hip hop artists collage | Image: Supplied
5. MF DOOM
This masked marvel, MF DOOM, was a true wordsmith, blending complex rhymes with quirky, almost cartoonish beats. He was a master of storytelling and wordplay, with an unparalleled ability to weave intricate narratives and humor into his tracks. Seriously, I've been listening to Madvillainy for 15 years, and I'm still discovering new layers. If you haven't delved into his vast catalog, you're missing out. Where do I even start with recommendations?
- Madvillainy (with Madlib): The ultimate collaborative masterpiece.
- MM..FOOD : Raw, gritty, and completely essential.
- Operation: Doomsday: A classic that aged like fine wine.
MF DOOM | Image: Supplied
4. Aesop Rock
Aesop Rock. The name alone sounds mysterious, right? His lyrical dexterity is insane; he packs more meaning into a single line than most rappers do in an entire album. If you appreciate dense, intricate wordplay and a uniquely introspective vibe, Aesop Rock is your guy. He's a puzzle box of a rapper, and that's part of the allure. It's like trying to solve a lyrical Rubik's Cube—challenging, yes, but immensely rewarding. I've spent hours dissecting his lyrics and still feeling like I'm scratching the surface. It's a testament to his craft.
- Labor Days: A career-defining album.
- None Shall Pass: Another classic you shouldn't miss.
- Skelethon: A really unique experience.
Aesop Rock | Image: Supplied
3. El-P
El-P, half of Run the Jewels, is a force of nature. His production is as brutal as his rhymes. This guy is a musical architect—building dense, atmospheric beats that are as much a part of the experience as his aggressive, politically charged rhymes. Run the Jewels are pretty popular, but El-P's solo work is often overshadowed. It’s wrong; it really is. His solo stuff shows off a different side to him. It's crazy-good. Listen to 'Fantastic Damage' and tell me I'm wrong.
- Fantastic Damage: A true hip-hop classic.
- I'll Sleep When You're Dead: Brutally honest and incredibly powerful.
- Run the Jewels (with Killer Mike): You already know this one, but seriously, check out their amazing collaborations.
El-P | Image: Supplied
2. Open Mike Eagle
This guy is hilarious. Seriously, his lyrics are packed with intelligent humor, and he tackles complex themes—life, death, relationships, and everything in between—with surprising wit and self-awareness. You'll laugh, you'll cry, you might even contemplate the meaning of life after listening to his music. His album Dark Comedy changed my perspective on so much. It was a real eye-opener, dude.
- Dark Comedy: A truly special album.
- What Happens When I Die: His most introspective project.
- Dark Comedy 2: He makes the unexpected expected in this project. That's a good thing!
Open Mike Eagle | Image: Supplied
1. Jean Grae
Jean Grae is the queen of conscious hip-hop, and I'm not exaggerating. Her flow is incredible, her rhymes are clever and thought-provoking, and her lyrical abilities are far beyond anything I've ever seen. She's a true wordsmith, and her music is deeply empowering and inspiring. This lady is one of my favorite hip-hop artists ever—her delivery is perfection. I'm kinda mad at myself for not finding her earlier.
- Jeanius: An absolute masterpiece.
- Classic Material: Her first album with some cool beats.
- A Day at the Races: A strong collaborative album.
So there you have it, my top 5 most underrated hip-hop artists. What do YOU think? Let me know in the comments who I missed! I'm always looking for new music!
Jean Grae | Image: Supplied
