Rap music is often associated with realism. It is that sort of music, which sheds light on the heart-wrenching darkness of our society and brings it out in a musical way. Rap music offers us a breath of fresh air or as I think a break from the usual slow romantic melodies. In India, the introduction of Rap music was somewhere around 2001-2002 with Bohemia. After that with Yo Yo Honey Singh, Badshah, Raftaar this Hip-Hop culture gained momentum and has become quite a sensation in the past few years.
Today’s youth detests lovey-dovey fantasy based slow romantic tracks. They prefer something real, upbeat and fast. Indie Rappers feel this is that brilliant opportunity that helps them bring Hip-Hop music in the forefront and talk about the issues affecting the country. Self- taught rapper Shivanand says that, “While Rappers in Mumbai talk about life in the streets, rappers in the south talk about their middle class struggles”. However, when you think of rap you cannot just think of these glittering Bollywood ones. The real rap is happening beyond the gleaming world of Bollywood. With the incessant burgeoning of Indie artists and talented bands across the country, there is completely new list of desi rap artists who are all set to rock the country with their music. Here is a list of some of the exceptional desi rap artist whom you must add to your playlist.
#1. Big Deal
Samir Rishu Mohanty, the Indian rapper who goes by the name Big Deal was born in Puri, Orissa. He is currently based in Bangalore. His songs are a clear reflection of the struggles of Indians in this constricted and hypocritical society. This 25-year-old rapper has already formed quite an impressive fan following on YouTube and other social media handles. Check out his latest track “Crash Course”, which I am sure will love.
#2. Gubbi
Karthik Sundar Gubbi going by the stage name Gubbi is a Bangalore based English, Hindi, Kannada and German rapper who is famous for his multi-lingual raps. He is one of the most gifted rappers in the country who is focused on Kannada raps. In an interview with the popular daily English newspaper- Deccan chronicles-, he highlighted that Rap is honest and straightforward. Furthermore, his raps are an effort to hold on to his traditions and cultures in an ever-changing cosmopolitan city. Check out his latest release right here.
#3. Darwin
Darwin Dev is a Dubai based Hip-Hop and Rap artist who is a skilful Aeronautical Engineer and football coach. Darwin quit his job three years back to create rap and since then he has been unstoppable. In an interview with popular English daily – Indian Express – He said, “People think that fast rapping makes a good artist. For me, it’s more about content, lyricism, delivery, and to use the words to convey your personal experiences to people”. His latest release “The Indian Struggle” holds testimony to his statement. Check out this reflective and thought-provoking track right here.
#4. Brotha Hood
Brotha hood is a Mumbai based unsigned Rap and Hip-Hop artist who has been releasing his albums and tracks along with Shanawaz Khan since last few years. He had globally released his debut full-length album in the year 2016 titled “Belief” which had garnered him lot of praises. Check out his song, “Keep going” from the same album right here and I am certain you will want to hear more of him.
#5. Young Dirt
Young Dirt or “Geeta Chandran ‘Zing’ Chongtham” is a Bangalore based Hip-Hop, Rap and RnB singer, and songwriter who was born in Imphal, Manipur. If you have heard of the Bangalore rap crew “TWO MUCH” then you must know that he – Young Dirt- is one-half of the band. He has won the Vh1 Rap Battles in the year 2011. Young Dirt was also awarded the Songdew pick in the June of 2016. Listen to their track, “Apologies” to believe in the gifted craft of this artist.
#6. Still Rhyming
This is a Nagaland based band, which thrives on their austere attitude of simply loving Hip-Hop music, writing poems, painting and sketching. Still Rhyming is the youngest Hip-Hop and Rap band from India, which featured on the biggest International Music channels namely – Vh1, 9XO and MTV Indies. They were also chosen for the “Readers’ Choice for Band of the Month” amidst the 83 bands and Artists throughout the world. They have won the Songdew, “9XO I’m on contest” and the “Best Music Video” award at the fourth Music Awards of Nagaland. Check out their track, “Wake up” right here.
Hence, this was just a glimpse of the mind-blowing unsigned rappers who deserves a place on your coveted playlist. If you are into Hip-Hop or Rap music then I bet you will definitely fall in love with the depth of their lyrics, progressivity of their music videos and expertise of their craft and creativity. Give these artists’ a chance to woo you as you discover some talented rap artists across the country.
