There could be several factors that contributed to certain 90s rappers being underrated. Here are a few possible reasons:
Lack of promotion: In the 90s, record labels played a significant role in promoting artists and their music. If a rapper was not backed by a major label or did not receive sufficient promotion from their label, it could have hindered their success and led to them being underrated.
Timing: The 90s was a decade that saw the emergence of several iconic rap groups and solo artists. With so much competition in the market, some talented rappers may have been overlooked due to timing or simply being overshadowed by bigger names.
Musical style: Rap music underwent several changes and evolution in the 90s, with various sub-genres emerging. Some rappers may have had a unique style that did not fit into the mainstream trends or was ahead of its time, which could have caused them to be underrated at the time.
Public reception: Ultimately, the success of any artist depends on the public reception to their music. Even if a rapper had the talent and potential, if their music did not resonate with the audience, it could have contributed to them being underrated.
It’s worth noting that the term “underrated” is subjective, and what one person may consider underrated, another may not. Additionally, some rappers who may have been underrated in the 90s have since gained recognition and appreciation for their contributions to the genre.
The Beatnuts: This Queens-based duo made up of JuJu and Psycho Les were known for their Latin-infused beats and humorous lyrics. Their 1993 debut album “Intoxicated Demons” and subsequent releases, such as “Stone Crazy” (1997) and “A Musical Massacre” (1999), were critically acclaimed but didn’t achieve mainstream success.
Jeru the Damaja: This Brooklyn-based rapper was known for his socially conscious lyrics and laid-back flow. His 1994 debut album “The Sun Rises in the East” was critically acclaimed but didn’t achieve commercial success, despite its introspective themes and gritty production.
Smif-N-Wessun: This Brooklyn-based duo made up of Tek and Steele were known for their hardcore lyrics and gritty beats. Their 1995 debut album “Dah Shinin'” was critically acclaimed but didn’t achieve commercial success, despite collaborations with Wu-Tang Clan members RZA and Method Man.
Group Home: This Queens-based duo made up of Lil’ Dap and Melachi the Nutcracker were protégés of Gang Starr’s DJ Premier. Their 1995 debut album “Livin’ Proof” featured DJ Premier’s signature production and the duo’s introspective lyrics, but it was largely overlooked by mainstream audiences.
AZ: This Brooklyn-based rapper was known for his intricate wordplay and smooth flow. His 1995 debut album “Doe or Die” was critically acclaimed but didn’t achieve the same commercial success as other East Coast hip-hop releases that year.
The Pharcyde: This Los Angeles-based group was known for their playful lyrics and jazzy, alternative beats. Their 1992 debut album “Bizarre Ride II the Pharcyde” was critically acclaimed but didn’t achieve the same commercial success as other West Coast hip-hop releases of the time.
Kool G Rap: This Queens-based rapper was known for his intricate rhymes and gritty storytelling. His 1995 album “4, 5, 6” featured collaborations with Nas and MF DOOM but didn’t achieve commercial success, despite its lyrical complexity and innovative production.
Casual: This Oakland-based rapper was part of the Hieroglyphics crew and known for his introspective lyrics and unique flow. His 1994 debut album “Fear Itself” was critically acclaimed but didn’t achieve the same commercial success as other West Coast hip-hop releases of the time.
Goodie Mob: This Atlanta-based group was known for their socially conscious lyrics and soulful, Southern-influenced beats. Their 1995 debut album “Soul Food” was critically acclaimed but didn’t achieve the same commercial success as other Southern hip-hop releases of the time.
The Roots: This Philadelphia-based group was known for their live instrumentation and socially conscious lyrics. Their 1995 album “Do You Want More?!!!??!” was critically acclaimed but didn’t achieve mainstream success until later in their career.
