Premiere: Nika D and Ikka Team Up in Grime-Laced ‘Bombay Moves’ Video
U.K. grime meets cut-throat Punjabi bars as part of the Manchester-origin MC’s ‘Trading Roots’ project
Nika D and Ikka in "Bombay Moves." Photo: Yash Pardeshi
Indian-origin British rapper Nika D calls on desi hip-hop mainstay Ikka for their new hard-hitting song “Bombay Moves,” which comes with a VFX-heavy music video showcasing the lethal intent of both artists.
Nika D – known for his work as part of Manchester duo Virus Syndicate – has been collaborating with artists across the board as part of his Trading Roots project that “aims to bridge the gap between U.K. grime and Indian culture,” a press release says.
Released on Bad Medic Records, “Bombay Moves” follows the 2023 song “Burn,” Nika D’s previous team-up with desi hip-hop artists like MC Altaf and beatsmith Karan Kanchan. On “Bombay Moves,” however, production is taken over by the duo Gliddz, comprising Thomas Van Tran and Guillaume Sergent, delivering a rugged and sturdy beat for Nika D and Ikka to take turns on the mic.
While Nika D digs into the hooks and name-checks Trading Roots as well as his own stature, Ikka cuts loose for his verse, proving just why he’s one of the most versatile rappers in India right now, alternating between auto-tuned vocals to low vocals.
With the visual directed by Lost Film’s Tirth Dodia and shot by Avadh Gajjar, the rappers head out to an empty palace mansion to rage with a militia-like crew. The VFX by Mwkthang and Lost Films gives the “Bombay Moves” video a roving, superhero-style aesthetic, with Ikka morphing in and out like X-Men’s Nightcrawler and more.
Nika D says in a statement, “I’m super hyped with how this collaboration has turned out. Bringing in a serious talent like Ikka was a big moment for the track – his legacy and pioneering approach to the Indian scene. We wanted to create something that was both energetic and authentic, something that represented the boundaries we’re breaking with this Trading Roots project.”
Ikka adds in his statement, “I’m thrilled to be working with Nika D on this track. His energy and flow are infectious, and I think our styles complement each other perfectly. This track is about embracing our shared cultural heritage and pushing the boundaries of what grime can be.”
While Nika D has been known for songs like “Doors” and “Creep Killa,” Ikka has spent 2024 running at a prolific pace, including releasing his third album Only Love Gets Reply.
Watch the video for “Bombay Moves” below.
