Hip-hop thrives on talent, authenticity, and connection with fans, but not every artist strikes the right chord. Some rappers, despite their fame, have become magnets for criticism, whether due to their behavior, creative choices, or public controversies. Here’s a closer look at ten of the most disliked rappers in the game today, the reasons behind their poor reputations, and how they’ve influenced hip-hop culture.
10. French Montana
French Montana has consistently divided opinions within the hip-hop community. Despite a catalog of hits and collaborations with top-tier artists, critics often label him as forgettable, relying on his collaborators to carry the weight. His bold claims, such as saying he has more hits than Kendrick Lamar, only fuel the criticism. While French has undeniably produced memorable tracks, many feel his lack of originality and substance makes him more of a hype man than a true artist.
9. Gunna
Gunna’s career has been overshadowed by allegations of cooperating with authorities during his label boss Young Thug’s legal troubles. These accusations have alienated many of his peers and sparked heated debates about loyalty in hip-hop. However, Gunna’s commercial success, particularly with his album A Gift & A Curse, proves his fanbase remains loyal. This tension between industry backlash and audience support keeps his reputation in a constant state of flux.
8. Doja Cat
Once celebrated for her innovative mix of hip-hop and pop, Doja Cat has alienated fans with a series of public missteps. Her decision to insult and mock her fanbase—those who helped propel her to stardom—has caused irreparable damage to her career. Combined with her divisive artistic shift and polarizing promotional tactics for her album Scarlet, Doja has lost significant goodwill, evidenced by dropping sales and dwindling popularity.
7. Blueface
Blueface’s offbeat rapping style initially caught attention, but it’s his personal life that now dominates headlines. Known more for his scandals than his music, Blueface is frequently seen as a tabloid figure rather than a serious artist. His tumultuous relationships and constant social media drama have overshadowed any musical talent, making him one of hip-hop’s most ridiculed figures.
6. Machine Gun Kelly (MGK)
MGK’s stint in hip-hop is largely defined by his high-profile feud with Eminem, which left him with a tarnished reputation. His diss tracks and subsequent pivot to pop-punk alienated hip-hop fans who already viewed his music as bland and uninspired. While MGK has found some success in other genres, his attempts to maintain relevance in hip-hop have been widely dismissed.
5. NF
NF’s emotionally charged, introspective lyrics have earned him a dedicated fanbase, but they’ve also drawn criticism. Many see his style as overly dramatic or “corny,” leading to a lack of respect in a genre that prizes authenticity. While his intentions to deliver a positive message are clear, his theatrical approach often leaves listeners feeling disconnected rather than moved.
4. DaBaby
DaBaby was once on top of the rap game, but his controversial comments at a concert led to a dramatic fall from grace. His homophobic remarks sparked widespread backlash, costing him endorsements and festival slots. Though he briefly regained attention with a Kanye West collaboration, DaBaby’s subsequent releases have failed to impress, leaving fans and critics frustrated with his stagnation.
3. Lil Pump
Lil Pump exploded onto the scene with viral hits like “Gucci Gang,” but his career has since fizzled out. Known for his reliance on shock value and gimmicks, Pump’s lack of artistic growth has alienated fans and critics alike. His recent projects have failed to make an impact, cementing his reputation as a fleeting novelty act rather than a serious rapper.
2. Tekashi 69
Few rappers have garnered as much disdain as Tekashi 69. His reputation as a “snitch” after cooperating with authorities in a gang-related case has made him a pariah in the hip-hop community. While his attempts to shift to Latin music have brought some success, the stigma of his past actions continues to overshadow his career, making him one of the genre’s most polarizing figures.
1. Tom MacDonald
Tom MacDonald has built his brand on controversy, leaning heavily into politically charged themes and divisive rhetoric. Critics often deride his music as shallow, pandering, and out of touch with the essence of hip-hop. Despite his attempts to position himself as a bold, rebellious voice, MacDonald’s lack of nuance and understanding of the genre have made him widely disliked. For many, he embodies what’s wrong with modern hip-hop, securing his spot as the most hated rapper today.
