Underground Rap

Underground rap emerged in the late 1980s and early 1990s, primarily in urban centres like New York, where artists decided they’d rather not conform to mainstream cookie-cutter sounds and lyrical content—how very rebellious of them. Characterised by gritty production, raw lyricism, and a distinct disregard for commercial appeal, it’s essentially hip hop for those who prefer their bars like their tea: strong and a bit bitter. It’s the sort of music that has always been about authenticity, meaning those in the know often feel obliged to evangelise about its merits whilst rolling their eyes at anything remotely 'pop'.