RANJ x Clifr: ‘Antihero’ Marks a Bold New Direction for the Duo

The Indian independent scene has witnessed talent arise from all corners of the country, with the city of Bangalore breeding some of the most prolific and fresh musicians and tastemakers in the last three and a half years. Whether you attribute this fact to the tightly knit community of creatives that provide the DNA makeup of the “Bangalore scene”, or the pluck and stick-to-itiveness that their players hold true, the city is and will continue to be impossible to ignore. Ranjani Ramadoss (aka RANJ) and Chlipher Christopher (aka Clifr)—among the recent signees to Mumbai-based hip-hop label ‘Azadi Records’—are testament to the fact that young Indian listeners are eager and desperate for projects that go against the grain. Their latest 7-track EP, titled Antihero, is a manifesto cementing their place amongst the rest of the music industry staples.

Antihero—which has dropped just in time to scratch everyone’s Halloween itches—is the opposite of the neon core aesthetic that their previous single “Work” invoked. Everything this EP entails, from the gruesomely visceral album artwork to the confrontational vocal delivery, is packaged to bring you an entirely new avatar of RANJ x Clifr. The introductory track to the EP, aptly titled “Intro,” lulls you into a false sense of safety, with Ramadoss providing a soft, swooning melody indicating her vulnerabilities immediately on the front foot.

On the turn of a dime, the titular second track “Antihero,” opens on a bold, cinematic note. Producer and multi-instrumentalist Clifr—as if in an attempt to weaponize the string samples on his hard drive—lines up and unloads a suitcase filled to the brim with sonic accouterments. Within two minutes of this song, RANJ launches a series of percussive rhymes that categorically enlist her as one of the finest wordsmiths in the country:

“Calamity, it’s hittin’, I could be spittin’ this heat sauce on my titties // Shazam listen and know that is me, right out your phone to all of your cities”

Continuing from here, the track “After Afters” marries an afro-drum pattern with moments of jazz-like pre-choruses. This song slightly meanders through the navigational struggles of socializing as young entrants in a vicious industry. While the beat kept my interest throughout the duration of the track, some of Ramadoss’ lyrical choices are hit or miss. The attempt to metaphorically “show up” while also remaining consistently introspective is a difficult line to walk, which this track unfortunately stumbles through.

“F*** the money trees, trust the energy, f*** up on me, no thought I dip clean // You that sour cream? // You that Red Sea? // B**** please”

“Gemini Type”, in my opinion, is the most experimental track on this EP. Here’s where RANJ x Clifr really take a trip to the playground. As one of the shorter cuts on this project, the instrumental in this track is gritty, maximalist, and memorable. The use of a trumpet section, which serves as this song’s hook, has almost become as characteristic of this duo as the iconic producer tag. RANJ’s wordplay on this ditty is symbiotic with Clifr’s choppy and excitingly frantic instrumental.

“Bills in ’em jeans, know it’s high-fi, when I’m on that Mike (She a Gemini)”

The track “BOO!” which was released earlier as a single, serves as an unvarnished awakening. It’s an electrifying house tune crafted for dance parties, unrestrained and boldly liberated. It acts as an homage to those often labeled as “excessive” by society merely for embracing their authentic selves. The composition possesses an almost otherworldly and indulgent quality, with music that immerses itself entirely in the celebration of individuality.

Earlier this year, the duo surprised audiences at the 2023 Homegrown Street Festival with their unreleased track “Therapy” which made its way on this EP. The duo flexes their humorous side on this song, with tongue-in-cheek references and playful instrumentals. I am personally excited to see more of this in a live setting.

In the project’s final track, “2 Good,” Ranj x Clifr join forces with Indian hip-hop powerhouses Seedhe Maut and Karan Kanchan, crafting an anthem featuring an all-star collaboration. Seedhe Maut’s undeniable influence on the Indian music landscape is indisputable, and they confidently showcase their fiery lyrical prowess in this song. “2 good” serves as a near-flawless conclusion to the EP, reinforcing the message that the artists demand serious respect and are continually elevating their game with each new release.

Often, a maximalist approach to production can be risky, leaving the listener confused and overwhelmed. In the case of Antihero, you’re taken on a journey—albeit with moments that starkly meander—through the immediate, lofty thoughts that this duo attempts to reconcile with. Having to confront one’s own shortcomings is a difficult, almost sinful, exercise in immense self-reflection. This EP is a spicy, bold step into unraveling a new, more mature persona that the duo has taken upon themselves.

Antihero is available to stream on all platforms.