Top 10 Underground Lyricists

.

Rapsody

.

Rapsody born Marlanna Evans, is a female rapper from Snow Hill, North Carolina. She now resides in New York City where she continues to build a strong music career.

.

.

.

Background Check

.

Rapsody began her career as a member of the North Carolina based hip-hop group, Kooley High. She officially launched her solo career in 2008 after signing with 9th Wonder’s It’s A Wonderful World Music Group, under Jamala Records.. Her first significant career breakthrough came with the release of her mixtape Return of the B-Girl on December 7, 2010.

.

She continued to build much acclaim with the release of her next mixtape, Thank H.E.R. Now, on June 21, 2011. Thank H.E.R. Now, showcased her storytelling abilities as she drew from personal life experiences and featured her work with a variety of critically acclaimed acts such as: Big Krit, Raekwon, Marsha Ambrosius and Jean Grae. In May 2011, Rapsody joined hip hop mc Mac Miller on his Incredibly Dope Tour for 15 dates. In late 2011, she toured with Phonte and 9th Wonder as a part of The Phonte & 9th Wonder Tour.

.

Mic Skills

.

Rapsody is well known for her intricate rhyme patterns, metaphors, and wordplay. She cites rappers like Jay-Z, Lauryn Hill, Mos Def, and 9th Wonder as the biggest influences on her music. I definitely love how she’s a perfect match for every beat 9th Wonder and The Soul Counsel creates for her.

.

She’s truly lyrically blessed and showcases that in every song. Most are comparing her to Missy Elliot and Lauryn Hill, but sorry guys, I think that she’s more of a lyrical beast than Missy ever was. And as for her comparisons to Lauren; I think Lauryn will forever be in a class of her own! Let Rapsody be Rapsody, and Lauren Hill Be Lauryn Hill.

.

What Does the Future Hold For Her?

.

I definitely think that Rapsody has a bright future, she’s got the skills, the talent, the look, and she’s backed by one of the legendary hip hop producers of all time.

.

.

Chuuwee

.

Background Check

.

Chuuwee was born in San Antonio,Texas and he has been rapping for about eight years. Chuuwee says during the first couple years of his music career people tried discouraging him by saying that music wasn’t for him.

But negativity hasn’t slowed him a bit, infact that only made him push harder to do music, and as a result of his grind and hard work he has opened shows for many big hip hop names such as: Mistah Fab, Rakim and Rymefest. Chuuwee is becoming a well-known talent throughout Northern California.

.

Mic Skills

.

Chuuwee says some of his music influences are Jay-z, Outkast, and UGK just to name a few. Because his taste in hip hop music is so diverse the music he creates tends to reflect that, by blending the borders of underground, back pack hip hop, and mainstream rap. Personally I like Chuuwee’s style of rhyming, he’s very lyrical and his rhymes sync nicely with whatever beat he chooses to spit over. Chuuwee has been making rap for a little over eight years now but I have only recently been introduced to his music by another rap colleague of mine.

.

She introduced me to his music and said that this guy has been bubbling on the underground rap scene in Northern California for some years now, and if he keeps working hard and gets the right push and exposure, he can definitely be the next big rapper from the west coast.

.

What Does The Future Hold For Him?

.

I think the future holds nothing but great things for Chuuwee. This kid is just straight dope and I think that he’s going to be a big rapper. He doesn’t make mainstream music, but he will still be big in the eyes of those who love good music.

.

He’s been featured in many big music publications and websites, and his fan base is steadily growing. If anything he’ll become a huge underground success selling thousands of records, and that will be quite an accomplishment for the type of hip hop songs that he makes.

.

.

Devine Carama

.

Background Check

.
Devine Carama is from Lexington. He’s an underground rapper with 10 independent projects under his belt.

He has been featured in several newspapers, magazines, websites, and radio shows and was chosen as a recipient of The Top 20 Under 40 Award in his hometown, an award that recognized the city’s top 20 influential people under the age of 40.

He has also worked with iconic actress Jackee Harry (227, Sister sister& Everybody Hates Chris) on her brand new theme song as well as starring in the video for the song.

.

Mic Skills

.

Devine Camara is a very talented rapper, he not only makes socially conscious songs, but he can get very lyrical. I love his diverseness. I would definitely say that he’s a mix of Mos Def and Nas. He’s able to captivate you with his in depth storytelling, social and political commentary, as well as his intricate rhymes. There’s not too many well rounded mc’s out there, which makes listening to Devine that much refreshing.

.

What Does The Future Hold For Him?

.

I think that Devine will continue to put out great music just like he’s been doing for the past couple of years. He has the talent and drive to last another 10-20 years in the game, even more if he chooses to. He really makes good music, so as long as he keeps making it; I’ll keep buying it!

.

.

Honors English

.

Background Check

.
Honors English was Born and raised in Trenton, NJ, Honors English is a true scholar of hip-hop. His love for rhyming started in the booth with his uncle Divine, who produced for the legendary hip-hop group Poor Righteous Teachers.

.

.

.

During those early years, you could always catch Honors walking around with a boom box or battling with his friends. Honors brought his rhyming skills all the way down to the halls of Florida A&M University, where he majored in African-American Studies. He was known around campus for his battle raps and soon met Serius Jones and producer Needlz who has produced for 50 Cent, Ludacris, and Fabolous.

It wasn’t long before they formed a group called First Ave. The collective got so popular with street singles like “Jersey State of Mind” that they were up for a record deal with Atlantic Records in 2001.

.

Unfortunately, the deal didn’t come through and the guys went their separate ways. After the group disbanded, Honors took a break from hip-hop to become a professor of history. During that time, he also embarked on a deeply spiritual journey that transformed his ways of thinking and teaching.

In 2012 Honors reunited with Needlz to create his latest work to date called ‘State of the Art, ‘ a collection of sample-based musical compositions and uplifting rhymes. He had many incredible bangers on the album, and got a nice reception from the hip hop community. It looks like Honors is here to stay this time. We’ll keep you posted on his forth coming projects.

.

Mic Skills

.

First of all when I heard about Honors I was immediately captivated by his name. It’s unique and has a fresh vibe to it. It was different, everyone else in the game tries to add a Lil’ or a Jay-something or another in their name, it’s so lame!
When listening to Honors English you will come to realize that his songs are true art. Even though his rhymes are saturated with wordplay, metaphors and similes, I really like the content and creativity of his songs.

A song like “Burn” is a social political song. It talks about how the world is so messed up, and since we’re all so desensitized we choose to do nothing about it. In a sense we’re all conformists. Our government says ‘this is how it’s going to be and that’s that!” And we say “yes sir!” that’s not how it’s suppose to be.

We have more power than we think, we shouldn’t let that be control us, nor should we sit back and watch horrific things happen to others and not say or do anything about it. Honors’ Songs are very in depth, creative, and refreshing; if you’re a true hip hop fan and love songs with meaning then you’ll love Honors English. I’ll definitely continue to support his music in every way possible.

.

.

Joey Bada$$

.

Bakcground Check

Joey Bada$$ is a 17 year old rapper from Brooklyn, New York. He’s a member of The Progressive Era, a hip-hop collective that focuses on reviving the sounds and styles of “golden age” New York hip-hop.

Joey released his debut mixtape entitled “1999” on June 12, 2012. It featured production from other Pro Era members, as well as some J Dilla and MF DOOM beats. On September 6, Joey released Rejex, a collection of tracks that didn’t make it onto his debut. His buzz has been tremendous over the past year, so much that it’s rumored that jay-Z wants to sign him to Roc Nation.

I don’t know if it’s true but if it is it’s very deserving. Although I think that he should still continue to build his brand and stay independent. He’s doing extremely well for himself, and would make more money as an indie artist, as appose to earning a quarter of the earnings as a signed artist.

.

Mic Skills

.

When you listen to Joey Bada$$ you immediately think of hip hop from the 90’s. His songs have that old school hip hop vibe to them, and people love it! The reason why he’s getting a lot of attention is because there are a lot of people who want rap to go back to being about lyrics, style and flow, and with Joey Bada$$ they get to experience that.
Joey has lyricism, a Nas type flow, and raps perfectly over 90’s type hip hop beats. If you love hip hop from the golden era then you will enjoy listening to Joey Bada$$.

.

What Does The Future Hold For Him?

.

As I stated earlier, Joey has a bright future and if the rumour is true and he ends up signing to Roc Nation, it could be a huge step for him. If not I think that he’ll still do well for himself.

.

.

Elzhi

.

Background Check

Jason Powers (better known as Elzhi – often printed as eLZhi) is a hip-hop artist from Detroit, Michigan. Many Underground fans know him as “Detroit’s Best Kept Secret”. As a former member of Slum Village he now records as a solo artist. On May 10, 2011 Elzhi released his highly anticipated mixtapeElmatic; produced by Will Sessions, as a tribute to Nas’ classic debut Illmatic.

In 2009, responding to the demands of his passionate fan base, ELZHI released The Leftovers mixtape, a collection of rare tracks and unreleased exclusives featuring the hit single “Deep.” In 2010, due to complications with his former label and no longer content with being your favorite rapper’s favorite rapper, ELZHI signed with Jae Barber and The JAE.B Group, an Artist Relations and Management firm, drafting them to help launch his career to the next level.

After the overwhelming success of ELMATIC, ELZHI is in the beginning stages of writing his new album using beats provided by an exciting roster of producers, and is embarking on a tour to reintroduce himself to the world. More than 12 years after he finished recording the legendary collection of songs, he has finally released the Out of Focus EP exclusively through his website.

.

Mic Skills

.

He is known particularly for his complicated rhyme schemes, involving polysyllabic ‘patterns’, internal rhymes and alliteration, as well as evocative imagery, simile and metaphor. I like his style, the way he puts his words together (rhyming scheme) and intelligent lyrics. He’s definitely a beast on the mic.

.

What’s Does The Future Hold For Him?

.

I see nothing but good things for Elzhi, how can he lose? He’s already made a number of albums, has a solid fan base, and has performed with or featured on tracks with many of hip hop prominent rappers. He’s already made it, and will continue to be a successful artist.

.

.

Nitty Scott MC

.

Background Check

Nittia Scott, known in music by her stage name, Nitty Scott, MC was born in Michigan, raised in Florida, and now makes her money rapping in New York. She’s one of the few females creating her own lane in progressive hip-hop, a new school fly girl who isn’t afraid to get down with the cypher.

“Born in Michigan, made in Florida, paid in New York,” Nitty Scott, MC is currently launching an independent music movement known as “The Boombox Family”, which focuses on organic, lyrical, message-driven hip-hop.

The Boombox Family is grassroots music at it’s finest. Nitty prides herself on making big strides in the industry in a very short amount of time, with no financial backing, no gimmicks, no major co-signs and no payola. She proudly represents Just The Way I Was Raised Music, the management company founded by her manager.

Nitty Scott MC’s mission statement remains as it always has, “to be apart of a movement and not an industry, to be socially responsible and charitable with her influence, to inspire art and educated listeners, to promote substance in mainstream entertainment, to be praised by critical acclaim, and to document an era via the written word.” Deep!

.

Mic Skills

.

I first saw Nitty Scott Mc on the B.E.T. Hip Hop Awards freestyling, and I was amazed! This tiny girl was spittin nothing but heat,; and better than all the dudes! I like her ability to switch up her flow, sometimes rhyming at a moderate rate, and sometimes speeding her words up. She definitely brings back that old school 90’s type of vibe just like Joey Bada$$. Infact their style would fit perfectly on a track together. She writes content with meaning and represents the true hip hop culture. I like that a lot!

.

What Does The Future Hold For Her

.

Common man, nothing but the best is in her future. She’s young, talented, has a good head on her shoulders, and is very beautiful. If she stays on track, and her management continues to manager and market her well, she will definitely go down in history as one of the best female rappers in Hip Hop!