From Odisha rapper Azaad Shaikh’s salute to Brahmapur to Mizuchi’s first rap release of year and Tamil crew Voltage B’s latest, we roundup must-hear songs
Xenon Phoenix, Meba Ofilia and Issamood and Voltage B (clockwise from top).
Teaming up with Spanish producer Venza once again, Siliguri-based hip-hop artist Xenon Phoenix aka Subham Ghosh draws from The Matrix philosophy and invokes demons shackling him on “Nihil Life.” The swerving, shimmering track brings the rapper’s distinctly slick delivery and although it’s a heavy theme of existentialism, “Nihil Life” is a booming track that can summon the clubs into motion.
On their first collaboration together – one that originated during the pandemic lockdowns – Shillong artist Meba Ofilia and producer Issamood turn up with a summer vibe on “Your Love.” With a bit of R&B and wavy afrobeats production, fellow Shillong artist Dappest adds to the breeziness of the seductive, groovy track. Meba Ofilia has the croon to carry the hooks, while there are a few guitar-inflected movements amidst a lot of sonic diversity, plus choral vocals to top it off.
Odisha-origin rapper Azaad Shaikh teams up with Bamalone for a playful but spirited new homage to his hometown on “Brahmapur Anthem – 760001.” As one would expect from a track like this, it’s filled with references to the warm, welcoming and familiar nature of Brahmapur, complete with references to local sights, sounds and tastes. Intending to transport one to Shaikh’s hood, “Brahmapur Anthem” shows us how Indian rap can be hyperlocal yet accessible.
Mumbai-bred hip-hop artist SlowCheeta and D’Evil first met on the sets on Bollywood film Gully Boy and as it turns out, they bonded over battle rap and their separately styles. Now, they’ve come together on the boisterous “90’s Ke Ladke.” Although it doesn’t have as many references to growing up in the Nineties as one would anticipate from the title, the rappers instead play to their strengths, with D’Evil even name-checking The Prodigy’s hit song “Firestarter.” In the video, both rappers rain down insults on a seemingly parody character, although it’s not clear if this is intended as a diss track as much as it’s about self-confidence.
The first of a handful of releases set for this year, artist Mizuchi returns to hip-hop after a few prior excursions into house and techno territory. “Osiris” is all kinds of debilitating when it comes to the beat, making it an easy club banger. Mizuchi’s low, raw vocal flow and switch-ups keep the track interesting as ever, as he sings about friendship, life and where he’s at.
Formed in 2019 and comprising rappers, beatboxers and producers, Chennai crew Voltage B’s JBE, Sunil Jacksz, Skinny Slayah and Akroniim keep things fully focused on their Tamil-English song “Thuvakkam.” Each rapper presents a different intention with their verses, with a wistful hook to tie it all together and production that seemingly samples a soul/R&B song. In the music video directed by Viky Pup, Voltage B are shown in a whole new light, one that’s more confident in their image.
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