
  • Hopsin
    18

    Hopsin

    401 votes

    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.

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  • $uicideboy$
    19

    $uicideboy$

    273 votes

    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.

  • Blackalicious
    20

    Blackalicious

    137 votes

    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.

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  • Run the Jewels
    21

    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.

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  • Onyx
    22

    Onyx

    144 votes

    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.

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  • MURS
    23

    MURS

    53 votes

    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.

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  • Blu
    24

    Blu

    121 votes

    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.

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  • Ras Kass
    25

    Ras Kass

    123 votes

    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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  • Company Flow
    26

    Company Flow

    42 votes

    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.

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  • Lords of the Underground
    27

    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
    28

    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.

  • Non Phixion
    29

    Non Phixion

    97 votes

    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.

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  • Action Bronson
    30

    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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