The 2010s were a golden era for hip-hop, with artists like Kendrick Lamar, Drake, and J. Cole reshaping the genre. But while these legends dominated the charts, several underrated MCs—despite their skills—never reached the same heights. Let’s spotlight three 2010s rappers who should’ve been huge but fell short of mainstream success.
1. Bas – The Dreamville Hidden Gem
Why He Should Have Blown Up:
A Queens native and J. Cole’s Dreamville protégé, Bas had smooth lyricism and introspective storytelling on albums like Too High to Riot (2016) and Milky Way (2018). Tracks like “Tribe” and “Boca Raton” blended melodic hooks with sharp bars.
What Held Him Back:
Despite Dreamville’s rise, Bas stayed in Cole’s shadow. His chill, reflective style lacked radio appeal, keeping him in the underground-to-mid-tier zone. Still, he remains one of the decade’s most consistent talents.
2. Denzel Curry – The Ahead-of-His-Time Lyricist
Why He Should Have Blown Up:
Denzel Curry’s raw energy and genre-defying sound on Imperial (2016) and TA13OO (2018) made him a standout. Anthems like “Ultimate” proved his explosive talent.
What Held Him Back:
His aggressive, rock-infused rap clashed with the mumble rap wave. Though he gained a cult following, mainstream audiences weren’t ready—yet his influence on SoundCloud rap is undeniable.
3. Isaiah Rashad – TDE’s Overlooked Star
Why He Should Have Blown Up:
Signed to Top Dawg Entertainment (TDE), Rashad’s Cilvia Demo (2014) and The Sun’s Tirade (2016) mixed Southern soul with introspective rap. Collaborations with Kendrick Lamar (“Wat’s Wrong”) showed his potential.
What Held Him Back:
Personal struggles and long hiatuses stalled his momentum. While TDE prioritized Kendrick and SZA, Rashad’s releases got less promotion, delaying his breakout.
Final Verdict
Success in rap requires more than talent—timing, industry support, and luck matter. Bas, Denzel Curry, and Isaiah Rashad had the skill but not the spotlight. Yet their impact lingers, inspiring new artists and leaving behind essential 2010s hip-hop discographies.
Who’s your favorite underrated rapper from the 2010s? Let us know!
(For more deep dives into hip-hop’s hidden gems, follow NextMinuteNews.)
