Underground Hip Hop

Underground hip hop kicked off in the late 1980s, primarily in the United States, as a rebellion against the increasingly commercialised sound of mainstream rap, because apparently, some artists prefer to perform for far fewer people in much less glamorous venues. Characterised by gritty beats, intricate lyricism, and social commentary, it sounds like the sort of lyrical gymnastics you’d expect from someone who has read one too many philosophy books and decided to put the views to a funky bass line. You might not hear it on the charts, but this genre has fostered a loyal following, sprouting subcultures and DIY scenes like weeds in a neglected garden.