Hip-Hop you should actually listen to.

Imma start here.

I usually only post about bugs but this has been on my mind lately. There have been some lists on imgur along the lines of "rap for people that don't like rap" and the like, and they usually leave something to be desired. For one, white boy comedy rappers are not something I would wish on my worst enemy. They are vile and about as funny as Big Bang Theory (same demographic?), but I digress. The comments are usually really lively and full of great suggestions, so there seems to be a good size community here of people that like hip hop. When people say they hate rap, they are probably referring to what's on the radio, which is a shitty and uninviting tip to an otherwise great iceberg. I just wanted to throw out some of my favorite artists for anyone interested in getting into hip hop, and check out any that pop up in the comments. They're not all particularly underground by any means, just my favorites. I'll throw in a link to a song for each one.

I don't need to go into any detail about how good Kendrick Lamar is. It goes without saying. I'm guessing most people have already heard him, but I'm including him just in case you've been under a rock for the last few years. I think his music is one of the best ways to dive into hip hop. His albums are really worth a listen all the way through in sequence.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Psx6MYIfZs4

MF Doom

If you take nothing else away from this post, just know that MF Doom is the fucking best. Off the top of my head, I can't think of another living rapper that has as much respect as he does.

Meat Grinder-off of Madvillainy
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x8Ru8d0l_fU

J Cole

One of the most prominent up-and-coming artists. His last album is really solid and worth a listen all the way through.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A2B5clYLtOc

Talib Kweli

A little shiver goes down my spine when people tell me I need to listen to Macklemore because he raps about important things, as if this is revolutionary. If socially charged music is your jam, then this is your guy along with Mos Def.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MX4xELkqrD4

Mos Def

Probably one of my favorite rappers. Mos Def and Talib Kweli used to work together a lot, and are both really great to listen to when you're feeling angry at the world.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xFL0e24GeYg

Earl Sweatshirt

Member of Odd Future. His most recent album is called I Don't Like Shit, I Don't Go Outside, which is probably my favorite album title of all time.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=32v8yZ5hrh0

Vince Staples

Not a member but affiliated with Odd Future (who is also worth a listen).

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mb6Jc4juSF8

Schoolboy Q

More on the mainstream end of the spectrum, but still great.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T3AIfBksf_g

Lemme see your favorites, Imgur!

Edit: Shit, if I knew this would get a big response I woulda put more effort into making the list longer. Some really good mentions in the comments. Some I haven't heard of, so thanks!