The Top 35 Most Underrated Rappers of All Time

Everybody knows about the giants of the rap game — the ones who’ve broken records, dropped acclaimed classics, gone multi-platinum, scored number one hits, and sit comfortably in those top spots when we’re talking about the greatest rappers of all time.

But beyond those household names — like 2Pac, Jay-Z, Nas, Biggie, Lil Wayne, Kendrick Lamar, Rakim and plenty others — there’s a whole world of overlooked, slept-on and underrated rappers who have been putting on for this hip hop culture since the very beginning of their careers.

We’re talking rappers like Black Thought, whose lyrical prowess and relentless flow remains unmatched; and Jean Grae, whose rhymes are intricate tapestries of emotion and intellect. We’re talking Missy Elliott, whose artistic contributions to the culture are nothing short of transformative; and Cormega, whose storytelling raps have the ability to transport listeners straight into the heart of Queensbridge.

These are the rappers that we’re talking about today. Though their names might not be on everyone’s list of rap legends, these MCs’ impact on the culture is undeniable. So let’s get into it. From Black Thought, Cormega, and Missy Elliott to Jean Grae, Aesop Rock, and Brother Ali, here are the 35 most underrated rappers of all time.

35. R.A. the Rugged Man

Essential listening: Legends Never Die

Without a lengthy catalogue or any hit songs to his name, R.A. the Rugged Man will forever be an icon of the hip hop underground. Every verse flows like water, spitting an endless stream of words into the mic with the vast vocabulary to never repeat a rhyme. That lyrical precision makes R.A. a natural storyteller, delivering vivid verses since 2004’s Die, Rugged Man, Die to today. Even for the hip hop fans who aren’t familiar with him, the rapper’s incredible verse on Jedi Mind Tricks’ “Uncommon Valor: A Vietnam Story” is one of the greatest rap features of all time.

34. MC Ren

Essential listening: Shock of the Hour

A crucial force in N.W.A., Ren has never received the same attention as Dre or Cube, but that hasn’t made him any less dedicated to the culture. Writing for Eazy-E as well as himself, Ren was a lyrical powerhouse whose politically-charged writing helped shape the murderous sound of gangsta rap. With a solid solo career and a legacy of influence, the West Coast owes a lot to MC Ren, even if he doesn’t get the credit he deserves.

33. Z-Ro

Essential listening: Let the Truth Be Told

Most rap fans might know Z-Ro from his syrupy hook on Bun B’s timeless “Get Throwed,” but this slept-on Houston rapper has been one of the best doing it for a long time now. Representing the city’s trap scene for decades, Z-Ro has switched up his style countless times, but the core of what makes him special has never changed. He’s a hustler at heart, rapping at length about the grind to fame with a baritone swagger that can dominate any trap beat. He’s dropped more than forty projects in just over twenty years, with superhuman consistency and the drive to never drop the mic.

32. Killah Priest

Essential listening: Heavy Mental

Take a listen to “B.I.B.L.E.” from GZA’s Liquid Swords and it shouldn’t need explained why Killah Priest is one of the most underrated MCs out there. Like a hip hop prophet, he treats his songs like sermons with a laser-focussed pen game discussing all things religious. His laidback delivery adds more weight to his divine bars, making records like Heavy Mental feel like a spiritual experience. In addition to his underrated solo work, the Wu affiliate has always been consistent with standout guest verses other members projects, as well as forming the lyrical supergroup The HRSMN with Canibus, Ras Kass, and Kurupt.

31. Ab-Soul

Essential listening: Control System

Jay Rock is the OG, Kendrick gets all the critical acclaim, Schoolboy Q is the fan favourite, and SZA’s been topping the pop charts. That leaves Ab-Soul as TDE’s underdog. Spilling out all his feelings, the listener gets to know him personally thanks to his vulnerable lyrics and vivid stories where he reminisces on his troubled life. Reciting his rhymes with high-energy and a charismatic demeanour, the subject matter never feels too heavy, making even the most personal songs into head-bopping bangers. From his debut album Longterm Mentality to 2022’s Herbert, the Black Lip Bastard has been flexing his lyrical prowess and potent penmanship for the past decade and more.

30. Tech N9ne

Essential listening: All 6’s and 7’s

The chopper scene is full of rappers who care only about speed, but Tech N9ne is a rare exception, rapping as quick as machine gun fire while maintaining his razor-sharp lyrics. Named after the TEC-9 handgun, he’s a technical mastermind who cuts through hard-hitting beats with lightning-fast flows, spitting bars like bullets. From his mind-blowing flow to his equally fast-paced work ethic, Tech is the undisputed chopper rap king. Outside of his phenomenal rapping abilities and massive catalogue, Tech N9ne has been grinding his way to the top of the independent movement — Strange Music is one of the most successful hip hop record labels of all time.

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