Stanisland Magazine

Who is the most underrated rapper? Melanin 9 undoubtedly stands out as a consistent powerhouse of the rap game, and there are many who fear featuring next to him

Last updated: 5th August 2025

The debate over who holds the title of the best rapper alive often centres around American legends like Biggie, Nas, and Jay-Z. However, this focus on American artists overlooks the rich history of global hip-hop. Names like MF DOOM, Black Thought, GZA, Aesop Rock, and Ghostface Killah frequently appear in discussions of top wordsmiths, yet one name that deserves recognition is often missing.

In the realm of hip-hop, one name stands out for its lyrical prowess: Melanin 9. Hailing from the United Kingdom, he has been making waves with his unique blend of high-end wordplay and thematic releases.

Also known as M9, he earned a reputation for his storytelling abilities and stylistic delivery, painting vivid narratives that delve into topics ranging from urban life struggles to geopolitical issues. His verses are a tapestry of raw emotions and astute observations that resonate with fans who crave substance in their music.

He is just one example of a pool of talent beyond American borders. What sets Melanin 9 apart is his distinctive style and his refusal to conform to industry standards. This enables him to showcase his hypnotic and intellectually charged verses.

His work is an immersive experience that’s hard to resist, making the rapper an artist who’s consistently underrated but highly regarded by his peers as a formidable force in the world of hip-hop.

In a culture where naming the best rapper alive is divisive, it’s crucial to acknowledge alternative talents that contribute to the genre’s diversity and innovation, and Melanin 9 is one lyricist that should be included in the conversation.

He stays true to himself and never strays from his own style

Melanin 9’s mastery of the craft has remained hidden in the underground hip-hop scene for years, largely due to its isolation from the mainstream. To break free from this environment, one often has to make compromises, either in the complexity of their lyrics or the production values associated with their work. Many artists are unwilling to make such compromises, fearing that it might dilute their style. It appears Melanin 9 shares this sentiment.

What’s truly commendable about him is his unwavering commitment to maintaining the depth and complexity of his skills. When you listen to any track featuring him, his remarkable ability to seamlessly blend into various styles becomes unmistakably evident. This refusal to water down his artistry for anyone is a testament to his authenticity and dedication to his craft, even if it means remaining in the shadows of the underground hip-hop scene.

He is full of relentless lyrical ambition

He vividly offers cinematic approaches in song, thanks to the cyclical nature of his penmanship, which can be invitingly overbearing at times to the benefit of the listener, with some of the most compound rhyme motifs I have ever heard .

Drawn into a complex array of verbal linguistics, it is easy to follow along to the treachery depicted on Strange Fruit, where he ignites: “The blade inflicted was once an argument is now a big statistic, young teens abused; shes confused and frigid, stumbling home from a strong dose of vigiliance, my pen paints a place where misery loves to visit, mothers can sit and suffer in the blizzard.”

The rapper that keeps on giving

A few years later, the London-born rapper released the critically acclaimed “Magna Carta.” There’s debate about whether Jay-Z borrowed the title just a year later for his release, “Magna Carter…,” but one thing remains clear: M9’s effort was undeniably superior.

One standout track from the album is “White Russian,” featuring Roc Marciano, which exemplifies M9’s brilliance. This song delves deeper into his technical prowess, showcasing his dynamic abilities and experimentation with intricate rhyme patterns: “Tongue kiss a plutonium lip, bell skip, for ships of opium grips of polar shift, shotties explode disks, running from a solar eclipse, snipe your pawn out, forces combust when planets fallout, submerged in dirt, while bowels orbit like a dusty vinyl.”

Listening to one of M9’s verses is like taking a masterclass in vernacular boxing, where you can uncover layers of brilliance with each repeated play.

While Melanin 9 is relatively well-known in the UK hip-hop scene, particularly as part of the impressive Triple Darkness crew, he stands out for something more. His flow, combined with his razor-sharp wordplay and complex written word in every track, firmly cements his place as a top-tier artist, making it no joke to include him in your all-time top five.