Mainstream hip-hop is without question important to the rap game, but it’s the underground artists who have a knack for pushing everyone to be better. Let me state that by no means does ‘underground’ discredit the level of talent an artist has, but rather displays the ‘presence’ they have in the ever-changing hip-hop hierarchy. Of course, it could also mean that these guys are simply the next in line to become the baddest holding the mic. Whether signed to an indie label, working with well-known names or simply killing the mic, these artists have made an incredible impact on 2012 so far.
http://www.bad-perm.com/2012/04/q1-top-5-underground-artists/
