In recent years, the world of underground rap has seen a surge in popularity, with artists from all over the globe gaining traction and amassing dedicated followings. As we step into 2023, the underground rap scene shows no signs of slowing down, and fans eagerly await the emergence of new talent and the continued success of established artists. In this article, we will take a closer look at the best underground rappers of 2023, exploring their unique styles, lyrical prowess, and impact on the rap scene. Whether you’re a die-hard hip-hop head or a casual listener, you won’t want to miss out on the talents of these rising stars.
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What is Underground Rap & Who is an Underground Rapper?
Basically, underground rap is a type of hip-hop music that is independent;y created, which means that the hip-hop music that is not created for any kind of commercial is underground rap.
Moreover, an underground rapper is someone who raps freely and independently and is not working with or for any label.
In simpler words, rappers who have not made it to the big screen are underground rappers. Let’s take a look at the best of ’em.
Polo G:
We are starting things off with one of the best underground rappers in the industry, Polo G, whose real name is Taurus Tremani Bartlett.
He was born on 6th January 1999 in Cabrini-Green Homes, Chicago, USA. His age is around 24 years as of 2023. Some of his ALIASES are Wolo G and Polo Capalot.
G’s parents’ names are Stacia Mac (mother) and Taurus Bartlett (father). However, today, Polo is signed with Columbia Records, but it wasn’t always like that.
Polo’s very first release was “ODA,” and that was a hit. He then went on releasing many other great albums and songs on his own YouTube and SoundCloud channel.
The fame that he got from these hits proved to be the turning point of his career, and he was offered a contract from Columbia Records.
He officially began his career in 2017 and has been active since then. He wisely cashed his fame, and today, he has his own label named ODA.
Some of his famous albums/songs are “Die a Legend,” “The Goat,” “Hall of Fame,” “Hall of Fame 2.0,” “RAPSTAR,” “Pop Out,” “Finer Things,” and several others.
Bartlett has more than 10.2 million followers on Instagram at @polo.capalot, more than 28.8 million monthly listeners on Spotify at Polo G, and more than 984,000 followers on SoundCloud at POLO G.
Lil Tjay:
This underground is around 20 years old as of 2021. He was born on 30th April 2001 in New York City, USA. His ALIAS is Tjay.
He was rapping on his own underground for about one year. He began his career in 2017 and has been active since then.
Lil Tjay’s real name is Tione Jayden Merritt. His nature was a bit rough. In an interview, he said that he caused more problems for his family than his other siblings.
His mother was the one who raised him. Growing up without a father was pretty difficult. He used to fight his classmates in school.
Not many of you will know this, but he has served a year in a detention center. You may think this was a downfall. But this was not the case.
Instead, the detention center is where he began writing rap songs. This underground rapper went on like this for a year; then, he was offered a contract from Columbia Records.
Some of his notable releases are “True 2 Myself,” “Destined 2 Win,” Calling My Phone,” “F.N,” “Ruthless,” “Move On,” “Not in the Mood,” and many others.
Merritt has around 6.8 million+ followers on Instagram at @liltjay, more than 16.6 million monthly listeners on Spotify at Lil Tjay, and more than 884,000 followers on SoundCloud at Lil Tjay.
Jack Harlow:
Jack is among the top young underground rappers in the industry. He was born on 13th March 1998 in Louisville, Kentucky, USA.
Not only is he a rapper but also a songwriter. His actual name is Jackman Thomas Harlow. His age is around 25 years as of 2023.
Right now, he has been signed to Atlantic Recording Corporation since 2018. But he began his career in 2014 and has been active since then.
For about four years, he was an underground rapper. He used to rap independently and released many great songs/EPs/albums.
His very first album was “The Handsome Harlow,” which was released in 2015. Then, Atlantic Recording Corporation offered him a contract, and he accepted.
Harlow has been working with the label since then. The albums that he released working with Atlantic label are “That’s What They All Say,” “Come Home the Kids Miss You,” and some others.
Jack has more than 4.9 million followers on Instagram at @jackharlow, around 41.6 million+ monthly listeners on Spotify at Jack Harlow, and around 192,000+ followers on SoundCloud at Jack Harlow.
Rod Wave:
Rod Wava has been in the hip-hop industry since 2016 and has released many great albums/songs since his debut.
Green was born on 27th August 1998 in St. Petersburgh, Florida, USA. His age is around 23 years as of 2021. Wave is also a songwriter.
His real name is Rodarius Marcell Green. He is currently signed to several labels. But he started his career as an underground rapper.
Rod Wave started his career in 2016, but his official album was released in 2019. This album became the reason for his success in the industry.
Then several famous labels like Alamo Records, Geffen Records, Interscope Records, and Hit House. Working with these labels, he gained a lot of recognition.
Rodarius’ famous albums/songs are “Ghetto Gospel,” “Pray 4 Love,” “SoulFly,” “Street Runner,” “By Your Side,” “Tombstone,” and many others.
He has more than 4.8 million followers on Instagram at @rodwave, more than 7.2 million monthly listeners on Spotify at Rod Wave, and around 755,000+ followers on SoundCloud at Rod Wave.
Action Bronson:
Bronson’s real name is Ariyan Arslani. This underground rapper is around 38 years old as of 2021. His ALIASES are Bam Bam, Bronsoliño, Mr. Baklava.
He was born on 2nd December 1983 in New York City, USA. He is among the top underground rappers of his time.
Currently, he is working with Vice Records, Atlantic Records, EMPIRE Records, Loma Vista Records, and Concord Records.
Bronson’s parents were Muslim (father) and Jewish (mother). He officially began his career in 2008, and after working for three years, he released his first album as an underground rapper.
His first album was “Dr. Lecter,” which came out in 2011. Some of his notable releases other than “Dr. Lecter” are “Well-Done,” “Mr. Wonderful,” “Blue Chips 7000,” “White Bronco,” “Only For Dolphins,” and many others.
Ariyan has more than 2.2 million followers on Instagram at @bambambaklava, more than 1.6 million monthly listeners on Spotify at Action Bronson, and more than 231,000 followers on SoundCloud at ACTION BRONSON.
Denzel Curry:
This underground was born on 16th February 1995 in Carol City, Miami Gardens, Florida, USA. His age is around 28 years as of 2023.
His actual name is Denzel Rae Don Curry. His very first album was “Nostalgic 64,” which came out in 2013. He has been in the industry since 2011 and is still active.
Curry is ethnically Bahamian because both his father and mother were Bahamian. This underground rapper is working with Loma Vista, C9, and L&E.
Some of his famous albums/songs are “Imperial,” “Ta13oo,” “Zuu,” “Melt My Eyez See Your Future,” and several others.
Denzel has more than 1.9 million followers on Instagram at @denzelcurryph, around 7.3 million+ monthly listeners on Spotify at Denzel Curry, and more than 492,000 followers on SoundCloud at DENZELCURRYPH.
Joey Bada$$:
Bada$$ is around 28 years old as of 2023. He was born on 20th January 1995 in New York City, New York, USA. His ALIASES are Joey B and Jozif Bodman.
He has been in the rapping industry since 2010. This underground rapper’s real name is Jo-Vaughn Virginie Scott.
Currently, he is associated with Pro Era, Cinematic, RED, Columbia, and Relentless. He is also a songwriter, singer, and actor, besides being a rapper.
Joey’s most notable releases are “B4.DA.$$,” “All-Amerikkkan Bada$$,” “Paper Trail$,” “Love Is Only a Feeling,” “TEMPTATION,” and many others.
Scott has around 2.2 million+ followers on Instagram at @joeybadass, more than 8.1 million monthly listeners on Spotify at Joey Bada$$, and around 176,000+ followers on SoundCloud at Joey Bada$$.
Hopsin:
This underground rapper began his career in 2001 and has been active since then. His age is around 36 years as of 2021.
He is working with Undercover Prodigy, 300, Warner Bros, Funk Volume, and Ruthless. He was born on 18th July 1985 in Panorama City, Los Angeles, California, USA.
Hopsin’s real name is Marcus Jamal Hopson. Hopsin was arrested alongside some of his friends as a result of vandalization in his school.
Marcus is also a music producer, actor, music video director, and songwriter, besides being a rapper. In 2007, Ruthless Records was the first label to reach out to Hopsin with a contract.
Some of his most notable releases are “Haywire,” “Gazing at the Moonlight,” “Raw,” “Knock Madness,” “Pound Syndrome,” “No Shame,” and many others.
Jamal has more than 1.4 million followers on Instagram at @hopsin, more than 1.9 million monthly listeners on Spotify at Hopsin, and around 141,000+ followers on SoundCloud at Hopsin.
Divine:
Let’s take a break from the Americas and head to South Asia to talk about this underground rapper known as Divine, whose real name is Vivian Fernandes.
His age is around 30 years as of 2021. He was born on 2nd October 1991 in Andheri, Maharashtra, India.
Besides being a rapper, he is also a songwriter, actor, and lyricist. He came under the spotlight with his song “Yeh Mera Bombay (This is My Bombay (Mumbai)).”
Then, Sony Music India reached out to him and asked him to work with him. He accepted. And now, besides Sony Music India, he is working with Universal Music India, Mass Appeal Records India, and Gully Gang Entertainment.
Some of his notable releases are “Kohinoor,” “Wallah,” “Gandhi Money,” “Chal Bombay (Let’s Go to Bombay (Mumbai)),” “Remand,” “Too Hype,” and many others.
Fernandes has around 1.7 million+ followers on Instagram at @vivianakadivine, more than 2.3 million monthly listeners on Spotify at DIVINE, and around 23,400+ followers on SoundCloud at DIVINE.
Talib Kweli:
This underground rapper got his recognition by working with another underground rapper Mos Def. His age is around 46 years as of 2021.
Kweli was born on 3rd October 1975 in New York City, New York, USA. His actual name is Talib Kweli Greene. He is the son of a famous author and scholar, Brenda Green.
Greene started his career in 1997 and has been active since then. Right now, he is signed with Javotti Media, EMI, Capitol, 3D, Geffen, Blacksmith, Koch, Rawkus, and yes, Warner Bro as well.
His famous albums/songs are “Quality,” “The Beautiful Struggle,” “Eardrum,” “Gutter Rainbows,” “Prisoner of Conscious,” “Gravitas,” and many others.
He has around 1.1 million+ followers on Instagram at @talibkweli, more than 809,000 monthly listeners on Spotify at Talib Kweli, and more than 43,800 followers on SoundCloud at Talib Kweli.
Tech N9ne:
He began his career in 1991, and after around eight years, he, alongside his associate, started his very own label named Strange Music.
N9ne’s actual name is Aaron Dontez Yates. This underground rapper was born on 8th November 1971 in Kansas City, Missouri, USA.
Aaron is also an actor, singer, and songwriter, besides being a rapper. Currently, he is working with RBC, Qwest, Warner Bros, Perspective/A&M, and JCOR/Interscope.
Some of his notable releases are “The Calm Before the Storm,” “The Worst,” “Anghellic,” “Absolute Power,” “Killer,” “K.O.D.,” and many others.
Tech has around 1.5 million+ followers on Instagram at @therealtechn9ne, more than 6.8 million monthly listeners on Spotify at Tech N9ne, and around 87,200+ followers on SoundCloud at Tech N9ne.
Fivio Foreign:
This underground rapper’s actual name is Maxie Lee Ryles III. He was born on 29th March 1990 in New York City, New York, USA.
His single “Big Drip” became the reason for his fame. His age is around 31 years as of 2021. His ALIASES are Lite Fivio and Fivie.
Currently, he is working with RichFish Records and Columbia Records. He has two kids. Fivio began his career in 2011 and has been active since then.
Foreign’s most notable releases are “B.I.B.L.E,” “Richer Than Ever,” “Spider-Man,” “Wetty,” “Move Like a Boss,” “13 Going On 30,” and many others.
Maxie has more than 1.6 million followers on Instagram at @fivioforeign_8fs, more than 12.4 million monthly listeners on Spotify at Fivio Foreign, and around 94,800+ followers on SoundCloud at Fivio Foreign.
Killer Mike:
Killer Mike was born on 20th April 1975 in Atlanta, Georgia, USA. His age is around 46 years as of 2021. His ALIAS is Mike Bigga.
His actual name is Michael Santiago Render. His parents weren’t the typical parents that we are used to hearing about. At the time of his birth, his parents were pretty young.
Mike’s father was a cop. His very first album was “Monster,” which was released in 2003. However, this underground rapper officially began his career in 1995 and has been active since then.
Right now, Mike is signed to Mass Appeal, Grind Time, Fontana, SMC, Grand Hustle, Atlantic, Williams Street, Fool’s Gold, Purple Ribbon, and Columbia Records.
Santiago has more than 1.7 million followers on Instagram at @killermike, more than 586,000 monthly listeners on Spotify at Killer Mike, and around 10,500+ followers on SoundCloud at KillerMikeGTO.
Earl Sweatshirt:
This underground rapper is around 29 years old as of 2023. He was born on 24th February 1994 in Chicago, Illinois, USA.
Currently, he is working with Tan Cressida, Warner, and formerly Columbia Records. He officially began his career in 2008, and his career ended in 2010.
Then again, in 2012, he returned to rapping and is still active ever since. His actual name is Thebe Neruda Kgositsile.
When he was just 16 years old, his first mixtape came out, named “Earl,” in 2010. This underground rapper has one kid.
Some of his notable releases are “Doris,” “I Don’t Like Shit, I Don’t Go Outside,” “Some Rap Songs,” “Sick!” and many others.
Earl has more than 1.1 million followers on Instagram at @soapmanwun, more than 2.9 million monthly listeners on Spotify at Earl Sweatshirt, and more than 239,000 followers on SoundCloud at Earl Sweatshirt.
Pusha T:
And last but not least, we have Pusha T, whose actual name is Terrence LeVarr Thornton. His age is around 44 years as of 2021.
Pusha was born on 13th May 1977 in New York City, New York, USA. He began his career in 1993 and has been active since then. This underground rapper has been married to Virginia Williams since 2018, and he has one kid.
He is working with Heir Wave, Def Jam, GOOD, Decon, and Re-Up. This underground rapper is also a songwriter and record executive, besides being a rapper.
Terrence’s famous releases are “My Name Is My Name,” “King Push – Darkest Before Dawn: The Prelude,” “Daytona,” “It’s Almost Dry,” and many others.
LeVarr has more than 2.6 million followers on Instagram at @kingpush, more than 6.8 million monthly listeners on Spotify at Pusha T, and around 8.18 million+ followers on SoundCloud at Pusha T.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the underground rap scene in 2023 is thriving, with many talented artists breaking through the industry’s barriers. These underground rappers possess a unique style, lyrical depth, and authenticity that sets them apart from mainstream artists. From the politically charged messages of some to the energetic and rowdy vibes of others, the underground rap scene caters to a wide range of audiences. With the emergence of new talent and the continued success of established artists, the future of underground rap looks bright, and we can’t wait to see what’s in store for this thriving genre. So, if you’re a fan of hip-hop, make sure to check out the best underground rappers of 2023 and get ready to experience the raw and unfiltered talent that they bring to the table.
