17 Underrated Rap Songs: Rap’s Best Kept Secrets

Hey fam, TBone here from Level Tunes, spinning records and dropping beats. 🎧 Over the years, I’ve come across tracks that I felt never got the love and spotlight they truly deserved.

As a DJ, there’s nothing more thrilling than introducing an underrated jam to a room full of music enthusiasts and watching their reactions.

And for my fellow music lovers, there’s that magic moment when you discover a song that becomes your secret anthem.

So, I’ve curated a list of 17 rap tracks that, in my opinion, deserve a heck of a lot more credit.

Let’s dive into some hidden gems and give these tracks the love they’ve been missing!

Here are the underrated rap songs that you can check out:

List Of Underrated Rap Songs

Best underrated rap songs in a list format:

“Accordion” by MF DOOM and Madlib

Album: Madvillainy, 2004
Label: Stones Throw Records
The legendary duo, MF DOOM and Madlib, crafted a masterpiece with “Accordion.” Off the iconic album “Madvillainy,” this track exemplifies DOOM’s abstract lyricism over Madlib’s uniquely chopped accordion sample. The chemistry is palpable. It’s a track that oozes with personality and innovation, showcasing why the duo is revered in underground circles.

“Thuggin'” by Freddie Gibbs & Madlib

Album: Piñata, 2014
Label: Madlib Invazion
Freddie Gibbs’ visceral storytelling coupled with Madlib’s soulful sampling birthed “Thuggin’.” A standout from their joint album “Piñata,” Gibbs’ tales of street life are raw, unfiltered, and impactful, making you feel every word. Madlib’s beat selection further elevates Gibbs’ verses, forming a powerful union of rapper and producer.

“Workin Out” by JID

Album: DiCaprio 2, 2018
Label: Dreamville, Interscope
JID, with his incredibly intricate flow and wordplay, delivers reflections on success and struggles in “Workin Out.” From the album “DiCaprio 2,” JID’s lyrical gymnastics over a soulful piano beat remind us why he’s considered one of the new age’s best lyricists.

“9th vs. Thought” by Black Thought

Album: Streams of Thought, Vol. 1, 2018
Label: Human Re Sources
Black Thought’s “9th vs. Thought” is a testament to pure lyricism. From his EP “Streams of Thought, Vol. 1,” the track produced by 9th Wonder is a clinic on flow, delivery, and content. Black Thought’s undying passion for the craft shines brightly here.

“Rigamortis” by Kendrick Lamar

Album: Section.80, 2011
Label: Top Dawg Entertainment
Before Kendrick became a household name, he dropped gems like “Rigamortis” on his “Section.80” project. The track features Kendrick’s unmatched breath control and a jazzy instrumental that challenges the norm. It’s a display of raw talent that heralded his rise.

“Kurupt” by Isaiah Rashad

Album: The Sun’s Tirade, 2016
Label: Top Dawg Entertainment
Isaiah Rashad’s introspective nature shines on “Kurupt.” A track from “The Sun’s Tirade,” Isaiah mixes vulnerable lyrics with a laid-back flow, giving listeners a window into his thoughts and struggles.

“Acid Rain” by Chance The Rapper

Album: Acid Rap, 2013
Label: Independent
“Acid Rain” is a standout track from Chance’s “Acid Rap” mixtape. With a somber beat by Jake One, Chance reflects on personal tragedies and the challenges of growing up, demonstrating his incredible storytelling prowess.

“Daylight” by Aesop Rock

Album: Labor Days, 2001
Label: Definitive Jux
Aesop Rock’s intricate wordplay and unique perspective are in full display on “Daylight.” Off his “Labor Days” album, the track is a thought-provoking dive into Aesop’s mind, showcasing his unmatched linguistic abilities.

“Travellin’ Man” by Mos Def

Album: Black On Both Sides, 1999
Label: Rawkus, Priority
Mos Def, now known as Yasiin Bey, gave us “Travellin’ Man,” a heartfelt narrative of life on the road and the challenges of maintaining personal relationships. From his debut album “Black On Both Sides,” the track features a beautiful blend of soulful production and thoughtful lyricism.

“The What” by The Notorious B.I.G. ft. Method Man

Album: Ready to Die, 1994
Label: Bad Boy
Though Biggie’s “Ready to Die” is iconic, “The What” often gets overshadowed by the album’s mega-hits. This raw track showcases two rap giants, Biggie and Method Man, trading verses with unmatched chemistry.

“Curls” by Madvillain

Album: Madvillainy, 2004
Label: Stones Throw Records
Another gem from the Madvillainy project, “Curls” stands out with its distinctive beat and MF DOOM’s abstract lyricism. This track serves as a reminder of the duo’s innovative approach to hip-hop.

“Canal St.” by A$AP Rocky ft. Bones

Album: AT.LONG.LAST.A$AP, 2015
Label: A$AP Worldwide, Polo Grounds, RCA
A$AP Rocky delves deep on “Canal St.”, reflecting on authenticity in the rap game. With a haunting feature from Bones, this track from “AT.LONG.LAST.A$AP” stands out for its atmospheric sound and poignant lyricism.

“Mastermind” by Deltron 3030

Album: Deltron 3030, 2000
Label: 75 Ark
Deltron 3030’s “Mastermind” is a sci-fi hip-hop masterpiece. From the self-titled “Deltron 3030” album, Del’s futuristic narrative and Dan the Automator’s production create a unique soundscape, transporting listeners to another era.

“Rapp Snitch Knishes” by MF DOOM ft. Mr. Fantastik

Album: MM..FOOD, 2004
Label: Rhymesayers
On “Rapp Snitch Knishes”, MF DOOM and Mr. Fantastik discuss the theme of rappers snitching on themselves in their lyrics. DOOM’s wit combined with Mr. Fantastik’s flow over a quirky beat makes this an essential listen.

“Waves” by Joey Bada$$

Album: 1999, 2012
Label: Cinematic Music Group
Young Joey Bada$$ showcased mature lyricism beyond his years on “Waves.” From the mixtape “1999,” the track is a refreshing throwback to classic 90s hip-hop with a modern twist, highlighting Joey’s promise as a rising star.

“Window Seat” by Erykah Badu

Album: New Amerykah Part Two (Return of the Ankh), 2010
Label: Universal Motown
While Erykah Badu is known for her soulful songs, “Window Seat” stands out for its blend of neo-soul vibes with hip-hop undertones. The track, from “New Amerykah Part Two,” offers introspection and a smooth flow, urging listeners to find their inner peace.

“Shadows of Tomorrow” by Madvillain ft. Quasimoto

Album: Madvillainy, 2004
Label: Stones Throw Records
Another brilliant track from Madvillain’s collaborative project, “Shadows of Tomorrow” is a psychedelic trip with Quasimoto. The abstract themes and experimental beats embody the avant-garde nature of both MF DOOM and Madlib, offering a unique listening experience.

Fun Facts: Top Underrated Rap Songs

“Accordion” by MF DOOM and Madlib

• Sample Source: The main accordion sample for this track comes from a song titled “Experience” by Daedelus. It’s always fascinating to see how producers repurpose old sounds to make something entirely new and captivating.

“Thuggin'” by Freddie Gibbs & Madlib

• Unique Production Style: Madlib revealed in interviews that he made the beats for the “Piñata” album using only an iPad while traveling around the world, proving that it’s not about the equipment, but the talent and vision.

“9th vs. Thought” by Black Thought

• Historic Collaboration: Black Thought and 9th Wonder had spoken about working together for years, and “Streams of Thought, Vol. 1” was a culmination of that promise. It’s a meeting of two hip-hop titans, each at the top of their game.

“Rigamortis” by Kendrick Lamar

• Breath Control: Kendrick’s rapid-fire delivery in “Rigamortis” is impressive. Legend has it that he was gasping for air after each take due to the track’s demanding pace!

“Canal St.” by A$AP Rocky ft. Bones

• Tribute and Sample: The song samples “Dirt” by underground rapper Bones. Instead of just sampling, Rocky decided to bring Bones on the track, showcasing his appreciation for underground artists.

“Rapp Snitch Knishes” by MF DOOM ft. Mr. Fantastik

• Mystery Collaboration: Mr. Fantastik’s true identity remains a mystery in the hip-hop community. He’s featured on a few tracks with MF DOOM, but no one quite knows who he is, adding to the enigma of DOOM’s world.

“Waves” by Joey Bada$$

• Teenage Prodigy: When Joey released “Waves,” he was just 17 years old! It’s a testament to his prodigious talent that he was creating such mature, reflective content at such a young age.

“Window Seat” by Erykah Badu

• Controversial Music Video: The music video for “Window Seat” stirred controversy because Badu strips down as she walks through Dallas’s Dealey Plaza, eventually being “shot” at the same spot President John F. Kennedy was assassinated. The video was her commentary on groupthink and societal pressures.

Thanks for reading.

TBone