A celebration of Black musical expression, this list explores ten underdog albums that defy expectations and speak to the full spectrum of Black identity.
The Black community has always used music to interpret emotion, moments, and society. But not all albums are created equal. Some sit on the outskirts of the mainstream, living only in the hearts of those who found them. Whether it’s Robert Glasper’s Black Radio twisting sounds into something new, or Steve Lacy’s The Lo-Fis never getting its due, these underdog albums deserve the spotlight.
This isn’t a list of the biggest names or widely celebrated classics. It’s a list—unordered—of albums that, even if made by bigwigs, slipped through the cracks. These are the projects that pushed boundaries and defined eras without the reward of broad recognition. They stretch across genres and advance the agenda of Black artistry. If you want music that speaks to every version of you, this list is the right fit.
10. The Pharcyde – Bizarre Ride II the Pharcyde
Bizarre Ride II the Pharcyde was an outsider the moment it dropped. Its wacky storytelling and experimental deliveries brought the West Coast something that wasn’t gangsta rap. Alongside the iconic “Passin’ Me By,” tracks like “4 Better or 4 Worse” and “Ya Mama” highlight their carefree, bouncy production and lyrical dexterity. If you want hip-hop that makes you move and think, this is essential.
“4 Better or 4 Worse is my favorite,” eleventh grader Shaun Horne said. “They’re kinda like Run-D.M.C. a bit.”
9. Spillage Village – Spilligion
Before JID and EARTHGANG joined Dreamville, they formed the collective Spillage Village and self-released mixtapes. Spilligion, released in 2020 amid the COVID-19 pandemic and social unrest, became a spiritual reset for the times. Whether it’s the meditative “PsalmSing” or the hopeful tones of “Hapi” and “Jupiter,” this album is for those searching for connection in a fractured world.
8. Jah9 – New Name
In her debut New Name, Jah9 fuses her spiritual roots and poetic voice with a Rastafarian lens. This album is part meditation, part movement, part empowerment. Tracks like “Intention” close with spoken word reflections, while lighter songs like “Avocado” invite you to dance. With heavy bass and deep lyrics, New Name is for those who love reggae for its energy and its depth.
7. NxWorries – Yes Lawd!
Vocalist Anderson .Paak and producer Knxwledge joined forces as NxWorries to drop Yes Lawd!, a debut full of soul samples, slick production, and charming storytelling. From its knocking intro to the smoky, emotional closer “Fkku,” the album glows with effortless cool.
6. Steve Lacy – The Lo-Fis
“It’s a collective of pretty short love songs,” said eleventh grader Marcus Washington.
Before Gemini Rights made Steve Lacy a household name, he quietly released The Lo-Fis—a brief, 25-minute collection built on his guitar and voice. Its stripped-down nature adds intimacy and imperfection. Songs like “Infrunami” and “Uuuu” showcase his unique touch as a lo-fi producer and emotional storyteller.
5. Robert Glasper Experiment – Black Radio
The Robert Glasper Experiment’s Black Radio bridges jazz and hip-hop like few albums can. Even the intro, “Lift Off / Mic Check,” sets the emotional tone. With features from Erykah Badu, Mos Def, Bilal, and more, Black Radio proves jazz is not only alive—it’s evolving.
4. Common – Electric Circus
Electric Circus was ahead of its time. Common merges hip-hop with psychedelic soul, electronic, and Southern gothic rock. On songs like “Ferris Wheel,” he challenges you to sit with what feels unfamiliar. This one’s for the listeners who embrace identity and artistic change.
3. Quelle Chris – Guns
Detroit’s own Quelle Chris brings sharp lyrics and layered beats to Guns, an album that dissects America’s obsession with weapons and power. From “It’s the Law” to “Obamacare,” Chris juggles satire, social commentary, and introspection with skill.
2. Xenia Rubinos – Black Terry Cat
Bold, genre-defying, and unapologetically Afro-Latina, Xenia Rubinos shines in Black Terry Cat. Songs like “Mexican Chef” combine funk, jazz, and indie rock with social grit and infectious rhythm. For anyone who refuses to be boxed in, this album is gospel.
1. Adia Victoria – Beyond the Bloodhounds
Adia Victoria breathes new life into the blues with Beyond the Bloodhounds. Fusing Southern gothic sounds with raw storytelling, tracks like “Dead Eyes” and “Stuck in the South” reflect her defiance, displacement, and deep roots. Haunting and urgent, this album is a standout for blues lovers.
This list showcases overlooked and underappreciated Black music and culture. Some albums, like Spilligion, emerged from collective struggle. Others, like Black Radio, built whole sonic worlds that defy genre. What makes these albums underdogs isn’t just their limited recognition—it’s how boldly they push against expectation.
They’re not just good. They’re necessary. Because Black music isn’t anything. It’s everything.
by Jada Jordan
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