As we said in the previous article, hip-hop music is not only about the mainstream media. Not at all. Some of the finest artists in the genre are underground rappers. They know how to create innovative concepts, redefine lyricism, and captivate the public’s attention.
In this article, we will again discuss who are the best underground rappers in history – past and present. Every single one of these MC’s can change your perspective on rap music.
We hope that more people will agree to ignore the mainstream media and look up to something different. That’s the best way to widen your horizons and explore the hip-hop genre in all aspects. Here are some of the amazing underground rappers:
Canibus

Canibus
A lyrical genius ahead of his time, Canibus was one of the most feared top underground rappers at a certain period of time. His verse in Lost Boyz’ Beasts From the East will remain one of the best in hip-hop’s history, while his beef with legends like Eminem and LL Cool J won’t be forgotten soon. Could he be the best underground lyricist of all time?
Canibus’ peak moment was probably his album Rip the Jacker from 2003 – one of the most complex rap records ever recorded. He lost his touch with time, and nobody talks about him anymore. Still, he remains a prominent figure in rap history. And in his peak moments – one of the hottest underground rappers.
Apathy

Apathy
Born as Chad Bromley, Apathy is one of the many examples of white rappers being just brilliant. A gifted lyricist with exciting concepts, Apathy had the chance to work with some of the finest underground rappers in history – Jedi Mind Tricks, Army of the Pharaohs, Celph Titled, etc. He’s one of the best underground American rappers.
In 2021 Bromley released his seventh studio album to date – Where the River Meets the Sea. Through the years, he remained true to his style and never disappointed his loyal fanbase. He’s now of the most popular underground rappers.
Cormega

Cormega
A talented rapper from Queens, New York, Cormega was one of the people Nas shouted out in his masterpiece of an album Illmatic in 1994. He was supposed to find the same mainstream success as Nas, but sadly he never reached the same heights as his friend.
Still, Cormega is one of the respected underground rappers in the game. His gritty style makes him pretty hardcore, which is not surprising for someone raised in Queens. During his career, Cormega released five studio albums, the last being 2014’s Mega Philosophy. His second record, The True Meaning, won The Source‘s award for best underground album of the year. We can say that Mega is one of the sick underground rappers of our time.
Immortal Technique

Immortal Technique
Born in a military hospital in Peru, Immortal Technique is probably the most famous political rapper in the world. His knowledge of politics is enormous, so he’s often invited by the media to talk like an expert. He’s currently not as active as he used to be, but his first two studio albums – Revolutionary Vol 1 & 2, will remain hip-hop classics.
Immortal Technique’s most famous song is arguably the groundbreaking Dance with the Devil from 2001. If you open YouTube, you’d see many people reacting to this record and being shocked by the narrative. Technique is a talented songwriter and a fantastic lyricist, but it seems music is not his priority at the moment. You can still put him among the Top 10 underground rappers.
MF Doom

MF DOOM
MF Doom, or simply ‘Doom,’ was among the most respected underground rappers until his sudden death in 2020. Known for his signature mask and a “supervillain” persona, MF Doom rocked the hip-hop stage with his prodigious wordplay and original ideas. Even if you didn’t like Doom’s music, you could never say it was boring.
When elected president, Joe Biden included the instrumental of MF Doom’s song Rapp Snitch Knishes in his inauguration playlist despite Doom not being an American citizen. After his death, Variety described him as one of hip-hop’s “most unpredictable and enigmatic figures.” Do not miss to listen to his “magnum opus” Madvillainy, which is regarded as one of the best albums in rap history. Doom is one of the top underground artists of all time.
Necro

Necro
Describing himself as “the creator of death rap,” Necro is indeed one of rap music’s most controversial figures ever. Lover of porn and horror movies, he didn’t feel concerned about incorporating concepts such as violence, drugs, and crime in his music.
Although a talented rapper and producer, Necro is undoubtedly not for everyone’s ears. In one of his records, he said it by himself: “I’m too brutal for most.” Despite all the controversy around him, Necro remains a well-respected character in hip-hop’s underground.
Eyedea

Eyedea
Like MF Doom, sadly, Eyedea is another talented artist who’s no longer among us. Building his reputation as a battle rapper, Eyedea became one of the artists in the Rhymesayers Entertainment catalog – one of the best labels for independent hip-hop music worldwide.
While alive, Eyedea knew how to thrill his listeners with his deep lyrical concepts and poetic style. His death came too soon, and indeed hip-hop lost one of its uncut gems. One could wonder what it would have been if Eyedea was still alive and creating music.
Brother Ali

Brother Ali
Another member of the Rhymesayers Entertainment, Brother Ali is someone you can’t mistake for someone else. Not just because of his magnificent talent as a rapper but also because he’s actually an albino.
That’s not important, though. What’s essential is that Brother Ali is one of the top underground rappers in the world. He’s a gifted lyricist who knows how to transform his deep emotions into the art we call hip-hop. Still active and creating new songs, Brother Ali is an artist you shouldn’t miss in 2022.
Elzhi

Elzhi
Born as Jason Powers, Elzhi is one of the hip-hop sons of Detroit. Of course, he never reached Eminem’s commercial success, but he remains a respected figure in his hometown.
Being active since 1998, Elzhi is now a true rap music veteran. In 2020 he released his third solo album while he was also part of the supergroup Slum Village alongside legendary producer J Dilla. We can say Elzhi is one of the consistent MC’s who would never disappoint you with their production. He deserves respect for this. And he’s one of the Top 20 underground rappers.
Ras Kass

Ras Kass
Ras Kass is one of rap’s biggest enigmas. All hardcore fans know how talented he is, but he never made it big somehow. For one reason or another, Ras Kass remained unnoticed by most of the audience, especially the younger ones.
Still, nobody can’t take his talent away from him. At his peak, Ras Kass was a lyricist who could quickly kill you on your own track. Impressive with the wordplay and capable of creating memorable metaphors, Kass was one of hip-hop’s well-kept secrets. And one of the best lyrical underground rappers.