4 Underrated Hip-Hop Tracks From the 2010s You Should Still Be Listening To

The 2010s were a fascinating time for hip-hop, with the increased use of the internet radically altering how fans engaged with the music.

Feb. 15, 2026 at 12:31am

This article highlights four underrated hip-hop tracks from the 2010s that deserve more attention, including "Broken Again" by Pharoahe Monch, "Melo" by Lil Snupe, "Since" by Blu, and "Fetti" by Playboi Carti, Maxo Kream, and Da$h.

Why it matters

The 2010s saw the rise of new stars like Drake, Kendrick Lamar, and J. Cole, but the article argues that the decade was also filled with many underrated and overlooked hip-hop tracks that deserve recognition. Highlighting these lesser-known gems can help expand listeners' musical horizons and appreciation for the diversity of the genre during that time period.

The details

The article delves into the details of each of the four underrated tracks, providing context on the artists and the significance of the songs. For example, it discusses how "Broken Again" by Pharoahe Monch is a "devastating reflection on the woes of heroin addiction," and how "Melo" by Lil Snupe showcases the young rapper's "raw, uncanny energy" before his untimely death. The article also explores how "Since" by Blu captures the "graininess" of everyday life, and how "Fetti" by Playboi Carti, Maxo Kream, and Da$h represents the meeting of different regional rap styles.

  • The 2010s were a fascinating time for hip-hop.
  • Lil Snupe passed away at the age of 18.

The players

Pharoahe Monch

A veteran rapper who has endured as one of the best in the underground today, known for tracks like "Simon Says" and "Broken Again."

Lil Snupe

A young rapper signed to Meek Mill's label, known for his raw energy and talent before his life was tragically cut short at the age of 18.

Blu

A rapper known for his everyman rapping style, particularly on his 2011 album "Her Favorite Colo(u)r."

Playboi Carti

A rapper who was part of the underground hip-hop scene in 2015, known for his penchant for crafting irresistible hooks.

Maxo Kream

A rapper from Houston who collaborated with Playboi Carti and Da$h on the track "Fetti."

Da$h

A rapper from New Jersey who collaborated with Playboi Carti and Maxo Kream on the track "Fetti."

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What they’re saying

“Constantly searching for the answers how I could kiss the sky without enhancing/But, it's so hard to learn.”

— Pharoahe Monch

“Kids look up to me, they say that I am they image/So tell me what the f*ck I look like gettin' a sentence, huh?!”

— Lil Snupe

“One time tried to lock me, couldn't knock me/Did a little bid but I got free/Now I'm on the block bustin' hot frees.”

— Blu

“I can't go in, I ain't ready, fetti on fetti on fetti.”

— Playboi Carti

The takeaway

The article highlights how the 2010s were filled with many underrated and overlooked hip-hop tracks that deserve more recognition, beyond just the mainstream stars of the decade. By shining a light on these lesser-known gems, the article encourages readers to expand their musical horizons and appreciate the diversity of the genre during that time period.