Rap Recap: New Hip-Hop From The Siege, ThirumaLi, Pho, Deep Kalsi and More

Shreyas. The Siege, Vedang, Devonian – Tadkefaad EP

Bringing together Pune and Mumbai artists Shreyas., The Siege alongside producers Vedang and Devonian, there’s a playfulness that takes centerstage on the three-track Tadkefaad EP, with “Gadbad” also bringing in New Delhi-based Rebel 7. There’s Marathi and Hindi rap that doesn’t waste a minute in addressing everything they’re navigating as artists in their 20s, especially with regard to being confident, authenticity and self-sufficiency and the “chaotic lifestyle” that ties it all together, amid failing health, ennui and more.

ThirumaLi x Thudwiser x Fejo x Dabzee – “Sambar”

Released via Def Jam India in late November, Malayalam rappers ThirumaLi, Dabzee and Fejo ward off the haters with delectable flow over a rager of a Thudwiser beat on “Sambar.” Each rapper brings a succinct and witty verse, while ThirumaLi leads the hook about how food might bring people together, but the heat comes from their bars.

Yashwardhan – Note to Self

Hip-hop artist Yashwardhan released his debut album Note To Self on November 16th and true to the intention of having a statement-making collection of songs, this 11-track full-length is pretty self-explanatory. It’s Yashwardhan’s reminder of about his own emotions and experiences and he’s backed up by artists like DXVTA, Roikhik, Pakistani Punjabi artist Balix, Sahaj and more. There are stories of empowerment, togetherness (in the sense of friendships and romance) and hip-hop itself, which cements Yashwardhan’s reputation as a bankable rapper.

Harass – “Dadi”

While you might be shaken by the initial voice sample, the horror is intentional on rapper Harass’ new single “Dadi.” Part of his upcoming Al-Bomb and following up his EP Aapah, “Dadi” is a two-and-a-half-minute terrorizing tune that sees Harass go from strength to strength.

ALI Sultan, Mimoh, Muzammil – “Sarfira”

There’s an intentional kind of meandering production vibe that kicks off ALI Sultan, Mimoh and Muzammil’s “Sarfira.” In it, the auto-tuned vocals sing in Hindi and English (with a reference to the movie Oppenheimer) about perhaps not being understood by the world and being branded a self-involved maniac.

Teri Miko, Xenon Phoenix – “Darksider”

Siliguri rapper Xenon Phoenix teams up with India-based DJ-producer Teri Miko for a new vibe on “Darksider.” While the rapper has previously had a few trap tracks, the outright EDM direction he lays over vocals on makes for a dancefloor-ready blend that signals a new direction for both artists.

Pho x Vaaman – “Make A Mess”

The liberating themes of Pho continues to be the New Delhi artist’s strong point, as she proves on “Make A Mess,” with producer Vaaman. The beatsmith peppers math rock-informed sparkling guitar work and takes a swirling drill direction for the song, as Pho distinct vocals express the “feeling of breaking out of toxic circles that hold you back and are a potential barrier to one’s evolution as a person/artist.”

Deep Kalsi – Tunnel Vision

Punjabi producer Deep Kalsi has been slowly chipping away at his repertoire with Kalamkaar artists but now it’s his turn to take the spotlight with his album Tunnel Vision. Raga dominates “No ID,” while there’s slinky journeying energy on “City On Fire” featuring Sikander Kahlon and more. Rap Demon and Agsy team up for the romantic “Intoxicated.” Prolific rapper Bella leads “Koka” and of course, Kalamkaar stars KR$NA and Raftaar appear on “Paisa On My Mind” and “No Mercy,” making for an all-out rap party with mostly bangers.