Music Review: The 10 most underrated hip-hop sings of 2020

The year of 2020 has been an incredible year for hip hop with many massive hits such as “Rockstar” by Dababy or “Lemonade” By Internet Money, Don Toliver, Nav and Gunna. But what about lesser known songs and artists? Well now is their time to shine with the top 10 underrated hip hop songs of 202o. 

“You Played me” By MarMar Oso

“You Played me” by upcoming artist MarMar Oso is a ride along the wave of more melodic hip-hop songs from artists such as Juice Wrld or Drake. The song depicts a story of the artist's relationship dwindling, making it incredibly relatable. The soft chords in the background make the song a pleasure to listen to and I would recommend it when you are at home on a rainy day relaxing.

"Shipment" by Jean Carter

Not many people have heard Jean Carter but more should. His deep voice goes hand and hand with his flow excellently picked for the track. He uses a unique combination of auto-tune allowing for the song to have a catchy rhythm overall. While the song is not a hard-hitting party record it's great for a smooth relaxing car ride. 

"Lies" By Morgan "Juice" Ellison

Although very few have given him a listen his style is incredible. Coming in as one of my favorites on the list, the artist rides the beat skateboard. He maneuvers his voice through the beginning of the song as the beat builds, leading up to a beat drop in which the rapper goes in and uses witty lines detailing his trust being broken. 

"Candy" By Don Toliver

Signed to Travis Scott's label, Don Toliver picks up Scott’s psychedelic vibes and uses his unique voice to make a beast of a song. Toliver's voice and the beat blend together like a perfect smoothie. Along with the catchy chorus of “candy couldn't be so sweet” that continues to replay over and over as it becomes lodged in your head. The song is generally a happy vibe to listen to just to smile for a little while. 

“Ain't it funny” By Vory ft. Meek Mill 

Louisville artist Vory kills the opening of the song with the all too relatable line, “Ain’t it funny how the only ones that can hurt you are the people that love you?” Leading melodically into the chorus he sets the stage for the multi-platinum artist Meek Mill to step in and deliver a thoughtful verse about someone he once loved moving on. Vory then kicks back in delivering his own verse about how people “wanna see me down and drag my name into the ground.” 

“Emotions In Motion” By Clever 

Being the oldest on the list, Clever does not hesitate to show young talent. With his incredible vocal range and voice that cracks at the perfect time, clever delivers an astounding song. He explains the trial and tribulations of being in love. Many ups and downs are displayed throughout the song only leaning into Clever’s amazing vocabulary. The song in general will just leave “your emotions in motion.”

“Gotham” By Dax

Dax has had time in the spotlight but the artist's lyrical ability shines brightly through on this track. He uses Gotham (the fictional city in which Batman resides in) as a metaphor for the online world and fame. A standout line at the beginning of the song describes its tone perfectly as the artist recites “what did you expect when dumb people go smartphones?” He goes on throughout the song to explain the undeserved validation some get through the internet and give a great perspective on the modern climate of social media. 

“Astronaut in the Ocean” By Masked Wolf 

Coming into hip hop with some country chords to start off the song Masked Wolf comes through with an unexpectedly amazing record. He makes an intelligent comparison to feeling out of place by describing himself as an “astronaut in an ocean” thus reflecting his feelings of invalidation and insecurity. Although deep topics are touched on, the song remains to be upbeat and generally a pleasurable listening experience. 

“You’re Mines Still” By Yung Bleu Ft. Drake

It's not often that a Drake song doesn't blow up and it shocks me that this one didn’t blow up. Coming in with an amazing voice, Yung Bleu sets the ideal stage for a Drake song. It has all of the melodic elements of hits such as “hotline bling” along with catchy beats, therefore imprinting the song into your memory. To top it off drake delivers an astounding verse detailing the pain of love and heartbreak. 

“Remember the Times” By Kodak Black 

Off of Kodak's album “Bill Israel,'' Kodak has a surprisingly heartfelt song. He explores catchy flows as he details the loss of his friends to gun violence and the court system.