There is a new wave of hip hop artists coming, and this time it's full-on Desi.

Hip-hop is a movement. It is one of the most loved musical genres in the world. The growing popularity of this music has motivated numerous artists to step forth and showcase their talent. As new artists step in, the expectations rise. With this ever increasing demand for something different, the major question still lies- “what’s next?”

There is a fresh wave of artists coming, and this time it’s full- on Desi. In recent years, Hip-hop has proved that it’s boundless, and it’s got something for everybody. The “fuego” reputation of the genre has attracted artists from all cultures. The hip-hop movement appeals to Indians across the globe and some of them even want to be a part of it. 

Indian rappers have been in the game for years. In recent years, rappers like DIVINE and Raja Kumari have made rap a phenomenon in India. There are emerging Indian rappers, just one opportunity away from success. With brilliant stories to tell, they’re slowly making their way to the spotlight. 

Prabh Deep

This Delhi based, 26-year-old, Punjabi rapper rose to fame when he fearlessly rapped about the discriminatory nature of the unjust system- that is Delhi. He dropped his first album in 2017, titled “Class-Sikh”, and since then it has only been an upward trail. His newest EP, “King”, earned him his newly found fame and at a huge platform to broadcast his political views.

Frappe Ash 

Here is another artist slowly rising through the crowds of Delhi. Frappe Ash made his way into the industry with his 2016 single, “Read My Signs.” He’s a fresher addition to the Indian rap game who released his first album in 2018, titled “Showtime.” The bangers haven’t stopped coming. The newest addition to his discography is a versatile new album called “Bet You Know”; his love letter to lost love. 

AAKASH

From the Indian city of dreams, comes this Emmy award-winning producer with his infatuation with music curation through collaboration. Over Seas, Aakash Ravikrishnan’s gargantuan 16 track collection, features talented artists from all over India. Though most of the album seems firmly rooted in trap cliche’s, Over Seas is a fresh take on Indian Hip-Hop featuring songs that range from chill lounge mixes to heavy anthems. Aakash wants to make it big in Bollywood and hopes to make Hip Hop a pop culture sensation in India. 

 Mohit

A third addition from the capital city of Delhi, Mohit is a multi-instrumentalist. He started in the music industry as an incredible guitarist. Mohit had a few alternative and RnB singles, before he made headway into Hip- Hop. In 2019 he launched himself into the rap scene with a SoundCloud album titled “Alley Tapes His newest drop, “Hinglish”, is a multilingual bop that showcases the tremendous potential of his music. He is still a Freshman in the game, but he’s got big dreams to conquer.

Chrms

Veer Kowli is a Mumbai based bedroom producer whose synth-heavy dreamscapes blur the lines of electronic R&B and airy ambient. His debut album Lover Boy, released earlier this year, is studded with soft percussion and Flume-inspired atmospheric bass. Standout tracks include “??,” featuring singer-songwriter Jordan Johnson, and “Bone Soda,” which has MC Rae Mulla of Mumbai crew SIXK spitting hot fire. He is fairly young, but that hasn’t stopped him from making big moves.

The genre still has a long way to go in India. There are various artists, not mentioned above, who have been changing the way people look at Hip- Hop. With contributions from artists like SIXK, Sahir and Yung.Raj, the music is making its way to every household. In the US, artists like Anik Khan and ILLAH try to hold on to their Indian heritage while making a global statement in the rap scene. With such a grand population, India posses the ability to produce Hip Hop’s next pop-star.