New Delhi rapper, singer and composer Pho aka Akriti Lal’s debut EP Bheetar Bahar from 2022 showcased the artist’s diversity. If there’s ever soulful hip-hop with a helpful dose of stark reality, Pho manages it all with songs as well as her shows.
Photo: Vaibhav
There’s something madcap and unpredictable about singer-producer Chaar Diwaari aka Garv Taneja’s music and we’re here for it. With songs like “Enjaay” with “Bhool Ja,” plus his EP Teri Maiyat Ke Gaane, there’s new ground that Chaar Diwaari has broken with terrifying styles.
Photo: Sarthak
Mumbai’s Young Galib aka Faisal Sheikh has been at it for a decade now, but his association with Emiway’s Bantai Records has lent him more spotlight since 2021. With the rap star’s blessings, songs like “All Night” and “Beast Mode” have a roiling sense of aggression and Galb brings it.
Photo: Bantai Records
First gaining recognition for his involvement with the Aavrutti crew in Mumbai, Sammohit is the latest focus of DIVINE’s Gully Gang label, notching up formidable collaborations with fellow artists like Shah Rule and MC Altaf. Sammohit’s pensive and action-packed bars have it all.
Photo: Chang/Gully Gang India
Previously known as M-Zee Bella, the winner of MTV Hustle season one is going from strength to strength with the release of his new EP Chemical Reaction. While others from the hip-hop reality show have gone on to make quite a name for themselves, Bella moves at a prolific rate.
Photo: Instagram/Bellaofficials
Mumbai-based singer, rapper and songwriter Trichia Grace-Ann has a sense of power and vocal control in her rap flow that immediately stands out. Influenced by the likes of Nicki Minaj, there’s an unapologetic attitude that makes several songs powerful.
Photo: Meghna Bhalla
Tamil rapper Killa K aka Kevin Lourd is based out of Bengaluru and he’s got an audience waiting for his drops. With his debut album From The Cave in 2022 and his recent collaboration with fellow Tamil artist ADK called “Dope” in 2023, there’s plenty of diversity on show.
Photo: Alanscameraroll
Odisha artist Sadhe7 has a inimitable snarl in his rap that makes his music have an incisive element to it at all times. Rapping in Odiya, Hindi and English, songs like “Dekh Tu” and his album Ran Bhumi are powered by drill type arrangements making for punchy hip-hop.
Photo: Situ Photography
Shillong-origin Reble started out in her teens as a featured artist on songs by established groups like Khasi Bloodz and Leo Boys, but she truly came into her own with Entropy EP in 2022. Rapping in a toughened, take-no-prisoners way, Reble is clearly here to stand out across genres as well.
Photo: Courtesy of the artist