10 Most Underrated Rappers Of All Time
by Priyanka P
Updated Mar 25, 2024
10 Most Underrated Rappers Of All Time
"Underrated rappers of all time" are hip-hop artists who don't get enough recognition for the work they do. The below table has the 10 Most Underrated Rappers Of All Time.
S.no
Rapper
1
Masta Ace
2
AZ
3
The D.O.C.
4
Shad
5
Kool Keith
6
Z-RO
7
Big Pun
8
Mac Dre
9
Cage
10
Black Thought
Masta Ace
Masta Ace is an American rapper, songwriter, and record producer from New York City. His real name is Duval Clear. He was born on December 4, 1966. Masta Ace joined with a group called Juice Crew and became famous after he appeared on a popular song called "The Symphony" in 1988.
Masta Ace has a unique voice and great rapping skills that have inspired many other rappers.
AZ
AZ is known for his appearance on Nas's "Illmatic" album. He did not achieve mainstream success like other New York rappers. Though his albums had best support he did not receive the fame he deserved.After his impressive performance on Nas's "Life's a Bitch," his debut album "Doe or Die" received recognition. Despite releasing highly praised albums, AZ is an unknown rapper.
The D.O.C.
Tracy Lynn Curry is known as The D.O.C. He is an American rapper, songwriter, and producer. He was a member of Fila Fresh Crew and collaborated with N.W.A and Eazy-E. After having good reach in Fila Fresh Crew, The D.O.C. had a successful solo career. He worked with Dr. Dre, helping with his solo album, and co-founded Death Row Records with Dre and Suge Knight.
The D.O.C.'s first album was a success, but a car accident in 1989 damaged his voice. He later released more albums, won a Grammy with N.W.A., and also was successful as a ghostwriter for Snoop Dogg and Dr. Dre.
Shad
Shad is a Canadian rapper and broadcaster. He has released 7 albums and 3 EP's since 2005. He won a Juno Award for Rap Recording of the Year in 2011 and he has also been shortlisted for the Polaris Music Prize multiple times. He was named the second-greatest Canadian rapper of all time by CBC Music in 2013.
Shad has also hosted Q on CBC Radio One and the documentary series Hip-Hop Evolution on HBO Canada and Netflix. His second album, "The Old Prince '' became very famous. He released his first album with the prize money from a radio contest.
Kool Keith
Kool Keith is an American rapper and record producer. His unique lyrics made him one of hip-hop. He was Born on October 7, 1963, in The Bronx, New York City. He was a cofounding member of Ultramagnetic MCs. Kool Keith's first solo album, "Dr. Octagonecologyst," released in 1996 as Dr. Octagon was appreciated much for its unique style.
Kool Keith has worked with different groups and appeared as a guest with artists like The Prodigy. Even though he's not much famous, he has been an inspiration to the artists like Deltron 3030 and Lil Wayne.
Z-RO
Joseph Wayneis the real name of Z-RO. McVey IV and the Mo City Don are the stage names. He is an American rapper from Houston. Despite his talent and strong local fanbase, Z-RO is underrated when compared to artists from other regions like Scarface.
His album "The Life of Joseph W. McVey" gained major attention, but his talent deserves more recognition.
Big Pun
Christopher Lee Rios, was a renowned rapper from the Bronx. Big Pun is his stage name. Big Pun was discovered by Fat Joe and gained fame from the work which was done together for the album "Jealous One's Envy" in 1995. He signed with Fat Joe's Terror Squad Productions and Loud Records, releasing his first album "Capital Punishment" in 1998.
His second album, "Yeeeah Baby," achieved success but sadly, Big Pun passed away before its release. Big Pun was considered one of the greatest rappers, especially in '90s hip-hop, although he didn't achieve what he deserved before his death.
Mac Dre
Andre Louis Hicks was a groundbreaking American rapper from Vallejo, California, who played a vital part in Bay Area hip-hop in the early 2000s. Mac Dre is his stage name. Mac Dre's energetic rapping and basslines changed dance styles and made the movement more popular. He also started Thizz Entertainment, helping local aspiring rappers release their music.
Tragically, Mac Dre was murdered on November 1, 2004, in Kansas City, Missouri, and the case remains unsolved. He released twelve solo albums before his death.
Cage
Christian Palko is an American rapper from Middletown, New York. Cage is his stage name. He has released six solo albums, two compilation albums, and two EPs through record labels Definitive Jux and Eastern Conference. Despite facing career challenges, The album "Movies for the Blind" was enjoyed for its provocative and contentious content.
Black Thought
Black Thought, the talented lead MC of the Roots, is highly regarded as one of the most skilled rappers of his time. Black Thought Known for his complex lyrics and politically aware lyrics. He also showcases his singing and rapping skills on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon. Despite the Roots' fame, Black Thought himself is not widely recognized. His exceptional talents include an intricate flow, insightful lyrics, fresh wordplay, and proficiency in freestyling.
