Welcome to “Underrated Artists,” an entertainment column from the St. Louis Park Echo covering unpopular and unknown artists. Every week, a different Echo staffer takes on the role of a writer, reviewing single releases and albums from four underrated artists.
One underrated artist I recommend is Lila Drew. Despite having a relatively low number of monthly listeners on Spotify, she presents a unique blend of indie pop and R&B that captures raw emotion and quality production. Her music often features mellow tempos, with tracks that range from dreamy and chill to groovy and uptempo. My favorite song has to be “Interlude,” as it highlights her ability to tell stories through atmospheric soundscapes. On the other hand, my least favorite would be “Might Be,” which feels a bit repetitive and lacks some of her other work. Her collaborations with artists like Kenny Beats showcase her versatility. If you’re into the relaxed vibes of artists like Alina Baraz or Snoh Aalegra, you’ll probably vibe with her style. Lila Drew’s music reminds me of SZA’s emotional depth and Cleo Sol’s laid-back energy, making it perfect for anyone who enjoys introspective, soulful music.
Another underrated artist to check out is Saba. With a relatively low listener count compared to his peers, this Chicago-based rapper blends thoughtful lyricism with soulful, jazzy beats. His music often has a laid-back tempo, but the emotional depth in his storytelling keeps it engaging. Tracks like “BUSY/SIRENS” and “GREY” are standout examples of his introspective approach to rap, exploring themes of mental health, love and community. His collaboration with artists like Chance the Rapper and the late, great Mick Jenkins only adds to the depth of his work. While some tracks, like “Calligraphy,” may feel a bit more experimental and less accessible, they still show his willingness to push boundaries. Fans of artists like J. Cole or Isaiah Rashad would probably enjoy Saba’s reflective style, mixing poignant narratives with smooth beats. His music reminds me of the introspection found in Kendrick Lamar’s work, yet with a unique, understated Chicago flair. Saba’s sound is perfect for anyone who appreciates hip-hop that digs deeper emotionally and socially.
The band Jellyfish is one of the most underrated groups of artists I’ve come into contact with recently. Their work used to be fairly popular in the 90s before they broke up due to poor record sales. Nowadays people hardly mention them, and they have become forgotten and truly underrated. The band’s tempo is generally slower than most and is very similar to a lot of 90s hits. My favorite song from Jellyfish has to be “Baby is Coming Back” because of the great delivery of the lines and the sheer power of the curious vocals. It has a nice beat with good lyrics that match the pacing. I would recommend Jellyfish to people who enjoy a blend of 70-90s-style power pop, progressive rock and lush, melodic tunes. Their music is very intricate, with catchy hooks and clever arrangements that draw from bands like The Beatles, Queen and XTC.
Last but most certainly not least is King Lil Mo. His style consists of a slower rhythm and hip-hop. He can often be heard in collaboration with ZR and many other artists putting together combination hits. I was first recommended to King Lil Mo by a friend and was instantly hooked by his catchy style. I was always surprised he was not more popular considering the quality of his music. My favorite song from King Lil Mo has to be “Life of the Party,” as it was the first song I heard and how I got into him in the first place. I like this song because it has a fun beat and amazing lyrics, making it easy to work while it plays in the background. If I were to pick my least favorite song it would likely be “Riverside” mainly because the tempo is a lot less unique and very similar to other songs I have heard. I believe King Lil Mo should be considered an amazing artist and could be acclaimed around the world for his unique style of Somali Rap and success. I think most people would like King Lil Mo, especially people who like hip-hop and rap music. I also think it is great for those who would like to listen to a local rapper right here in Minnesota.
