Almost Famous: Top 5 Underground MC’s Who Should Of Been Superstars
Article By Michael Partis
If Hip-Hop wasn’t about marketing, advertising, budgets, labels, videos, spins, singles, radio, TV, magazines, Internet, sales, and record exec’s…this would be the Top 5.
You ever watch Rap City lately and say “How the hell they get a deal?” Or get a MySpace friend request from a “rapper,” and this person should NEVER be allowed to call themselves a rapper?
These are the things that make you appreciate great MC’s. It’s a talent; some people got it, some people don’t. The problem is that the really good rappers don’t always blow up. They don’t always become famous.
So this list goes out to the dopest, the illest, the hottest, the sickest, the nicest. This is for the best MC’s who never became famous (to the world at least).
It’s tricky since it’s not like rappers “retire” (even if they announce that they do); so you never really know when some-one’s career has ended and their time to achieve mainstream success is over.
There are a lot of underrated rappers who may lack mainstream success or album sales but do tons of shows, have critical acclaim, and have mad fans worldwide. So people and groups like The Roots, Talib, Mos, Common are out.
So qualifications for this list is crazy skills, under-recognized, and who’s time to break through has probably pasted…but still deserve props. Here we go…
Bonus (Because a Top 5 is NEVER enough)- Little Brother
For all ya’ll who think Southern Hip-Hop is what you see now, you need to be schooled. But more importantly, you need to be put on to Little Brother. Socially conscious, hella lyrical, super-fly production, Little Brother had all the ingredients for a Hip-Hop supergroup.
Label woes and internal-conflict (former member and well-known producer 9th Wonder bounced last year) has pushed the group out of the public eye. But don’t sleep, these cats are probably one of the most underrated groups of ever.
Do Ya Research
5. Big L
L was a one of the greatest to ever bless the mic. Not only did he set the standard for punchlines, he combined it with tremendous lyricism. The original “Harlem’s Finest,” L always left you with a Hip-Hop Quotable. Before his untimely death in 1999, there was talk bout Jay wanting to sign him to the ROC. Regardless L always represented, is truly a Hip-Hop great.
“Yo, fuck all the glamours and glitz, I plan to get rich
I’m from New York and never was a fan of the Knicks
And I’m all about expandin my chips
You mad cause I was in the van with your bitch
with both hands on her tits
Corleone hold the throne, that you know in your heart
I got style, plus the way that I be flowin is sharp
A while back I used to hustle, sellin blow in the park
Countin G stacks and rockin ice that glow in the dark
Forever - hottie huntin, trigger temper I’m quick to body somethin
You lookin at me like I’m probably frontin
I fuck around and throw, three in your chest and flee to my rest
I’m, older and smarter this is me at my best
I stopped hangin around y’all, cause niggaz like you
be prayin on my downfall, hopin I flop
Hopin I stop, you probably even hope I get locked
or be on the street corner with a pipe, smokin the rock
I got more riches than you, fuck more bitches than you
Only thing I haven’t got is more, stitches than you
Fuckin punk, you ain’t a Leader what? Nobody Followed you
You was never shit, your mother shoulda swallowed you”
4. Cormega
Nas has a track record of getting talented understudies, then droppin them off the face of the planet: Nature, Nashawn, Lake, Quan, etc. But by FAR, Cormega was the nicest outta all them.
He dropped jewels on guest appearances on It Was Written and The Firm. But it was the material that finally got released through the street (the albums Legal Hustle and The Testament gained decent underground success), that help Mega’s talent come through to a larger audience.
“I’m from the rarest breed of people who rep the street and spit poetically
never sleep, rest assured Mega is dope in his pure form
the dealer/MC keepin it real is my protocol
fall back I got you open off the style I was workin on it
the beat is lifeless, ’till I put my verses on it
I reminisce confinement as I read a kite
from my people with secret indictment freedom and triumph
contemplating putting sprees on the tires
dominating this beat with my rhyming as if you need a reminder
I spit that drug dealer shit you might have seen on The Wire
what other lyricist is known for giving people cosignment
I’m eager to find my equal wit rhyming, I rock Iceberg jeans with the Nikes
an extremist with rhymin deep as Poseidon
breedin’ in violence now I live in a peaceful environment
a secret asylum from the streets where people be wilding
some blind with fury from seeing me shining
like a phoenix arising from the depths showin the reaper defiance”
3. Jean Grae
Take a good look at Ms. Grae. Matter a fact, TAKE ANOTHER look.
You need to remember what she looks like because she is quite possibly the GREATEST female MC of all time (forget about the illest MC’s you probably never heard of).
Born in South Africa, bred in Brooklyn, Jean Grae been a monster on the underground circuit for a minute.
Jean is kinda the exception to this list for the fact that there is still time for her to breakthrough. But after over a decade of being the best female MC on the planet, it’s time give Ms. Grae some recognition.
Do the research!!!
“This is for Beatrice Bertha Benjamin who gave birth to
Tsidi Azeeda for Lavender Hill for Kyalisha
ALTHLONE, Mitchells Plain, Swazi girls I’m reppin for thee
Mannesburg, Guguletu where you’d just be blessed to get thru
For beauty shinin thru like the sun at the highest noon
From the top of the cable car at Table Mountain; I am you
Girls with the skyest blue of eyes and the darkest skin
For Cape Colored allied for realizing we’re African
For all my cousins back home, the strength of mommy’s backbone
The length of which she went for raising, sacrificing her own
The pain of not reflecting the range of our complexions
For rubber pellet scars on Auntie Elna’s back I march
Fist raised caramel shinin in all our glory
For Mauritius, St, Helena; my blood is a million stories
Winnie for Joan and for Edie, for Norma, Leslie, Ndidi
For Auntie Betty, for Melanie; all the same family
Fiona, Jo Burg, complex of mixed girls
For surviving thru every lie they put into us now
The world is yours and I swear I will stand focused”
Black girls, raise up your hands; the world should clap for us”
2. Canibus
Iight, so yeah L gave him the Ether (”Ask Canibus he ain’t understandin this/cause 99% of fans don’t exist” LL-The Ripper Strikes Back).
But Canibus was one of the most intricate MC’s ever. He was droppin 100 bars and more before anybody else was doing it.
I’ll let the lyrics speak for themselves:
“At a thousand degree Celsius I make MC’s melt
Fuck my record label I appear courtesy of myself
Let me explain how I maintain thresholds to pain
I walk across the Sun barefoot lookin for shade
I rearrange your rib cage like a twelve gage at close range
and change the position of your brain
My hard raps penetrate through your hardhats and all that
nigga, get ya wig peeled back
I scalp you like the Indians on horseback
Running Bull will hit you harder than running back
Stunning man with brave and cunning rap
Swiftly running laps around 48 tracks
Like uncut crack you fiends keep coming back
Heads is flippin like acrobats on gym mats
From wax to analog tapes to digital DAT’s
It’s critical black, that Canibus is ill like that
In fact perhaps you should quit rap, instead of always
tryin to diss back, cause niggaz keep tellin you that your shit’s wack
I rip raps, hardcore raps rushin you to the floor mat
Put you in the figure four, break your thorax
Jump off the top turnbuckle and land on your back
til I hear it snap or crackle, the ref says chill black
You get clapped bringin the wrong raps to combat
Like bringin a paint gun to a shoot out with real gats
Y’all niggaz is wack, rappin over microphone feedback
My intelligence begins where yours peaks at
From Fox Boogie in the see-through brassiere, to Nasty Nas here
My nigga Nature’ll explain it further if it’s not clear”
1. AZ
Straight up, AZ might be the most underrated rapper of all-time. This man never gets the props he deserve.
He got put on by being the only guest appearance on one of the greatest rap albums ever, Nas’ Illmatic; then dropped arguably most memorable verse on the entire album (his verse on “Life A Bitch” is truly a classic).
AZ is the embodiment of vintage, classic 90’s Hip-Hop: dope beats, smooth delivery, socially conscious content, raw street narrative, stories that poignantly capture a particular experience in a particular time period. But what adds to his greatness, is that over time he getting better. Do or Die (1995) is just as hard as Undeniable (2008).
Unfortunately, he could never catch on with the mainstream (hence he’s on this list). But the lyrical skill possess by Sosa is among the best ALL TIME. Check the catalog, and pay homage to the Visualiza.
“we was already loyal to people’s minds and mulianis
now we more fucked up with a mayor named Guliani
you can try to bomb me
analyze but can’t define me
my mind’s divine heavily entwined with Ghandi’s
far from feeble, I leave your nostrils hard to breathe through
cause my cerebrals are more of a higher plane
than the Hebrews
my mic devotion brings out my deepest emotions
overdosing wannabes posing
sending them through convulsions
to hard to follow, you took a bite but couldn’t swallow
your mind’s boggled
but I’m as deep as Donald Goines novels
my whole persona’s kinda laid back like a recliner
and since my mama, I been fucking with marijuana
wavy-haired, my skin got a money getting glare
strictly menace wear, macking off a Guinness beer
so where it all begins is here
destiny and me finally meet
so how can I be weak?
I’m rather unique”
Listen:
AZ f/Nas - “Mo Money Mo Murder”
So there it go. There’s madddd people who could/should be on this list. So now it’s ya’ll turn. Go OFF in the comments sections. Agree, disagree, add, subtract. Post links, post songs, post albums, post playlist. I feel like some good Hip-Hop gonna come outta this. Peace
www.michaelpartis.blogspot.com
http://my.rawkus.com/profile/ForeThought
michaelpartis@gmail.com
EXTRASSSSS
Who I really, really hope is NOT on this list 10 years from now:
Joe Budden, Devin The Dude, Killer Mike, Saigon, The Clipse, Papoose, Styles P, Joell Ortiz, Royce The 5′9
Who shoulda been on this list:
Camp Lo, Goodie Mob, Dugeon Family, A+, Shyheim AKA The Rugged Child, Sauce Money, Nature,
Suggestion Box
September 18th, 2008 at 10:14 am
AZ
September 18th, 2008 at 10:15 am
WTF????
My bad, I forgot what site I was on again.
Thank GOD you hold no real media power or are actually a rap critic cuz your taste is SHIT by the boat load
Gean Gray….WHO???? She might as well be Bahamadia!!!
AZ Get the FUCK out of here!!!!
September 18th, 2008 at 10:15 am
who made this bullshit list and dint add PUNN? PUNN should be on and COrmega OFF..
WTF
September 18th, 2008 at 10:21 am
Hell Chea I’ll Cosign That List .But it Should Of Been Top Ten .Because It’s Alot More Rappers I Would Like to Add To That List ..Papoose Being One of Them …And Another One Is Sauce Money .I Fucked With Him Back In “The Roc” Days ..Royce 5′9 Should Be On Dere Too .Dats Only Uh Few .But I Got Way To Many So Imma Just End it There.
September 18th, 2008 at 10:21 am
“Thank GOD you hold no real media power”
what makes a site have meia power?
As far as Pun goes he would of been big, his death stoppe him from it.
September 18th, 2008 at 10:22 am
cosign everyone….i also hope term isnt on this list in 5 years.
September 18th, 2008 at 10:23 am
cosign the list except for cormega, he doesnt belong there.. not sure who else does deserve the spot.
btw, wtf is up with you idiots swinging your thongs? the man just gave his opinion, if you disagree you can just write your opinion.
i swear these fuckin ethuggin youngsters aint got no manners.
September 18th, 2008 at 10:24 am
BIG PUN IS ALREADY A SUPERSTAR HE SOLD 2MIL RECORDS MORE THEN ANY ONE ON THIS LIST. I JUST WANNA SEE JOELL ORTIZ MAKE IT. DUDE IS THE BEST UP AND COMER OUT RIGHT NOW.
September 18th, 2008 at 10:25 am
Lol, Accept For Jean Grae, Cuz I Really Never Heard Anything From Her, But One Song.
September 18th, 2008 at 10:27 am
Damn I remember i was a Can-I-Bus fiend…That dude was the truth…He was the first in my eyes to really slay punchlines and talk about shit that made you think twice…I wish that dude woulda blew up cause it would have been trouble man…
September 18th, 2008 at 10:28 am
Yo my man…Styles P… I think he really underrated…
September 18th, 2008 at 10:29 am
REDMAN i think is definitly slept on…his songs are madd witty and the fact that he uses really really obscure references in his raps is what makes me think he’s ill
September 18th, 2008 at 10:36 am
kool g. rap….
September 18th, 2008 at 10:42 am
None Of Those People Qualify On That List..It Takes More Than Just Raps To Be A Star..
And Where’s Nas On This List?
He’s A Star In Rap..But He’s Not A Pop Star Or Superstar..I.E. A Jay-Z..Em Or 50 Cent..There Are Few Superstar’s In Hip-Hop PERIOD..Maybe Bout 8..
September 18th, 2008 at 10:45 am
ya’ll niggas leavin comments is stupid. DO U UNDERSTAND WHAT THE TERM UNDERGROUND MEANS? UNSIGNED, ASS HOLES. Everybody on this list been in the game for a minute of died early. The list is on point… homie really did his home work on this one.
September 18th, 2008 at 10:48 am
jean grae i fink best female rapper in the game big l was to under rated
September 18th, 2008 at 10:50 am
ll ethered canibus no way, second round knockout is a classic, i never even knew ll was on the coke b4 that lol..
That track is well over ten years old yet the lyrics are stil fresh in my mind, this is a snippet straight from my memory bank lol
Imma let the world know the truth you dont want me to shine, you study my rhyme then you lay your vocals after mine, thats a bitch move something that a homo rapper will do, so when you say your platinum your only dropping clues, i study your background read the book that you wrote, surf your footnotes about how you used to sniff coke, fronting like a drug free role model you digust me, i kno bitchs done see you smoke weed recently, you walk around showing off your body cause it sales plus to avoid the fact that you aint got skills, mad at me coz i keep that shit real in the field why 99 percent of your fans wear high heels…
No he didnt lol
Since then ll has been survivin soley on his rnb releases, he lost the streets after the second round k.o.
Wheres talib kweli?
September 18th, 2008 at 10:50 am
vote 4 AZ!
September 18th, 2008 at 10:50 am
The title is mis-leading and doesn’t make sense with the selections chosen, but its good you made the list to spark discussion.
Ghostface should be number 1 on this list. One of the most consistent ever, but the mainstream could care less.
Busta Rhymes should be on this list - NOBODY mentions him as an all time great and he is known but hasn’t made a career defining album to put him in that category. I think he’s one of the greatest rappers ever.
Goodie Mob shouldn’t be anywhere close to this list, they are one of the most influential southern acts EVER. Do the knowledge.
Pun is the 1st Latin solo rapper to go plat, shouldn’t be on this list, although he was under-rated in the ‘who’s the nicest’ debate. ]
Canibus is line-for-line the greatest lyricist that ever lived, those who listen know his impact, he shouldn’t be a popular MC because his music isn’t for the mainstream.
September 18th, 2008 at 10:54 am
Beanie Sigel
September 18th, 2008 at 10:54 am
#14 Redman is/was a star, he sold records, been in movies…its just nobody is checkin for him & a bunch of the “old” rappers nowadays
September 18th, 2008 at 10:56 am
Dope article my man…. I co-sign. These peeps leaving comments are trippin’ though. And I can’t believe the few who have never heard of Jean Grae. if anything, this list should make people wanna go out and check their work. Jean Grae is the greatest femcee.
September 18th, 2008 at 10:57 am
DO U UNDERSTAND WHAT THE TERM UNDERGROUND MEANS? UNSIGNED, ASS HOLES. Everybody on this list been in the game for a minute of died early. The list is on point… homie really did his home work on this one.
——–
With today’s hip-hop there is no such thing as “the underground”. Unsigned used to mean “under the radar”.
With the internet being so available, you can’t really say “I’ve never heard of Jean Grae”
Most of the people featured on the list are signed to a label or doing it independently. The list is cool because it sparked debate and I’m a fan of all the artists he listed
September 18th, 2008 at 11:00 am
Top 5 MC’s Who Should Of Been Superstars:
1. Beanie Sigel- Dude got a sick flow he’s to real 4 hiphop.
2. Lupe Fiasco- The kid is nice. His last 2 albums are fire.
3. Memphis Bleek- He’s stuck in JAY-Z shadow. To me his album was tight but they didnt promote right.
4. Styles P- His first album went GOLD. But last 2 albums didnt get any buzz.
5. Young Dro-His first album went GOLD. Nobody sounds like him so he got a edge there.
September 18th, 2008 at 11:03 am
Talib Kweli stil cant believe you thin az or comega are betta than talib..
Heres the interview i did with Talib when he was in london supportin beastie boys, he gave me a one on one interview in his trailer.. You just hav to read it to see that hes one of the realest mcs today. And hes helpin his community..
http://www.thesituation.co.uk/us_interviews/05/talib_kweli/talib_kweli.html
September 18th, 2008 at 11:21 am
This is the worst fucking pick ever…
Who ever made it has not tast or is still living the 90’s, lol…
I woulda put saigon as #1 and Max-b as # 2
Point Blank!!!1
September 18th, 2008 at 11:22 am
@#24 .Dude Lupe Just Came Out, He Can’t Be On That List , And Lupe Has Bein Doing His Thing ..Nigga Got Two Dope Albums Under His Belt .One Of Them Went Gold .He Owns His Own record Label .He’s Comming Out With His Own Clothing Line..Nigga Just Performed At The Glastonbury Concert .Lupe’s Good ..But He Did Just Come Out Back In 06, Give em Some Time.
September 18th, 2008 at 11:22 am
i always wanted to see Inspectah Deck get solo album success cuz this cat was a monster
“Poisonous paragraphs, smash ya phonograph
in half, it be the Inspectah Deck on the warpath
First class leavin mics with a cast
Causin ruckus like the aftermath when guns blast
Run fast, here comes the verbal assaulta
Rhymes runnin wild like a child in a walker
I scored from the inner slums abroad
And my thoughts are razor sharp I sliced the mic from the cord
First they criticize, but now they have become
mentally paralyzed with hits that I devise
Now I testify, the rest is I, Rebel INS
Ya highness, blessed to electrify
with voltage of an eel, truth that I reveal’ll
crush the amateurs who screamed to keep it real
Caesar black down hoodied up and fatigues
Part time minor leagues receive third degrees
Attack like a wolf pack, once I pull back
the God-U, and bust through like a fullback” - Guillotine Swords
daaaaaamn MONSTER
September 18th, 2008 at 11:26 am
why get em superstars, 2 Make em change!
September 18th, 2008 at 11:29 am
PLEASE READ THE FULL TITLE BEFORE YOU POST BULLSHIT!!
“SHOULD HAVE BEEN”
September 18th, 2008 at 11:30 am
Yeah AZ definitely… man I was listening to his joints from before Jigga and i definitely think his style has influenced some of Hova joints….
I grew up with AZ, that boy is bad… just never got that break…
September 18th, 2008 at 11:35 am
1-Lupe easily most underrated 2 albums dat straight
2-beanie sigel may not drop best albums but he crazyy
3-talib kweli he just the truth if lyrics sold i will probably be talib kweli
4-immortal technique listen to any of he songs explains it
5-young chris still young but he anit getting the shine he deserves
6-jean grae best female mc in the game
September 18th, 2008 at 11:40 am
I’m might be biased but O.C. from D.I.T.C. he had good albums but was slept on like a mothafucka. I liked him and Nas on how they approached albums. Royal Flush from queens, these cats been signed but they in the middle ground where cats is diggin too deep underground and forget these shinin potentials. they that diamond already shinin under that rock just ready to make albums. I also mentioned Sauce Money not long ago. fuck underground they the most slept on.
September 18th, 2008 at 11:45 am
AND WHERE DA FUK IS CANIBAS IS DAT NIGGA STIL ALIVE?????????
September 18th, 2008 at 11:49 am
Go look at those BIG L Freestyles (REAL) Freestyles, top of the head, he rips it man. punchlines\lyricism, he had a freestyle with B.I.G, big didn’t have a chance
September 18th, 2008 at 11:52 am
List is good. Just a few comments:
5. Big L - fathered a lot of the Harlem rappers style (ie, Cam, Mase and Jim). he was about to sign with Jay and the Roc.
4. Mega - Should be a star. He paints vivid pictures of the ghetto, hustling, and friendships. His lyrical content doesn’t go past, but the mark of a Great emcee is when they can talk about the same thing; but address it differently each time. Mega’s best verse ever is “How You Want It (Deer Park)” and most descriptive is “Deadman Walking” (chilling verse). One of the best story tellers the game has seen.
Peep “How You Want It”:
Yo:
My pen is sick like a heroin addict,
Whenever Mega spits
I exhale preciseness,
Drug-Dealing-Ghetto-shit
Sweat in my hand,
Plus the finger numb from measuring grams
Gun on my waist, In case I see son
Who wetted my man
I be Gortexing to death,
Rocking ice with special effects
It’s obvious I was destined to rep
Yo my persona is the drama,
My Infamous conglomerates
Considered mad real,
Niggas feel the Montana shit
Born official, my niggas that are gone I miss you
I shed a tear, see ya’ll niggas when I get there
Yo my dun did six years and still didn’t hit the street
I’m waiting on the day when Rikers Island cipher’s incomplete
When I can sleep with no heat hidden beneath the sheet
They can’t relax with my air max, appearing on my feet
When I rhyme you enter my mind, seeing nigga’s lead to excellence
I represented then manifested in the beat….
Respect this
Like a Lexus jeep
My technique
Leaves my enemies stretched for weeks,
Vexed from me
Especially
Knowing my destiny,
Man they scared to death of me
They fear to even question me,
I serve them like stretching keys
3. Jean Grae - Is dope. I just got put onto her recently…I’ve def missed out. Not sure if she is the best female emcee though. MC Lyte was hard as hell.
2. Canibus - Anyone into hip-hop back in 96-98 when he started getting a buzz knew he was the man. He torched every Tony Touch, Clue, Stretch, Doo Wop mixtape. LL DID NOT Ether him. Rip the Jacker was wack to me when comparing the two. The only difference between the two is LL had/has the machine of Def Jam behind him and Canibus didn’t. Clef was a star, but was not on the level of LL. Can-I-Bus if released today would be one of the best albums out. Go back and check it and tell me it doesn’t sound like it could be released in 08.
1. AZ - Can’t complain about this one. AZ has a good discography that can only be matched by a few. Do or Die is his best work. I like Undeniable, but it doesn’t even hold up. The lyrics and depth contained in those lyrics…he hasn’t matched consistently since that release in 95.
I would add Ali Vegas. He has flow, stories, the voice, and depth to his lyrics for someone who is young. He was/is truly ahead of his time.
Ghost cannot be on this list. That man has sold millions of records worldwide with Wu-Tang Clan. He is an international star….just doesn’t get the love here in US.
I hope Joell Ortiz isn’t on this list in a couple of years….he has a lot of talent.
September 18th, 2008 at 11:55 am
AZ?? your not serious!!
September 18th, 2008 at 12:00 pm
ima have to say shaq
September 18th, 2008 at 12:04 pm
where is joe budden name or kool g rap i think u should’ve did a list of the top 5 underated then and the top 5 underated now because people like saigon joe budden hell rell and oschino sure as hell would have alot more fans if people actually listened to them.
Brownsville Brooklyn Stand Up!
September 18th, 2008 at 12:05 pm
oh Yeah and i almost 4got Stack Bundles
Brownsville Brooklyn Stand Up!
September 18th, 2008 at 12:16 pm
I would say immortal technique is underrated
September 18th, 2008 at 12:23 pm
1 out of 5 aint bad since you said Canibus. Big L was hot but Big L died before Pac and Big, give it up already.
September 18th, 2008 at 12:25 pm
Immortal Techniqie is the most underrated rap artist EVER. This cat don’t even get his props on 100% hiphop sites that suppose to show respect for not only the mainstream. WTF is that all about? I don’t think I’ve even seen ONE article about Immortal Technique on this site for example.
Anyway Big L is one of my favorite MC’s
Big L:
“And when it comes to gettin nookie Im not a rookie
I got girls that make that chick Toni Braxton look like Whoopie” LOL
September 18th, 2008 at 12:27 pm
1 out of 5 aint bad since you said Canibus. Big L was hot but Big L died before Pac and Big, give it up already.
¨¨¨¨¨¨¨¨¨¨¨¨¨¨¨¨¨¨¨¨¨¨¨¨¨¨¨¨¨¨¨¨¨¨¨¨¨¨¨¨¨¨¨¨¨¨¨¨¨¨¨¨
Big L died in 1999
September 18th, 2008 at 12:27 pm
I like the list except for Jean Grae….I would probably put Styles in her place………..dude got a point about immortal technique but he is just not as versatile as the others on this list
September 18th, 2008 at 12:31 pm
ummm I can’t co-sign on Canibus. I see him the same way I see papoose, a borderline rapper who’s trying to do too much with a song. I dont need an entire speech fit btw each single beat. Cormega and AZ definitely should have blown up. AZ just doesnt have the backing nor charisma he needs to be a major force in the industry
- http://www.mrswagger.com
September 18th, 2008 at 12:33 pm
Sonny Cheeba from Camp Lo is dope as hell
September 18th, 2008 at 12:37 pm
1. Killer Mike
2. Joe Budden
3. Pastor Troy
4. Ras Kass
5. Z-Ro
September 18th, 2008 at 12:43 pm
Big L has to be on the top of that list man, cud u imagine if he hadn’t died and signed with Roc-a-fella.
September 18th, 2008 at 12:46 pm
WOW! You had A+ as a notable….Whatever happen to dude….
For me….cuz im a real hip hop head…a notable should be..
Last Emporer!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
If ya’ll dont know…..check him….
September 18th, 2008 at 12:49 pm
My only disagreement is with Mega. Though dude is nice lyrically, his flow is soooooooo boring. Dude doesn’t have any swag in his flow, it’s like he’s reading a book when he rhymes. I feel that’s one of the main reasons he never blew.
I think Devin Da Dude should replace him. That dude put out multiple underground classics. What’s sad is he’s even underrated in the South, which blows my mind.
P.S.
Some of you missed the point of this post.
September 18th, 2008 at 12:51 pm
where is budden…o and good lookin out wit lil brother i have no clue y niggas is sleep on them..but az is not dat nice
September 18th, 2008 at 12:57 pm
Agree with the list… especially Little brother. If them dudes would have came out the same time ATCQ, De La and all them cats,late 80’s, early to mid nineties, definitely would have eclipsed them!!! not saying there music is similar..but “dope beats, dope rhymes, this rap shit really aint that hard” - Phonte LB
Jean Grae ..definitely the dopest femcee of all time and still is frsh on the MIC. MC Lyte, Bahamadia, Ty Phoenix are 2,3,and 4.
MURS and Kenn Starr definetly underrated and slept on.
September 18th, 2008 at 12:57 pm
Ok I see ya’ll gave shots to Little Brother. I see you all like them cause they have an east coast swag. But, you dudes ain’t mention Z-RO from Houston, TX. That dude is a beast and wrecks whatever he touch. Man, you dudes is wrong for that one. Z-RO got like 13 albums out since 1999 including groups like Asshole By Nature and Guerilla Maab. Ya’ll need to peep. The south(TEXAS) ain’t booty like BET and the radio make it out to be.
September 18th, 2008 at 1:22 pm
Talib Kweli??
MF DOOM??
September 18th, 2008 at 1:25 pm
CAM from LA
Buckshot
Pharaoh Monche
Planet Asia
Kool G Rap
no particular order…list two comin soon…
honorable mentions: Immortal Technique, Ras Kass
where the hell did Channel Live go?
September 18th, 2008 at 1:28 pm
Cormega- Fallen Soldiers get that trakk
September 18th, 2008 at 1:33 pm
TERMANOLOGY
Murda Ma$$
September 18th, 2008 at 2:08 pm
AG (Showbiz&AG)
kurupt
M.O.P.
KILLER MIKE
#5 i personally think the hip-hop community dissed the Roots and never gave them the proper acclaim they deserve…
CO-SIGN #28- Inspectah Deck iz one of the top 5 lyricts in global history…
no particular order…idk bout list three…
Honorable Mention: Anyone have da Boss’s #? she used to make me feel funny…
September 18th, 2008 at 2:17 pm
Beanie Siegel
Prodigy
az
cormega
Ali Vegas
Devin The Dude
Pharoe Monch
Nature
Royce da 5 9!
would say comm - But He Made IT!
September 18th, 2008 at 2:33 pm
I agree with the list. I jus would’ve rated Big L as #2 behind AZ.
September 18th, 2008 at 2:34 pm
Good list
LB shoulda blown in 05
September 18th, 2008 at 2:44 pm
Shyne Po
Shyne Po
Shyne Po
Shyne Po
Shyne Po
That dude was gangsta with it!
September 18th, 2008 at 2:44 pm
yo first of all ya’ll niggas need to learn how to read. it says underground artist. not people already signed. i like the list cuz there are people who dont have record deals but can spit better than some of the niggas that do have record deals. thats bullshit how they aren’t signed
September 18th, 2008 at 2:48 pm
I Co-Sing Jay Ru. Big L was 100 times better than all the dudes on the list. If he wouldn’t have passed away early he might be talked about as the BEST RAPPER OF ALL TIME think about it. It’s fact that Jay was talking bout signing him to the Roc now if he actually did sign (which he i think he would have considering his label Flamobyant records wasnt taking huge steps)he woulda murdered Jay-Z. How many hip hop heads on this site think Jay is the best rapper alive…probably 85% of yall. Big L murdered Jay on a freestyle before he passed. made jay-z look stupid. made him look like junior varsity. he even murdered B.I.G. on a freestyle. If Big L would have stayed in the game guaraunteed more than 5 people commenting on this article would know his name. Think about it if most people look at Jay as the veteran think about how they would look at Big L…..yall betta recognize.
Size em up
“Hey yo, the streets love me, man
And I love the streets
So I know ya ain’t think I was comin’ with some fruitcake shit
Ya know me better than that
Ayo, I shoulda been out
I’m deadly when I pull the pin out
Keep frontin’, I’ma try yo’ chin out
I knocked a lot of men out
I left ‘em on the floor spittin’ phlegm out
It’s either that or I’ma squeeze the gat and pop ten out
You see ?codione?, ice spinnin’, jigged out, white linen
And if a bitch don’t like me she must like women
Every time I come around you see your wife grinnin’
Don’t be mad ‘cuz yo’ career’s in the ninth innin’
It’s over now, nigga, leave the game
I’m from the danger zone where emcees get slain
We’re thugs that never hesitate to squeeze the flame
We’re niggaz be takin’ drugs just to ease the pain
Hustlers flip cokey, 48 Hours like Nick Nolte
When I was OT your bitch rode me
First day home I dived in it
Left her thighs dented
Now that bitch be pagin’ me every five minutes
Emcees I squash and disgrace, it’s all about the Benjis
So why your bills got Washington’s face?
A lot of cats be frontin’
Made singles wit’ a fifty on top
L tryin’ to have the city on lock
Peace to Biggie and Pac ‘cuz they really were hot
Rap game, heavy hitters, it’s a shame they no longer wit’ us
Niggaz wanna be L, ladies wanna see L
If I go to jail you’ll wear a shirt sayin’ “Free L!”
What
Word up man, them niggaz is hungry
They ready to bite a nigga arm off”
Now thats you spit that shit!
R.I.P. Big L
September 18th, 2008 at 3:03 pm
Where in the original article does it state “underground artist”?
September 18th, 2008 at 3:33 pm
Only AZ can pretend to that title!
September 18th, 2008 at 3:34 pm
Great Article, was having pretty much same discussion the other day. Still struggling with how Canibus and AZ never blew up. 2 of the best lyricists aver to grace the mic. I think Big L had a def shot at doing it though if he wasn’t murdered. All 3 were on classics w/ legends and held their own or outshined them. If you really listen to the music it’s hard not to have Canibus and AZ in your top 10 ALIVE (I say alive cause those GHOSTS cast a big f*cking shadow)
September 18th, 2008 at 3:37 pm
Should HAVE not should OF…i’m sick of that nonsense.
HAVE HAVE HAVE
I agree with AZ but i dont know any of those other people
September 18th, 2008 at 3:43 pm
The author states “So qualifications for this list is crazy skills, under-recognized, and who’s time to break through has probably pasted…but still deserve props.” Joe Budden and Saigon still have a shot to actually blow so they can’t be on this list. I mean Sai didn’t even drop the album yet and Joe’s only on #2.
September 18th, 2008 at 3:48 pm
AZ n BIG L.
September 18th, 2008 at 4:12 pm
THE REALEsT FuCKIN LIST mY TOP 5 AZ CORMEGA STYLES P JADAKISS AND JOELL ORTIZ
September 18th, 2008 at 4:14 pm
1. Jedi Mind Tricks
2. Immortal Technique
3. Jus Allah
4. Ill Bill
5. Royce Da 59
September 18th, 2008 at 4:15 pm
i would say 1. big l rip 2. stack bundles rip 3. papoose 4. joell ortiz 5. newz
September 18th, 2008 at 4:16 pm
MUST READ***
FIRST OFF THIS IS MY LIST OF PEOPLE THAT SHOULD BE ON THA RADIO AN DOIN GOOD INDA RAP GAME
5. J.R WRITER- his punchlines an flow is rediclous
4. THE LOST BOYZ, Eva since there home boy died an another went down for bank robbery tha crew has fallen but they music er one vibed to it.
3. SHINE PO, Puffy fucked up his career but dude was nice wit tha flow an he definitly had tha potential to blow
2. Max b — I kno I kno but even though 80% of tha people don’t understand wat he be sayin in his rhymes but his flow an his hook game is compared to tha great nate dogg,, ps fuck t pain hooks this nigga max b gets it in
1. MY COUSIN STACK BUNDLES- this nigga is underratted but his flow was one of tha best hip hop died when he died fuuck 9 11 it is an will forever be 6 11 ova here niggas sk sk sk squadddd up chea!!
check me out myspace.com/moneyblak
September 18th, 2008 at 4:21 pm
if you dont agree you really must not know … this kid did his homework .. every cat in this list is str8 fire in there own ways.. but my personal favorite is CANIBUS.. this dude right here will really tair up any dude that raps in this game today ..
This next verse is the face of death
Me without lyrics is like a PORN FLICK WITH OUT SEX
Illmatic, my lyrical skills are Jurassic
With more FLAVOR THEN SKITTLES when I’m digitally mastered
I go off like a cannon and blow up the planet
with “NO FEAR,” like them clothes white boys be wearin
I’m tougher than DENIM, lethal like VENOMOUS SNAKES BITES
The MARIJUANA makes my EYES BRIGHT RED like BRAKE LIGHTS
I’m strong, my word is BOND like JAMES
Niggaz be tryin to test, but they ‘week’(WEAK) like seven days
MC’s run away when I kick it; they act so CHICKEN
they should come with a LARGE DRINK and a BISCUIT
Breakin the +Facts of Life+ down like Tudy, I’m RAW like SUCHI
with more +Vocab+, than three fuckin Fugees
So recognize or be hospitalized
cause lyrically on a scale of ONE to TEN I’m TWENTY-FIVE
September 18th, 2008 at 4:34 pm
S.P. THA GHOST !!! D-BLOCK!!!
September 18th, 2008 at 5:25 pm
Dylan! Dylan! Dylan!
Young
September 18th, 2008 at 5:29 pm
Ok for AZ & Big L
add Shyne,
September 18th, 2008 at 5:36 pm
STOP SAYING LL WON THAT BATTLE STUPID!!!!!!! 2ND ROUND KNOCKOUT HAD MUCH MOR QUOTABLES AND IS STILL A GOOD LISTEN TODAY!!!!!!!!!!!!
September 18th, 2008 at 5:38 pm
SOME QUICK THOUGHTS ON THE COMMENTS SO FAR:
I fucked up cuz dead prez DEFINITELY needed some consideration on this list!!! I don’t know how they slipped from me smh.
Max B???? really though, Max B?
Shit I think Pun was a star when he was alive. I mean I know he doesn’t get that Top 5 GOAT hype alot, but I NEVER heard somebody say he was wack. He was ALWAYS respected. Plus Pun went Platinum.
Redman and Kool G. Rap are interesting suggestions. Reggie got mad name recognition, but sometimes I wonder how many cats respect Red for his music. I always been torn on G Rap. No question he’s nice. But I always tend to not think of him as being on GOAT status…but it’s really close.
Beanie Siegal is a good one too. Beans spits. I mean it’s like he still could resurrect his career. But the way Hip-Hop is going these days…maybe not. But Beans will forever be like the perfect rapper to embody a period. He put his work in for that 99-04 lil time frame.
Question: if you put Talib’s picture next to the pictures of everybody on this list, who you think is the first person some average person would recognize? Or if you said the name of all these people who would be the one somebody would have most likely heard of? THAT’S WHY HE’S NOT ON THIS LIST. Talib IS famous. Him, Mos, Com, and all them. People know them, they do commercials LOL.
Memph Bleek had his shot. He’s dropped more albums on a major label than like 95% of cats. And he dropped when the Roc and Def Jam was like the hottest thing in Hip-Hop. For me, Memph’s one of those cats who could “murder you on your shit” but never give the same performance on an album. He had his shot, even Jay co-signed as “next.” Just aint work out for him.
Inspectah Deck could DEFINITELY be on this list. That is a good one. Talk about a dude slept on. At least RZA and GZA are spoken about when people talk bout the WU, Deck NEVER gets his props! His verse on “Triumph” might be the verse in Rap HISTORY. Good call. And Pharaoh Monche is a good one too, he doesnt get enough shine.
Ras Kass and Jedi The Mind Trick definitely deserve strong consideration.
Yo the whole D.I.T.C. could be on this damn list lol. O.C. is for shore slept on. But people don’t even know who Jean Grae is….can u imagine if O.C. was on this list????
Speaking of which, I’m sorry but ya’ll NEED to get on Jean Grae if u aint already!!!
Thanks for the feedback. Keep the responses coming!!!! Keep adding people!!!
September 18th, 2008 at 5:43 pm
WHERE DA FUCK IS SKYZOO??? WHERE DA FUCK IS BUCKSHOT??? MAN WATEVER DA ONLY PPL ON DAT LIST I LIKE IS AZ AND LITTLE BROTHER
September 18th, 2008 at 5:46 pm
OK… Maybe some of ya peeps did not read the article yet. what he meant was, UNSIGNED,NOT THAT SUCCESFUL, NOT VERY FAMOUS, RAPPERS THAT BEEN IN DA GAME FOR A MINUTE(idontreallyknow…morethan5years?). Saigon, Pap, Joell, MAX B, and sum of these new artist should not be in this list. They still have time to make it. However i agree with the peeps that say Talib, Styles-P, Beenie and sum others should have been here as well.
September 18th, 2008 at 5:47 pm
who ever made this list, good lookin. i appreciate the acknowledgement of underrated mc’s and this list happens to have 3 of my favorite rappers on it (jean grae, canibus and az). keep doing your thing and one love
September 18th, 2008 at 5:47 pm
STACK BUNDLES?! (SQ-SQ-SQ-SQ-SQUADDDD-UPPPPP!CHYEA!) CORY GUNZ!?
September 18th, 2008 at 5:47 pm
i love this list. Good job Nigel…
however, i agree with someone up there, O.C. is deserving. that nigga is amaaaaaaazing. I’d add Masta Ace too… damn, i love Brooklyn rappers for some reason
i also think we should think outside ny, and give it up for cats like Warren G, crooked I, and Devin the dude (lol)
September 18th, 2008 at 5:54 pm
R.I.P. Big L… taken too soon just like so many others!
September 18th, 2008 at 6:15 pm
Props to LB and Jean Grea
I need to get her new album
September 18th, 2008 at 6:25 pm
Your list is on point. But u should have added Joell Ortiz and Joe Budden are good. But you get much props for the AZ one he was the man in the early 90’s in Bk really dont know how watered down wanna be gangsta’s like Jay-z do crap and get away with it. honestly he fucked up hip hop first wit his hovito and big pimpin bullshit. ugly ass camel face.
September 18th, 2008 at 6:32 pm
hazer loves to be hater. hazer loves Jay-Z. Jay-Z hater is back at it.
September 18th, 2008 at 6:37 pm
Mac Dre should be number 1
September 18th, 2008 at 7:05 pm
azazazazazazazazazazazazazazazazazazazaz………………………………………..
September 18th, 2008 at 8:11 pm
Blu & Exile.
September 18th, 2008 at 8:43 pm
nice list… Joe buddens shoulda bumped Jean grae i think..
O.C also..
Clipse have sold multiplatinum— they blown too much to be considered underachievers.. thye are one of the last hardcore groups to push numbers in a long time.
September 18th, 2008 at 8:45 pm
In No Order:
Kool G Rap
Big L
Jean Grae (She is soooo nice, gotta say she the greatest female to do it, and she better than most dudes)
AZ
I wanna say Young Chris from the young gunz he can spit but the group album went plat
some one like Joel Ortiz, or Papoose can be 5th
Big L said on no endz no skinz: “Chicks callin me Poppa/ I wouldn’t give a b*tch ten cents to put cheese on her whopper.” lmao i love Big L
September 18th, 2008 at 10:10 pm
seriously..no immortal technique? wtf.
September 18th, 2008 at 10:45 pm
Where’s Sauce money? Cmon, lametalk
September 18th, 2008 at 10:49 pm
[Sauce Money]
Aiyyo Jay word up; these motherfuckers
Fuckin talkin that comeback shit like they cookin crack
Shit I ain’t frontin all I want my pockets green like slum change
Yaknahmsayin? Front the roll we roll back like rubbers motherfucker
For real; with no trace of AIDS
We keep our pockets fully blown, Roc-A-Fella click nigga
Aiyyo we pattin down pussy from Sugarhill to the Shark Bar
Fuck a bitch D in the marked car
We got the bad bitches gaspin for air in Aspen
Searchin for aspirin when I ask then, we swing
You cling we do our thing and bring
Sling your ding-a-ling from Bed-Stuy Brooklyn to Beijing
East coast hostess hostile colossal, money flarin
like nostrils for drug dealin apostles, huh
Al Pacino down to Nino Brown
Me Jay and Primo, got it sewed across the board like poquino
Teflon, make sure your jammy is full
Cause I heard, Sammy the Bull lamps in Miami with pull
Tropical leaves where I got a few keys
with my man I’ll stock a few G’s, now it’s unstoppable cheese
Said we was garbage, so fuck college
Street knowledge amazin to scholars when we coin phrases for dollars
Star studded bitches with cristals, get fucked with pistols
just to see my shit, discharge puss
I drop the stellar, even acapella
I got to tell all about Roc-A-Fella
“BRING IT ON”
September 18th, 2008 at 11:20 pm
No paid attention to AZ cause em came out with infinite, same flow but lyrically a level higher. Damn those crazy multis.
September 18th, 2008 at 11:38 pm
wat about JIIIIIIIIIIIIIIINNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNN
September 19th, 2008 at 12:26 am
Whoever did the lyrics for rather unique got them wrong…..Since my mama? it’s “since a minor i been fucking with marijuana” For sure him and L are the most underrated.
September 19th, 2008 at 12:28 am
JOE BUDDEN!
REDMAN!
JIN!
September 19th, 2008 at 12:42 am
WE HAVE A PROBLEM.
did anyone read the list?!?!??!?
this for MC’s that should have blown up NOT rappers 2 to 5 years deep in the game.
i agree with the list.
jean grae is soooo lice.
big l was perhaps the best PUNCHLINE RAPPER ever. so many rappers appear to just restructure his bars.
little brother is dope but i think that styles p should have had thier spot.
for cannibus, he along with big pun and andre3000 are the ONLY RAPPERS EVER that leave me speechless everytime i hear a verse and none of them are my favorite rappers.
i never understood why AZ didnt blow. he can go line for line with anyone. lyricially, he is still elite 14 years after illmatic. i agree, he has not had a great “commerical hit” since the do or die album.
September 19th, 2008 at 2:01 am
damn, Jean Grae is my Home Girl
South Africa Stand Up!!! Now I know why I’ve always loved her…. keep doing ya thing Sis!!!!
OnE!
September 19th, 2008 at 2:30 am
BIG UP!!!!! TO CANIBUS. THE DUDE IS AROUND. COMING TO A CITY NEAR U AND A NEW ALBUM EARLY NEXT YEAR.
September 19th, 2008 at 2:30 am
BIG UP!!!!! TO CANIBUS. THE DUDE IS AROUND. COMING TO A CITY NEAR U AND A NEW ALBUM EARLY NEXT YEAR.
September 19th, 2008 at 3:17 am
man niggas comments are funny. i respect the list, az canibus and big L are all monsters on the mic, straight killed shit. all three of them niggas made u push the rewind button.
September 19th, 2008 at 6:20 am
AZ
Canibus
Sean Price
Joe Budden
Redman
September 19th, 2008 at 6:36 am
Most yall r missing the point on your comments, most of the people u r recommending done been superstars with videos on high rotation and ish…
my top 5
1.Masta Ace
2.AZ
3.NYOIL
4.Rasskass
5.Bumpy Knuckles
September 19th, 2008 at 7:22 am
COrMEga? Are you Serious.. Yall Shouldve put ROYCE on there… CORMeGa? Get the Fuck Outta here, that nigga is TRASH
September 19th, 2008 at 8:57 am
Yo Whoever Mentioned Ras Kass, Gets Much respect…hes the Nicest To Ever Come out The West….
But as A True New Yorker….You Gotta Put AZ, Talib, Mega, Big L and G Dep….
September 19th, 2008 at 9:00 am
Yo Whoever Mentioned Ras Kass, Gets Much respect…hes the Nicest To Ever Come out The West….
But as A True New Yorker….You Gotta Put AZ, Talib, and Big L….Other Than That I Gotta Go Wit Royce and Ras Kass
September 19th, 2008 at 9:39 am
AZ one the number one makes the list credible and accurate, from his 1st album to his last his spittin game never dissapointed me and most of his albums were the shit, he’s personally my favorite rapper of all time.
September 19th, 2008 at 10:33 am
i must not understand this list at all
everybody cosigning AZ like as if he didnt sign wit a major label, or had nationwide hits, he did blow up, and he came back down. like most things what goes up has to come down.
as soon as he got on he was a hit, he had solo success then joined a high profile team of stars produced by dr. dre to help him earn more and been seen in more places.
so imo he does not belong on this list at all, he nice as hell all day but he had his chance and saw big time and now he’s underground but he was a star to me back in the day so he’s doesnt belong here
the only one on this list that is accurate and should be number 1 is BIG L.
September 19th, 2008 at 3:14 pm
Yo little brothers are dope. They remind me so much of A Tribe Called Quest. Dope beat by 9th Wonderful Tunes and dope lyrics from Phonta and Big Pooh.
September 19th, 2008 at 3:14 pm
Yo little brothers are dope. They remind me so much of A Tribe Called Quest. Dope beat by 9th Wonderful Tunes and dope lyrics from Phonta and Big Pooh.
September 22nd, 2008 at 9:34 am
1. Big Daddy Kane
2. Biz Markie
3. Jeru
4. Bahamadia
5. Keith Murray
And AZ, definetly!
September 28th, 2008 at 8:26 pm
UNDENIABLE IS WACK COMPARED TO DO OR DIE DUMMY!
AZ fell off hard, his last 3 albums combined only had 10 good songs. Cormega is much better, and Nature…..he should be on there too.