COVER STORY: India’s Hip Hop Movement Gains Momentum

India’s rap and hip-hop scene has come a long way, growing from an underground movement to a major cultural force. The genre’s roots can be traced back to the 1990s, with pioneers like Baba Sehgal, who first introduced Indian audiences to rap music by blending Hindi lyrics and Western hip-hop beats. Next, Bohemia, known as the “Pioneer of Desi Hip-Hop,” further shaped the scene with Punjabi rap in the early 2000s. His collaborations, particularly with artists like Panjabi MC, helped elevate Indian hip-hop on the global stage, marking the beginning of international collaborations that mixed Indian sounds with international influences.

By the 2010s, Desi Hip Hop truly found its identity with the emergence of “gully rap,” a subgenre that focused on the raw, real-life struggles of urban India. Rappers like Divine and Naezy from Mumbai, who used tracks like “Mere Gully Mein” to share stories from the streets, propelled the country’s underground rap scene into the mainstream. This wave inspired a new generation of artists across India, culminating in the release of Zoya Akhtar’s 2019 film Gully Boy, which showcased the genre’s ability to narrate authentic local stories to a mass audience. The film’s success marked a significant cultural moment, solidifying Indian rap as a potent force for storytelling and artistic expression​.

Today, Indian hip-hop has reached new heights, thanks largely to digital platforms allowing artists from all over the country to connect with national and international audiences. One standout in this movement is Spotify’s Rap 91 playlist and live showcase, which has played a big role in boosting the genre by highlighting artists from a variety of linguistic and cultural backgrounds. With the playlist’s audience growing by over 110 per cent in the last two years alone, it has become an essential platform for new and established rappers to present their music. Furthermore, its lineup in 2024 offers a snapshot of the genre’s vitality and depth, with artists spanning different regions, styles, and themes that reflect India’s unique take on hip-hop.

Among the notable talents in this year’s Rap 91 lineup is RaajMusic, a Bihari rapper who spotlights the experiences of youth from his home state, using local dialects and relatable themes to reach listeners beyond Bihar. His music connects with the essence of Indian rap, where authenticity and regional pride are celebrated and embedded into storytelling. Meanwhile, 59 Assembly from Mumbai’s hip-hop scene brings a spirit of collaboration to the mix, frequently teaming up with other artists to produce tracks that fuse different genres. 

Kerala’s growing hip-hop culture was represented by Mass Appeal artists like MC Couper, Baby Jean, and Vedan. MC Couper has built a strong following with his technically sharp Malayalam rap, even making waves in Malayalam cinema. Vedan, on the other hand, uses his music as a platform for social commentary, addressing issues affecting marginalized communities in Kerala. His track “Voice of the Voiceless” has become an anthem for many, adding depth to Kerala’s socially conscious hip-hop movement.

Delhi, too, brought a mix of talent to Rap 91. Fotty Seven and Bali recently released an EP called Jai Veeru, capturing the camaraderie and challenges of India’s ever-evolving rap industry. Both seasoned artists bring humor, confidence, and introspective lyrics to their tracks, demonstrating Delhi’s versatility through solo acts, duos, and collaborations. Kinari, another artist from Delhi, stands out for her unapologetic LGBTQ+ representation, bringing themes of identity, pride, and resistance to life through her mixtape QUEERBOPS and tracks like “PURRRRR.” Kinari’s work reflects hip-hop’s growing role as a space for underrepresented voices to shine.

Among Rap 91’s seasoned voices is Kr$na, a respected figure in India’s rap scene known for hit collaborations with Karan Aujla, British rapper French The Kid, and Seedhe Maut, further embedding Indian rap into mainstream music. Meanwhile, Tamil Nadu’s Paal Dabba infuses Chennai’s street culture into his Tamil rap, while The Siege from Mira Road, Mumbai, draws a loyal fanbase drawn to the authenticity and personal journey reflected in his music.

Artists from diverse regions like Dhanji, Farhan Khan, Loka, MC Gawthi, and Simiran Kaur Dhadli, are just a few other names contributing to the 2024 class of Rap 91. Other talents include Reble, Yashraj, Shreyas, Krishna, Tash, and Cizzy, who are carving their paths with their own styles and methods. Along with MC Square, MNDP, Zerotoone, Gurjar HB, SKYMeriJaan, and Mark Bhatia are bringing new elements to the scene, while solo voices like Dhanda Nyoliwala, Krish Rao, and Sadhaana keep the genre pushing forward.

Overall, Rap 91’s 2024 lineup showcased an impressive range of styles, languages, and perspectives, underscoring the genre’s broad appeal across India. While the mainstream music industry in India has traditionally been dominated by Bollywood, the growth of digital platforms has allowed Indian hip-hop to thrive independently. Streaming services, social media, and platforms have empowered artists to reach audiences directly, bypassing traditional media channels. This shift has democratized Indian rap, enabling voices from smaller towns, regional communities, and marginalized groups to find a place in the spotlight.

The success of Indian rap is not only limited to national audiences. The genre has also started gaining traction internationally, with significant streaming numbers from listeners abroad. Platforms like Rap 91 facilitate these connections by making Indian hip-hop accessible to global audiences who are intrigued by the genre’s fusion of local and global elements. Artists such as tricksingh, whose work infuses Punjabi language with contemporary hip-hop beats, have attracted fans worldwide, highlighting the universal appeal of Indian hip-hop.

As Indian rap grows, platforms such as Spotify’s Rap 91 will play an increasingly important role in shaping the genre’s future. By spotlighting emerging voices and offering a space for diverse narratives, Rap 91 not only promotes the genre’s growth but also helps preserve its authenticity and cultural relevance. The 2024 lineup is a salute to Indian rap’s remarkable evolution, capturing the heartbeat of a movement that is as complex, varied, and dynamic as the country itself.

This cover has been shot in a paid partnership with Spotify.

COVER CREDITS:

Writer: Peony Hirwani (@peonyhirwani)
Photographer: Harsh Jani (@harshjanii @parallelplanetfilms)
Art Director & Producer: Suprit Parulkar (@supritparulkar)
Videographer: Tenzin Kelsang (@tenzinkelsang_)
Production Manager: Siddharth Parulkar (@siddharthparulkar)
Lights: Mihir & Team (@aj_star_lights)
Set Assistant: Manav Lundia (@manavlundia)
Camera Assistant: Dinesh Choudhary (@dalp4t)
Post-Production: Girish balakrishnan (@gb_post_production)
Special Thanks: Devayani Singh (@
devayanisingh) & Vinay Bhansali (@vinay.bhansali.5)