Kashmiri Duo Straight Outta Srinagar Fire Shots Against Seedhe Maut In Latest Music Video ‘Blackball’

If the Kashmiri hip-hop duo SOS – Straight Outta Srinagar consisting of Syed Arsalan aka AATANKKI and Tufail Nazir, has not entered within the perimeter of your hip-hop radar then it is only a matter of time before they viscerally get in your face. As has been the case with their latest release Blackball produced by 30KEY!, the duo has extended what seems to be a long-standing rivalry with ex-Azadi Records labelmates Seedhe Maut by firing shots through their cutthroat lyricism and trap-addled production.

The two rappers’ journey found its roots in Srinagar, inspired by fellow Kashmiri artist Ahmer’s work and global hip-hop icons such as Biggie Smalls and 50 Cent. In a region marred by the complexities of violence, political turbulence and dispute, the two found respite in music. They took the task upon themselves to create the Koshur Nizam Collective (alongside Ahmer), a step towards cementing the legacy and spread of underground Kashmiri music.

What has caught the immediate attention of North Indian hip hop fans of late, however, is their complicated history with Seedhe Maut, the juggernaut Delhi-based duo, and Azadi Records, the label both artists were signed under. Prior public interviews have revealed deeper information from the members of Straight Outta Srinagar with claims that Seedhe Maut has allegedly copied larger album concepts from the Kashimiri duo, and how the label has previously been unfaithful in delivering the promises made to the artists.

Rolling Stone India has reached out to Seedhe Maut’s management for comment.

In the music video for the track “Blackball,” we are shown the two rappers Syed Arsalan and Tufail Nazir firing these direct shots and incendiary claims against the Delhi-duo against the backdrop of lush, sprawling Srinagar fields. With the looming thematic elements of strife and injustice that has plagued the region being a stakeholder in and of itself in this newly blossomed beef, Straight Outta Srinagar does not hold back or mince any words when coming for the princes of Desi Hip Hop.

“Paanch saal se tere hi sheher mai // Mere mai ek din dikha de jee ke”

SOS further continues the lyrical assault by including references to comedian Samay Raina, who has previously made an appearance in the Seedhe Maut music video “11K” and has publicly shown his support for the rappers. The inclusion of the myriad of intricate, deep-cut references to the interpersonal relationships of the opposing rappers’, verses mocking their flows, and the alleged lack of originality are all architected by SOS to create an attention-worthy warning shot to the Delhi rappers. The Blackball producer 30Key! further samples the chorus of the song “Bumbro Bumbro” from the 2000 Hrithik Roshan-starring film Mission Kashmir, an appropriate nod to the meta-commentary that this diss track is aiming to bring to light.

The track has not found its way to streaming platforms as of yet and is limited to a music video release on the Straight Outta Srinagar Youtube channel. While this is not the first or last beef that Desi Hip Hop has witnessed, it is proving to be one which is deeply rooted in longstanding rivalry and intricate lore and will, hopefully, bring to light concerns that extend beyond the limitations of a recording booth.