This is a GOOD topic, Soror!!
My picks:
Kelis. People straight slept on her, I think. She got no hype whatsoever, and only two videos. Her CD is pretty nice. A little different, but pretty nice.
Timbaland: No one ever gives him props for his beats. Except him, lol! But they are tight. That's why Missy's albums are so nice, cuz she's clearly not a lyricist.
Speaking of lyricists...
Most of the underground hiphop artists.
dead prez. love 'em. librasoul, you are right, AmeriKKKa is HARDLY ready for them.
Royce 5'9: I heard a song of his on the 2nd lyricist lounge cd, and I love it! When I was in Cleveland, I heard him on the radio, I was in SHOCK!!! So maybe he'll start to get recognition.
Guru (of Gangstarr): Man, this 3rd Jazzmatazz CD is the BOMB!!!
I agree about Amel Larrieux and Talib Kweli.
I'm sure I'll have more.
This is such a good topic!!!