Last year we celebrated 10 artists/groups who represent the true essence of Hip Hop by launching Insomniac Magazine’s Underground Elite. THIS year we expanded our list to 30 MCs who consistently put in work and never fail to drop gems that leave us in awe! Even with all the heavy hitters mentioned below we STILL wanted to include more…which means REAL Hip Hop is alive and well! Check out the creme de la creme of the underground scene, look out for the upcoming Underground Elite PRODUCERS edition, and put your bid in for who will reign on the list next year! This is a three part series, be sure to click to part 2 when you get to the end of this page.
AL.DIVINO – The Lawrence, Massachusetts mic mauler is known for spitting rapid fire rhymes on the regular! Whether exploring a MoroccanMausoleum or getting ready to JUMPOUTTHEHELICOPTERONSKIS, Al delivers those RAWFI frequencies & brings the heat every time!
ANKHLEJOHN – Straight from The Red Room, Washington, DC’s Lord of Darkness strikes terror into the hearts of mortal emcees with his chilling vocal tone & expert delivery on the mic. The Van Ghost vanguard has never rhymed over anything less than a banger & brings edge to an underground scene mired in complacency. Many lyricists will fall by the wayside in years to come…but when push comes to shove Ankhlejohn will be the last man standing.
ASUN EASTWOOD – Toronto hasn’t been the same since the bearded bar slayer grabbed ahold of the mic. His delivery, which is simultaneously calming AND menacing, represents a level of discipline and control that’s astounding…and it’s what sets him apart from the pack. If you’re trying to track him down you’ll find him bodying s**t! He’s got the skills to pay the bills & treats the art right!
BENNY – The Butcher has never met a track he couldn’t chop to pieces! You know the GxFR super spitter because he’s already a legend in the streets for his witty wordplay & bulletproof rhymes. With a tireless hustle & quotables to last a lifetime, we’re sure the lyricist will continue to drop jewels on the masses. Benny could teach a master class in lyricism. Gamble on the Griselda soldier & it’s a guaranteed win.
BIG TWINS – The raspy voice draws you in & the dope rhymes keep you there! It’s Queensbridge all day as the infamous rhyme spitter brings insurmountable energy to the Twiz the Beat Pro produced “Rotten Apple,” the DJ Skizz laced “Billy Martin Rap” or any track he decides to bless with his limitless gifts. Big Twins’ talent is off the charts & his flow is hypnotic!
BORVOE MCMIDNITE – When delving into the topic of artists who push boundaries of creativity & experimentation, no one comes close to this talent on the rise. The MC of The Night delivers complex rhyme schemes & flows over a diverse range of soundscapes & conquers them all! It takes a lifetime of listens to collect the abundant supply of jewels showered upon his eager fans. The ill lyricist conjures dope rhymes into existence and launches them into the atmosphere for the world to hear.
CA$ABLANCA is always ready for battle! That’s necessary in the current underground landscape where many emcees step to the mic but few survive the hellish grind it takes to come out on top! The Dallas Destroyer comes equipped with a warrior’s work ethic and a killer flow that instantly shuts down all competitors. Bathe in the aura of greatness & get swept up by his skills!
CERTAIN.ONES – Bobby Craves, Feral Serge, MC Whiteowl, DZL, Fortified Mind, MortxGrim, Mookneto, Verses, The Wiz, Stress, Dali, Champ The Poet, Reign Supreme, DJ Evi Denz, Wann Sklobi, and Puma Simone. These are only a FEW of the Hip Hop titans who make up the powerful underground collective. Not since the Wu-Tang Clan have we experienced a crew with as many captivating styles as this uniquely assembled unit of sonic overachievers. Via the power of the internet, brilliant artists from all over the world were able to lend their talents to a community of like-minded individuals & rise to the top. It’s strength in numbers to the highest degree. They always do it ALWAYS & we never want them to stop.
CRIMEAPPLE – On the low, many emcees have shrines in their homes dedicated to the Manteca mic god. He’s the Pablo Picasso of the Hip Hop underground (although Jackson Pollock might be a more appropriate comparison due to the dramatic vibe they share in common). His bars are a thing of beauty that will be digested, discussed, and praised from now until forever. An outsider might think we’re exaggerating…but then they listen to the music.
ESTEE NACK – You might know him from rippin’ mics with Tragic Allies or dropping dope solo joints of his own. Either way, the Massachusetts master lyricist manages to always outshine the competition with electric verses that shock the system. The Super Nack Daddy bends beats to his will & tramples all soundscapes like a one man stampede. When he enters the arena expect his enemies to fall!
ETO – The Rochester rhyme slayer slings that high quality street s**t that continues to keep him in popular demand. Armed with an endless stream of lyrical artillery, he paints vivid pictures of places the faint of heart fear to dwell. Your life might be a simple story but his pure existence is designed for the silver screen. Close your eyes when you hear him spit & envision the “Motion Picture!”
FALCONCREST – DNTE & TEX soar high above the sea of emcees grounded by weak rhymes & a lack of creativity! The deadly duo cause mass destruction on bangers like “Badmind” and “Ryu & Ken” then segue into a laid back mode that teeters on the edge of hostility with “Live At The Sands.” Just when you think you’re in the clear they’ll snuff you from behind. The hawk is out but the falcon rules the roost!
FLY ANAKIN – All the Mutants in the Academy have unique abilities…but the one we’re focused on now kept feeding the public so relentlessly, he couldn’t be overlooked. The Richmond, VA rhyme animal goes into beast mode anytime he steps in the booth. His style has a vintage Souls of Mischief vibe that sets s**t off immediately! He’s a southside n***a makin’ noise & we’ll be right here listening to every word.
