The 15 Most Underrated Rappers Right Now

[mortuus est]

There are rappers who have it, rappers who don’t, and rappers who somehow get lost in the shuffle—the underdogs. Artists like Rick Ross, Lil Wayne, and Eminem were once considered underdogs, yet, they've all grown into superstars despite being labeled “underrated" at a point in time.

Today’s hip-hop landscape hasn't changed much. There are plenty of talented rappers, old and new, who still don't get the respect that they deserve. Read on for our breakdown of The 15 Most Underrated Rappers Right Now.


The 15 Most Underrated Rappers Right Now | Complex

50 Cent
Age: 37
Essential Listening: The Big 10
If You Don't Believe Us Listen To: "Body On It"

We already know what you’re going to say: “What? 50 Cent is one of the most famous rappers in the world. He’s sold millions of records. Even my mother knows who is he. How can he be underrated?” But these days, people front on 50 just because of the heights he previously reached in his career.

We’re not going to argue that 50 is the hit-maker he once was. He isn’t, and the numbers back that up. However, we’d argue that 50’s lack of recent chart success is more so due to changes in culture to which 50 hasn’t been able to adapt. However, none of this means 50’s skills as an actual rapper have eroded.

Yes, his music is stagnant at times because he still wants to rap about guns and drugs when we all know he’s a millionaire playboy (and we’d much rather hear him rap about being that), but Curtis has always been a witty, entertaining master of the slow flow. His songwriting chops remain top-notch, too. 50 never got enough credit for being one of rap’s all time best chorus writers, effortlessly able to craft catchy hooks for the pop audience about hardcore topics. And he still does that pretty well.

Perhaps 50 himself came up with the best explanation for his perceived artistic decline on “Body On It.” When talking about how he never fell off and the mild reception to his last album, Before I Self Destruct, 50 claimed, “You said, ‘We cool Fif.’ You know why? Cause I won too much in front of you nikkas. That's why.”

Gunplay
Age: 30
Essential Listening: 601 & Snort
If You Don't Believe Us Listen To: "Take This"

Don Logan was too underrated for too long until he broke out this year. We can't help but use the defense of, "But he never did anything dope before!" Okay, "Rollin'" was dope. But still.

Gunplay is a relevant solo artist primarily because of two excellent guest verses: the first on Kendrick Lamar's “Cartoons and Cereal” and the second on MMG’s “Power Circle.” While most people aren't sleeping on those verses, they are sleeping on his highly entertaining mixtapes, Bogota Rich and 601 & Snort.

Even if Gunplay’s songwriting needs some work (his mixtapes are filled with mostly freestyles), he has more personality than your average rapper and is definitely more than just Rick Ross’ weed carrier. Hail Logan!

what do you think?

 

[The Jewnited States]

weak list IMO. basically all those guys get props

they shoulda went a little deeper

 

[George's Dilemma]

I hate browsing through Complex lists. Gunplay is a good mention though. As ignorant as he is, he's got potential to put the game in a chokehold. He's got skills, Mic presense, good voice, personality, humor, good ear for beats, etc.. I hope he ain't locked up too long, cuz I really was looking forward to hearing a debut from him in the near future.

 

[Mike Statik]

LMAO if them dudes is under rated...id like to see whos over rated...


worst list EVER

90% of those dudes are wack

 

[Ashtrey]

what a horrible list

 

[----]

Really feel nipsey is getting lost in the new west movement right now, I still play the marathon all the way through regularly.
This list is hot though.

 

[The_Third_Man]

Some of their choices are good like Childish Gambino, Domo, Cyhi, chip, but Future? Gunplay? Gibbs? 50? motherfukkin Cheif Keef?

 

[Rominati]

Future is underrated tho

 

[LucaBrasi]

List is

And for makin me read that shxt

 

[Bugsmoran]

Fashawn >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>


[ame=http://youtu.be/6KHGyVhtjQg]Evidence & Fashawn "On Da Spot" Freestyle, Invasion Radio W/ DJ Green Lantern & Boss Lady - YouTube[/ame]


[ame=http://youtu.be/5ZdzjtbTxOw]Fashawn - Pass the Cohiba (Official HD Video) - YouTube[/ame]

 

[BlackZilla]

lmaooo how in the flying fukk is Gunplay underrated. Dude's trash.

He belongs right there in the garbage can amongst the used condoms and half-eaten burgers.

 

[The_Third_Man]

lmaooo how in the flying fukk is Gunplay underrated. Dude's trash.

He belongs right there in the garbage can amongst the used condoms and half-eaten burgers.

Whether Gunplay is trash or not, that's not the issue. The fact is hiphop fans talk about Gunplay alot just like any member of MMG. Some people hate him and some people love him.

Underrated rappers:

XV
Reks
Jon Connor

 

[I.AM.PIFF]

Lol @ 50 Cent's essential listening being Big 10 or is it for recent stuff only ?

Didn't check the site.

 

[RocPG]

Complex again with a wack list