10 Best Underground Hip Hop Songs Of The '90s

By: Joi Gilliam

Break Studios Contributing Writer

These 10 best underground Hip-hop songs of the '90s tend to have more lyrical prowess than their mainstream counterparts. Although the following tracks aren't as well known, they are forever implanted in Hip-hop history as classic underground tracks. While a few of these artists did go on to enjoy the mainstream shine, their early singles maintained an underground Hip-hop vibe.

“93 'til Infinity” - Souls of Mischief. Although West Coast gangsta rap dominated radio waves in the 90's, Souls of Mischief managed to find a niche with underground audiences. Their debut single, “93 'til Infinity” is arguably the best underground Hip-hop songs of the 90's
“Infinite” - Eminem. This single came from Eminem's little-known debut album, “Infinite.” Possibly one of his greatest tracks, this underground song features an uncharacteristic laid-back rapping style.
“1-9-9-9” - Common feat. Sadat X. Underground hip-hop producer DJ Hi-Tek had developed a solid following by 1999, especially among underground and mainstream rappers alike.
“Brown Skin Lady” - Blackstar. Before going on to make movies and mainstream crossover hits, Talib Kweli and Mos Def joined forces as Blackstar. Their 1998 album features a lot of underground Hip-hop gems, including this track praising the many beautiful women who don't get mainstream attention.
“Black Ego” - Digable Planets. Digable Planets had a taste of mainstream success with their first single, “Cool Like That.” However, their subsequent albums and single, “Black Ego,” had a more underground following.
“I Confess” - Bahamdia. Even today, female emcees don't get a lot of attention unless they sell a little sex. However, underground rapper Bahamadia was one of the best of her time. Unfortunately, most mainstream audiences wouldn't even know this single ever existed.
“Umi Says” - Mos Def. Rapper Mos Def never spits a solid 16-bar verse on this track from his debut album, "Black on Both Sides". However, this inspirational track has been an underground Hip-hop staple since its release in late 1999.
“How to Rob” - 50 Cent. Before releasing club bangers and becoming one of the richest men in Hip-hop, 50 Cent was just broke and hungry. Instead of actually robbing people, he released this underground Hip-hop track discussing how he would rob various rappers and artists with more money than him.
“Bonita Applebum” - A Tribe Called Quest. Although released on commercial label, Jive records, A Tribe Called Quest's debut album received only critical acclaim, and very little commercial success. “Bonita Applebum,” their first single, remains an underground Hip-hop classic.
“What They Do” - The Roots. Although they now back-up Jimmy Fallon as a late-night show band, the Roots developed a solid fan base with classic underground Hip-hop songs in the 90's. The video for this underground single featured parodies of their mainstream counterparts.