“The underrated Bunch”: Top underrated rappers to look out for in ’23

What does underrated mean to you? To me underrated is someone who’s talent is overlooked and under appreciated. This list was compiled to showcase a few Bay Area artists who deserve more credit for their craft. You might agree with some, you might disagree with more.

15.) DreamLifeRizzy

In 2022, DreamLifeRizzy dropped his debut project titled “5ive“. Although his catalogue is still in the beginning stages, songs like “All Facts” and “Gang Enhancements” show signs of greatness ahead. His passionate delivery and scathing bars sets him apart from his peers. Will he build off the momentum and establish a name for himself or will he fizzle out like so many other Bay Area rappers?

Pros: bars, flow

What to improve: consistency, versatility 

Songs to slap: All Facts, Gang Enhancements

14.) Nikemik3y

In a region where R&B singers are few and far between, NikeMik3y wants to solidly his spot in the genre. He coasts on tracks with his melodic tone and hard hitting emotional lyrics. In 2022, he dropped 3 mixtapes “The Art” (January), “The Artist” (February), and “What is Art” (June). His commitment to story is captivating and something to forward to.

Pros: consistency, creativity

What to improve: more classic R&B tracks

Songs to slap: Rockstar, Crash Bandicoot

13.) Taliband45

This shadowy figure emerged from the abyss with arguably one of the best songs to come out of the Bay Area last year with “Get Me Right“. The unique tone in Taliband45’s voice is very refreshing in a region where everyone’s cadence seem to be similar. In 2023, he’s already dropped a project titled “Swimmers Only Vol. 1” which boasts features from ALLBLACK, ZayBang, FredoBagz, and 22nd Jim. Lets see what happens when potential meets talent.

Pros: cadence, flow, potential

What to improve: consistency, more videos

Songs to slap: Get Me Right, Drive the Boat

12.) D’Barbie

D’Barbie could have easily been top 3 on an all female list, but to be honest she can outrap a lot of her male counterparts so her spot on this list was only right. Motivated by Mozzy’s cosign, she proves on every track that her talent is greater than the hype. Her gritty delivery and subject matter brings a different energy to female rap in the Bay Area. In 2022, D’Barbie dropped a project titled “Denaya’s Daughter“. Put some respect on D’Barbie, she’s a heavy hitter.

Pros: lyricism, cadence, flow

What to improve: versatility, consistency

Songs to slap: Party with Shareese, D’ Barbie & Her Ken’s

11.) Robbioso

Robbioso is the epitome of new age Vallejo. He composes all the chaos through poised bars that still hit hard. In 2022, he dropped a project titled “555” and like his previous projects he delivers more than a few car bangers. He also has a knack for picking the perfect beat for his lyrical exercises. If you appreciate bars, you’ll appreciate Robbioso.

Pros: flow, delivery, beat selection

What to improve: consistency, versatility

Songs to slap: Old School Rap, Fallen Soldiers

10.) Bez19

Bez19 is one of the few Richmond rappers whose music stands out from the rest. His unorthodox flow matched with his melodic delivery reels the listener in on every track he’s on. In 2022, Bez19 dropped his debut project titled “Free P the EP” and he did not disappoint. His sound is infectious and it’s only a matter of time before people start to catch on.

Pros: flow, delivery, originality

What to improve: consistency, versatility

Songs to slap: Dusty Feet, Free the Real

9.) The Trifln

If we know one thing about Trifln’, he’s gonna stand firm on his ism. Although he’s a Bay Area veteran at this point in his career, he still feels underrated. His lyrics aren’t only hard, they’re always laced with some news you can use. In 2022, he dropped “Ism on Wax Vol. 1” (July 4th) and “Ism on Wax Vol. 1 Deluxe Edition” (July 14th) which are two separate tapes that both captivate listeners in completely different ways. It’s always exciting to see what Trifln’ will do next.

Pros: energy, consistency, delivery

What to improve: versatility, marketing

Songs to slap: Cornball Convention, Last Hoorah

8.) gee2x

Bar for Bar not many can compete with Gee2x. His flow is reminiscent of new age Detroit rap mixed with clever wordplay similar to Stockton’s EBK. With an impressive résumé of underground bangers, each line he spits is engaging and fresh. In 2022, he dropped “Heart Bulletproof” (May) and “Shark Tales” (August). Gee2x is the rapper you go to when you need an instagram caption.

Pros: wordplay, delivery

What to improve: more videos, marketing

Songs to slap: Lets talk about, Snatched

7.) 1100 Himself

After listening to hundreds of hyphy Oakland rappers, the smooth talking 1100 Himself gives listeners a sense of relief with every track. He doesn’t overcompensate but you can hear the dedication spilling out of his voice in every bar. Although he often collaborates with producer/rapper Mitchell, 1100 proves he can stand alone and make great solo bangers. In 2022, he dropped “The 11th Hokage” (September) as well as a collaborative tape with Mitchell titled “2 Headed Goat” (February). 1100 Himself is the perfect example of when vision meets execution.

Pros: cadence, flow, wordplay

What to improve: longer songs, more energy

Songs to Slap: Sunshine, Levyy Wonder

6.) Bosslife big Spence

Rapper/producer BossLife Big Spence is a hidden gem in the Bay Area rap scene. He captures the essence of old school G-funk and spits raps comparable to Too Short, E-40, and Mac Dre. His style, lingo, and overall energy on tracks immediately turns listeners up. In 2022, BossLife Big Spence dropped “King of the Underground“. If you want classic Bay Area hip hop with a new generation spin, BossLife Big Spence is your guy.

Pros: energy, cadence, creativity

What to improve: consistency, more videos

Songs to slap: 456, Talk My Sh*t

5.) Gee Pop

When people think of Berkeley rap they usually think Lil B or Rexx Life Raj, but Gee Pop has proven there’s a new sheriff in town. You can feel every bar he spits because the emotion just oozes out with each word. With every track, Gee Pop brings us deeper into his world and makes it clear that Berkeley breeds hustlers as well. In 2022, Gee Pop dropped “Pop Shit, Vol. 2“. With his effortless flows and wordplay, Gee Pop makes rap look easy.

Pros: flow, wordplay, story

What to improve: more videos, versatility

Songs to slap: Champagne Glasses, Summer Walker

4.) Mitchell

Rapper/producer Mitchell was a pleasant surprise after diving into his catalogue. Not only is he crazy with the samples, his bars are even crazier. Listeners can hear the passion in every track and he doesn’t slack off for a minute. In 2022, he dropped two collaborative projects “2 Headed Goat” (February) with 1100 Himself and “Blade Talk” (May) with Scando the Darklord. On top of that he dropped a solo project titled “Sorry 4 the Wait 2” (October). If Mitchell is anything he’s dedicated, but more than that he’s a great artist.

Pros: consistency, creativity, flow

What to improve: marketing

Songs to slap: Tems, Magic

3.) Lingo

From his debut project self titled “Lingo” (2017) to his latest project “Kickin Dust” (2022), Lingo in my opinion has shown the most progress. No he won’t blow you away with crazy rhyme schemes or deep introspective bars. He does something a lot of his counterparts can’t, and that’s make great songs with little to no effort. Energy, charisma, and authenticity spills out of everything he drops. What he lacks in lyricism he makes up in confidence. Lingo has star quality.

Pros: energy, marketing, delivery

What to improve: lyricism, versatility

Songs to slap: STFU, Romeo & Juliet

2.) Wantmoren8

wantmoreN8 is in a class of his own when it comes to lyricism. Every verse sounds like a Def Jam Poetry performance. Every bar is strategic. Every rhyme scheme is perfected. Basically what I’m saying is wantmoreN8 crosses every T and dots every I. He garners respect from the new generation and hip hop heads alike. Legendary catalogue, with records for the time and that stand the test of time. He did not drop a project in 2022, but he dropped two singles “Meet Me at La Mar” and “Grilled Branzino” with Rexx Life Raj. In rap there’s Jay-Z, there’s Nas, and then there’s wantmoreN8.

Pros: lyricism, impact, wordplay

What to improve: consistency, marketing

Songs to slap: 12510, Painted Pictures

1.) Lulbearrubberband

Lulbearrubberband dropped 6 projects in 2022, that’s right 6. “Migeriea, Pt. 2” (March), “Impenitent” (June), “Embody My Style” (July), “Stomp Down Bear” (September), “On Erythang” (November), and “305 Nights” (December). I first heard Lulbearrubberband on ALLBLACK’s “Collarbone” and kept wondering what part of Louisiana he was from. When I found out he was an Oakland native I was mind blown because I’d never heard anyone from the Bay Area rapping the way he does. As far as cadence, flow, and delivery goes he’s on an island by himself. Although his bars are heavily inspired by pimp culture, he doesn’t glorify it. Instead, he paints vivid pictures of his experiences and finds the lesson in every situation. He does this while still making bangers people can move to, drive to, and make money to. Lulbearrubberband is the most underrated rapper in the Bay Area.

Pros: consistency, flow, story

What to improve: marketing, versatility

Songs to slap: Good Luck Choosing, From the Town