It's not credit as an artist, it's about vibe. It's an intangible that shows up in how much something hooks you. The most 'real' artists that come to my mind right now are the Beastie Boys. They are who they are. White boys. Who rap, punk style. Gangsta rappers, even, if you look at their actual lyrics.
And yet, there's no question about them being anything less than accepted, no question about them being anything less than real.
Immature as hell, but real.