Rap Recap: Top Collabs from MC Altaf and DEB, Chaar Diwaari and Gravity, FeniFina and Trichia Grace-Ann and More

Chaar Diwaari, Gravity – “Violence”

New Delhi genre-hopping artist Chaar Diwaari rarely misses and this time, he’s got the notorious firepower of Mumbai rapper Gravity in the mix, on “Violence.” Serving up just the kind of chaos you’d expect lyrically, vocally and sonically, “Violence” is a commentary on everything from labels (despite the fact that it released on Def Jam India) to streaming algorithms to reality TV shows. Equally intense is the music video directed, edited and written by Chaar Diwaari, which sees him feud with Gravity, patch up and then crash a wedding that has a twist you can’t just make up.

MC Altaf, DEB – “Young King”

On his latest release, drummer-producer Gautam Deb aka DEB calls in MC Altaf for a brief biographical song “Young King” that’s equal parts aspirational as it is inspirational. Over splashes of energetic drum work, Altaf delivers verses about his and DEB’s own story of sticking to their craft despite the challenges that came their way. The music video directed by Samarth Shirke plays up their childhood-origin stories of sorts, with Altaf paying tribute to Punjabi star Sidhu Moose Wala as well as Mumbai’s late MC Tod Fod from Swadesi, who passed away in their prime.

Trichia Grace-Ann and FeniFina – “Fantasy”

There’s an interplay of urgency and sensuality on Mumbai artists Trichia Grace-Ann and FeniFina’s first collaboration, “Fantasy.” With a buoyant beat put together by Xtacy, Trichia brings a sung English hook, while FeniFina raps in English and Hindi, both of them addressing a partner in a way that embodies what they describe as “strong feminine energy and spirit of softness and sensuality.”  

Agaahi Raahi, Faizan – Rahman Brothers & Co. EP

Brothers Agaahi Raahi and Faizan have been making waves individually in Bengaluru and New Delhi scenes, respectively. Often linked to crews like Wanandaf and J Block, the duo get together on the three-track EP Rahman Brothers & Co. Songs like “Mukhtalif,” “Jeena” and “Aasra” all go over themes of love and its various forms. Paired together for a common theme like this, there’s tenderness and openhearted hip-hop with melodic intent on the EP, with production assists by Circle Tone and Ved on different tracks.

Moksh – “All Or Nothing”

In the run-up to his upcoming debut full-length album, Shillong hip-hop artist Moksh drops “All Or Nothing” as a way of questioning the way things are in hip-hop, music and pop culture overall in the country for someone who’s not perceived to be part of “mainland” India. “Our concerns always fall on deaf ears/We are mostly left to dance on our own tunes,” he raps over music by Muzu Beats, while the music video pretty much shows Moksh is fine with the inequity in his times, because he’ll continue to soldier on.

HashtagPreeti – “Kaya”

On her fourth overall release, hip-hop artist HashtagPreeti aka Preeti Sutar teams up with versatile producer Vedang to drop references to Barbie and self-love on “Kaya.” The bilingual song – in English and Hindi – gives us the impression of feminine energy once again with a story of growth and happiness from the MC who’s also part of the crew Wild Wild Women.

Reble, Tre Ess – “Opening Act”

In about 83 seconds, Bengaluru-based, Shillong artist Reble goes for the jugular with a rap intensity comparable to Kendrick Lamar on “Opening Act.” With a menacing beat produced by Ranchi artist Tre Ess, the song prefaces her upcoming album, becoming equal parts warning shots and resolute mission statement. It comes with a music video shot by Shabad Sarin and Mashitshila Longkumer, showing Reble in different scenarios as she raps the song.