Rap music has been a significant part of the global music landscape for decades. It’s a genre that not only entertains but also tells powerful stories and gives voice to various experiences and perspectives. While some rap songs gain massive popularity and recognition, there are countless others that, despite their brilliance, remain underrated and underappreciated. This article aims to shine a light on some of the best underrated rap songs that deserve more attention.
The 30 Best Underrated Rap Songs
1. “93 ’til Infinity” by Souls of Mischief
This song is a timeless classic from the early ’90s. Released in 1993, it captures the essence of the era with its smooth beats and clever lyrics. Despite its catchy rhythm and insightful verses, it never achieved the mainstream success it deserved. The song speaks to the youthful, carefree spirit of the time, making it a relatable and enduring track.
2. “The Light” by Common
Common is a respected name in the hip-hop community, but some of his best work doesn’t get the recognition it deserves. “The Light” is a beautiful love song that showcases his lyrical prowess and ability to convey deep emotions. The song features a soulful beat produced by J Dilla, adding to its timeless appeal.
3. “International Players Anthem (I Choose You)” by UGK ft. OutKast
Despite featuring hip-hop legends UGK and OutKast, this song remains underrated. It’s a brilliant blend of southern rap and soulful melodies. The lyrics discuss themes of love and commitment, delivered with the unique styles of Bun B, Pimp C, Andre 3000, and Big Boi. The track’s smooth production and heartfelt lyrics make it a standout.
4. “Respiration” by Black Star ft. Common
Black Star, the duo consisting of Mos Def (Yasiin Bey) and Talib Kweli, released this gem in the late ’90s. “Respiration” features Common and explores life in urban environments. The song’s introspective lyrics and atmospheric beat create a profound listening experience. Despite its powerful message and exceptional delivery, it remains underappreciated in mainstream circles.
5. “Cell Therapy” by Goodie Mob
Goodie Mob’s “Cell Therapy” is a thought-provoking track that delves into social and political issues. Released in 1995, it was ahead of its time, addressing topics that are still relevant today. The haunting beat and insightful lyrics make it a powerful piece of art that deserves more recognition.
6. “Shadowboxin'” by GZA ft. Method Man
From GZA’s critically acclaimed album “Liquid Swords,” “Shadowboxin'” features fellow Wu-Tang Clan member Method Man. The song is a lyrical masterpiece, showcasing the sharp wordplay and complex rhymes that the Wu-Tang Clan is known for. Despite its brilliance, it often gets overshadowed by more commercial tracks.
7. “They Reminisce Over You (T.R.O.Y.)” by Pete Rock & CL Smooth
This song is a tribute to a fallen friend, blending smooth jazz samples with heartfelt lyrics. It’s a deeply personal and emotional track that resonates with many listeners. Despite its critical acclaim, it didn’t achieve the commercial success it deserved, making it one of the most underrated gems in hip-hop history.
8. “Mortal Man” by Kendrick Lamar
Kendrick Lamar is widely recognized as one of the greatest rappers of his generation, but some of his songs don’t get the attention they deserve. “Mortal Man” from his album “To Pimp a Butterfly” is one such track. The song addresses themes of leadership, responsibility, and the pressures of fame. Its profound lyrics and innovative production make it a standout track that deserves more recognition.
9. “Mathematics” by Mos Def
Mos Def, also known as Yasiin Bey, is a highly respected figure in hip-hop. “Mathematics” is a track that showcases his lyrical genius and ability to tackle complex subjects. The song discusses social issues and injustices with sharp wit and insight. Despite its brilliance, it remains underrated in mainstream hip-hop.
10. “Exhibit C” by Jay Electronica
Jay Electronica’s “Exhibit C” is a lyrical tour de force. The song features intricate rhymes and a powerful narrative, showcasing Jay Electronica’s exceptional talent. Despite its critical acclaim, it didn’t achieve widespread commercial success, making it one of the most underrated rap songs of all time.
11. “Electric Relaxation” by A Tribe Called Quest
A Tribe Called Quest is one of the most influential groups in hip-hop history, but some of their tracks don’t get the recognition they deserve. “Electric Relaxation” is a smooth, jazzy track that showcases the group’s unique style and lyrical prowess. The song’s laid-back vibe and clever wordplay make it a timeless classic that deserves more attention.
12. “Far Side of the Moon” by Tinashe
Though primarily an R&B artist, Tinashe has ventured into hip-hop with great success. “Far Side of the Moon” is a perfect example of her ability to blend genres seamlessly. The song features a catchy beat and introspective lyrics, showcasing Tinashe’s versatility and talent. Despite its brilliance, it remains underrated in the broader music landscape.
13. “Devil in a New Dress” by Kanye West ft. Rick Ross
Kanye West is a household name, but some of his tracks don’t get the recognition they deserve. “Devil in a New Dress” from his album “My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy” is a prime example. The song features a soulful beat and poignant lyrics, with a standout verse from Rick Ross. Despite its critical acclaim, it remains underrated in Kanye’s extensive catalog.
14. “Shook Ones Pt. II” by Mobb Deep
Mobb Deep’s “Shook Ones Pt. II” is a classic in the hip-hop community, but it deserves even more recognition. The song features a haunting beat and hard-hitting lyrics that paint a vivid picture of life in the streets. Its raw authenticity and powerful delivery make it a standout track that deserves more mainstream attention.
15. “The Blast” by Talib Kweli
Talib Kweli is known for his conscious lyrics and insightful storytelling. “The Blast” is a perfect example of his talent. The song features a smooth beat and clever wordplay, making it a standout track in his discography. Despite its brilliance, it remains underrated in mainstream hip-hop.
16. “Daylight” by Aesop Rock
Aesop Rock is known for his complex lyrics and unique style. “Daylight” is a standout track that showcases his lyrical genius and ability to tackle deep subjects. The song’s introspective lyrics and atmospheric beat create a profound listening experience. Despite its brilliance, it remains underrated in the broader hip-hop landscape.
17. “Brooklyn’s Finest” by Jay-Z ft. The Notorious B.I.G.
Jay-Z and The Notorious B.I.G. are two of the most iconic names in hip-hop, but their collaboration on “Brooklyn’s Finest” often gets overlooked. The song features sharp rhymes and a catchy beat, showcasing the undeniable chemistry between the two legends. Despite its brilliance, it remains underrated in their extensive discographies.
18. “Sound of da Police” by KRS-One
KRS-One is a pioneer in hip-hop, known for his socially conscious lyrics and powerful delivery. “Sound of da Police” is a track that addresses police brutality and systemic injustice, making it a relevant and powerful song even today. Despite its critical acclaim, it remains underrated in mainstream hip-hop.
19. “Ms. Fat Booty” by Mos Def
Another gem from Mos Def, “Ms. Fat Booty” is a storytelling masterpiece. The song features a smooth beat and clever lyrics, painting a vivid picture of a romantic encounter. Despite its brilliance, it remains underrated in Mos Def’s impressive discography.
20. “Liquid Swords” by GZA
GZA’s “Liquid Swords” is a lyrical tour de force, showcasing his sharp wordplay and intricate rhymes. The song features a haunting beat and powerful lyrics, making it a standout track in his discography. Despite its critical acclaim, it remains underrated in mainstream hip-hop.
21. “Mathematics” by Mos Def
Mos Def, also known as Yasiin Bey, is a highly respected figure in hip-hop. “Mathematics” is a track that showcases his lyrical genius and ability to tackle complex subjects. The song discusses social issues and injustices with sharp wit and insight. Despite its brilliance, it remains underrated in mainstream hip-hop.
22. “Kick, Push” by Lupe Fiasco
Lupe Fiasco’s “Kick, Push” is a storytelling gem that captures the spirit of skateboarding culture. The song features a catchy beat and clever lyrics, showcasing Lupe’s unique style and storytelling ability. Despite its brilliance, it remains underrated in mainstream hip-hop.
23. “Reagan” by Killer Mike
Killer Mike’s “Reagan” is a politically charged track that addresses systemic issues and government corruption. The song features powerful lyrics and a hard-hitting beat, making it a standout track in his discography. Despite its critical acclaim, it remains underrated in mainstream hip-hop.
24. “Drop” by The Pharcyde
The Pharcyde is known for their unique style and innovative approach to hip-hop. “Drop” is a standout track that features a catchy beat and clever lyrics, showcasing the group’s creativity and talent. Despite its brilliance, it remains underrated in the broader hip-hop landscape.
25. “Hip-Hop” by Dead Prez
Dead Prez is known for their politically charged lyrics and powerful delivery. “Hip-Hop” is a track that addresses the state of the music industry and the importance of staying true to the roots of hip-hop. The song features a hard-hitting beat and insightful lyrics, making it a standout track in their discography. Despite its critical acclaim, it remains underrated in mainstream hip-hop.
26. “C.R.E.A.M.” by Wu-Tang Clan
Wu-Tang Clan is one of the most influential groups in hip-hop history, but some of their tracks don’t get the recognition they deserve. “C.R.E.A.M.” is a powerful track that discusses the struggles of life in the streets and the pursuit of financial success. The song’s raw authenticity and powerful delivery make it a timeless classic that deserves more attention.
27. “It Was a Good Day” by Ice Cube
Ice Cube is a legendary figure in hip-hop, but some of his tracks don’t get the recognition they deserve. “It Was a Good Day” is a storytelling masterpiece that captures the essence of a perfect day in the life of Ice Cube. The song features a smooth beat and clever lyrics, making it a standout track in his discography. Despite its brilliance, it remains underrated in mainstream hip-hop.
28. “Keep Ya Head Up” by Tupac Shakur
Tupac Shakur is one of the most iconic figures in hip-hop, but some of his tracks don’t get the recognition they deserve. “Keep Ya Head Up” is a powerful track that addresses social issues and empowers listeners to stay strong in the face of adversity. The song features a soulful beat and heartfelt lyrics, making it a standout track in his discography. Despite its brilliance, it remains underrated in mainstream hip-hop.
29. “The World Is Yours” by Nas
Nas is a highly respected figure in hip-hop, known for his sharp lyrics and insightful storytelling. “The World Is Yours” is a track that showcases his lyrical genius and ability to inspire listeners. The song features a smooth beat and powerful lyrics, making it a standout track in his discography. Despite its brilliance, it remains underrated in mainstream hip-hop.
30. “Protect Ya Neck” by Wu-Tang Clan
Another gem from Wu-Tang Clan, “Protect Ya Neck” is a hard-hitting track that showcases the group’s unique style and lyrical prowess. The song features sharp rhymes and a catchy beat, making it a standout track in their discography. Despite its brilliance, it remains underrated in mainstream hip-hop.
See Also: An Overview about The Rise and Popularity of Classical Music Rap
Conclusion
These are just a few examples of the many underrated rap songs that deserve more recognition. Each of these tracks showcases the unique talent and creativity of the artists involved, and they all have something valuable to offer to listeners. Whether you’re a longtime hip-hop fan or just discovering the genre, these songs are worth a listen. They represent the depth and diversity of rap music, and they deserve to be celebrated and appreciated.
