When talking about the Kenyan hip hop scene today, there are a few names that would pop up in our heads effortlessly. You will hear people talking of the likes of Khaligraph Jones, Octopizzo, Femi One, and even the recently risen to fame Wakadinali.
However, this does not necessarily mean that this is the most talented lot in the Kenyan hip hop scene.
It is always important to give love to spectacular performers who have been crushing it but not necessarily getting the love they deserve. The rappers who are talented but continuously underrated.
Often, when listeners think of the term ‘underrated’, they picture a rapper who is getting no likes – or someone who is putting their music out (and good music might I add), but still has a hard time getting by.
However, the reality is that the term ‘underrated’ can mean a lot of different things. Most of the time if an artiste is underrated, they may be receiving some recognition, but still can’t seem to capture the available mass exposure.
They don’t find themselves part of the daily conversation initiated by the great hip hop forums available online or other prominent music resources.
So, in no particular order whatsoever, we have a look at five of some of the most underrated rappers in the 254.
Trabolee
What is Trabolee’s music exactly? It can really be summed up as that special brand of impressiveness that only a truly indie rapper can rock.
His style is his own, and he seems to care less about any noise that comes from outside of his art and his vision for it. He’s outlandish, and once you start vibing and listening to his tracks, he’ll be a mainstay for you.
Some of you must know him following his version of the Kovu challenge that was started by Wakadinali’s Scar.
Trabolee has arguably one of the best versions of the Kovu beat challenge which was taken upon by the likes of Scar himself, Khaligraph Jones, and Miss Cashy.
Steph Kapela
How else can Mr. Kapela be described other than terminally underrated; he just rocks dope beats with an ill flow: simple—what he puts out is no-nonsense hip-hop with a definite swag to it.
Those who haven’t stumbled across his tracks yet are surely missing out a bad one.
There aren’t many rappers in Kenya who are able to make music as uniquely bouncy and smooth as Steph Kapela.
The Rongai-hailing star who has so much material already out and keeps releasing showcases some of the best lyrical prowess, melodic range, and creativity – not forgetting his ability to freestyle in good Kenyan crafts.
Steph Kapela has found a style that suits him and at this rate, he may be only one project away from becoming a rap star. Who knows? You just have to pay a little bit more attention to him.
Kayvo Kforce
This rapper is not new in the music scene as he has become a celebrated figure of the underground era. Kayvo Kforce has helped to craft a style that many other rappers have since brought to the mainstream.
Despite this, he continues to be appreciated on the ground, as well as by his peers.
He is still striving for the kind of success that many expected him to have had by now. If his output remains as high-quality as it has been, he probably won’t be appearing on lists like this for much longer.
Mastar VK
Most people have heard of the tune ‘Omoka’, but few know that it was Mastar VK’s verse that made the song get the traction it got.
Most people just assume that the first verse was done by one of the Wakadinali’s members, but it was actually Mastar VK.
Mastar VK, also known as ‘Afande’, is one of the hottest rappers in Kenya hailing from Kayole. He made his entrance to the scene in 2019 when he released ‘Oyole’ praising his hood Kayole.
Since then, Mastar VK has been releasing pure hits that rarely get to hit so much to be played by mainstream media stations.
He has his fair share of fans but based on his talent, Mastar VK deserves a lot more attention and is arguably better than a lot of mainstream Kenyan rappers.
So far, he continues to be known for his songs ‘Oyole’, ‘Ngeus’, ‘Nditni’ and ‘Omoka ft Boutross and Wakadinali’.
Virusi Mbaya
Raised in Kenya’s biggest slum, Virusi Mbaya started his musical journey in 2009.
He is also the co-founder of the rap group Young Gifted and Black (YGB), and title holder of King of Freestyle in Florida 2000 and WAPI 2010 to date.
Kenyan mainstream rapper Octopizzo was among Virusi Mbaya’s peers back then when he was just starting out.
You might remember when Octopizzo used to mention YGB (Young Gifted and Black) a lot in his songs back then. He however came to leave YGB later after he had made it into the mainstream arena.
Virusi Mbaya is a talented lyricist who should stop appearing in such lists. Hands down, he remains the best freestyle rapper in Kenya
