Much like paint splattered on a canvas, The Underachievers pour all their anxiety, pain, trauma, and truth into their music. Instead of wielding brushes, they freestyle — channeling raw emotion that compels listeners to see their bigger picture.

Hailing from Flatbush, Brooklyn, New York, The Underachievers are the hip-hop duo of Issa Gold and AKTHESAVIOR. Formed in 2011, they quickly caught the industry’s eye, signing with Flying Lotus’ Brainfeeder label in 2012. With a sound that fuses East Coast grit, psychedelic rap, and conscious lyricism, the duo carved out a unique lane in NYC’s hip-hop renaissance.

Early mixtapes Indigoism and Lords of Flatbush (both 2013) made waves, setting the stage for their acclaimed debut album Cellar Door: Terminus Ut Exordium (2014), which broke into the Top 20 on Billboard’s R&B/Hip-Hop and Rap charts. Their sophomore effort, Evermore: The Art of Duality (2015), climbed even higher, peaking at #10 on the R&B/Hip-Hop chart and #9 on the Rap chart.

As members of the Beast Coast collective—alongside Pro Era and Flatbush Zombies—The Underachievers helped define a new era of New York rap. Known for their spiritual undertones and high-energy performances, they continue to expand their global reach.

Returning in full force, the duo dropped their 2025 project Homecoming on April 18, featuring standout singles “Brand New,” “Have Nots,” and “Megatron.” As they continue, the Underachievers remain devoted to sparking change, enriching the culture, and inspiring a new generation of listeners.