So let’s have a look at some of our most brilliant, local, underrated rap talent.
12. Emiway Bantai
Emiway Bantai’s real name is Bilal Shaikh but then he changed his name as a combination of Lil Wayne and Eminem. He failed in class 12th and suffered from depression but then he made lot of efforts and learnt hip hop music. He made his debut with Glint Lock in the year 2013 and then he became a hit when he released controversial raps due to his some personal issues with Raftaar. He also stepped in Bollywood with the music video in Gully Boy. He keeps releasing new raps back to back due to which he has been able to become famous soon. His last rap was titled as, ‘Machayenge’ which was a great hit.
11. Millind Gaba
Milind Gaba became famous with his sogns, Nazar Lag Jayegi, Yaar Mod do and She don’t know. He has also sung many hit songs like Sohnea, Beautiful, Saddi Dilli, Malamaal, Jimmy choo, Dil Di Nazar and Kalesh. He has also made debut in the Punjabi movie titled Stupid 7. He might not have achieved much fame internationally but he is loved by his Indian fans.
10. Raftaar
Raftaar, born Dilin Nair, is slowly establishing himself as one of the fastest rappers in India. He was part of Honey Singh’s music group named ‘Mafia Mundeer’. He later split from the group and went solo. His rivalry with Honey Singh created headlines all over India. Raftaar rose to limelight with popular songs such as ‘Whistle Baja’, ‘Dhup Chik’ and the latest ‘Toh Dishoom’.
9. Hard Kaur
While most rappers in the industry are male, Hard Kaur managed to make her mark and her presence felt in a strong way. Her debut in Bollywood was with the song ‘Move Your Body’ in the movie Johnny Gaddar. This was the first time an Indian female rapper was seen in Bollywood movies and she was highly appreciated. Born Taran Kaur Dhillon, Hard Kaur is one of the most popular rappers in the industry who is also no stranger to controversies considering her rather loud approach and language.
8. Dr Zeus
Baljit Singh Padam is more popularly known as Dr. Zeus. He is a Punjabi rapper and a music producer as well. He rose to fame with the song ‘Kangna’ which was awarded the best song by the BBC Asian Network in 2003. He has released five solo albums and has lent his voice to various Bollywood movies as well. His most famous songs being ‘Desi Look’ from Ek Paheli Leela and ‘Kamlee’ from Happy New Year.
7. Apache Indian
Perhaps one of the first ever rappers to introduce rap music in India, Apache Indian is an Indian British rapper who was very popular during the 90’s. Apart from India, Apache Indian has also made his presence felt overseas. He is best known for his “Boomshakalak” track that was so popular it featured in 8 Hollywood movies. He recently rapped for “Pretty Baby” with Stereo Nation and Bally Sagoo. For all those who are still wondering if Apache Indian is his real name – It’s Steven Kapur.
6. J Star
If you thought that we wouldn’t have any rappers after Yo Yo Honey Singh, meet Jagdeep Singh a.k.a J-Star. A disc jockey in his initial days, J-star is that man who sang Gabru alongside Honey Singh. He is very talented and has managed to impress people with his rapping so far.
5. Jazzy B
Jazzy B, born Jaswinder Singh Bains, is a popular rapper from Punjab. He was born in India and brought up in Canada. He currently resides in Birmingham located in England. Jazzy B has released various solo albums and has sung in Bollywood movies as well. His most famous songs include ‘Harry is not Brahmachari’ from Shaadi Ke Side Effects and ‘Chuk De Punjabi’ from Teesri Aankh.
4. Baba Sehgal
Baba Sehgal was one of the most popular rappers during the 90’s. While he doesn’t rap singles anymore, the singer has made huge contributions to the music industry back in his day. He was also best known to remake English songs in his own way. These included Thanda Thanda Paani’ which was a remake of “Ice Ice Baby” by Vanilla Ice, ‘Manjula’ and ‘Dil Dhadke’. He also rapped for “Singham Dance” for Singham II.
3. Brodha V
Brodha V is one of the most talented rappers in India. He is part of the famous rap / hip hop / pop trio named ‘Macchas With Attitude’. Brodha V is famous for songs such as ‘Shake That’, ‘After Party’, ‘Aathma Raama’ and ‘On My Own’. He has gained the reputation of being the fastest rapper in India
2. Badshah
Aditya Prateek Singh Sisodia a.k.a. Badshah is one of the most popular rappers in India. He sings songs in Haryanvi, Hindi and Punjabi. He rose to fame with the song ‘Saturday Saturday’ from Humpty Sharma Ki Dulhania. He has sung many famous Bollywood songs and remains a favorite along with Honey Singh for most Bollywood music directors.
1. Honey Singh
India’s No. 1 Rapper Honey Singh is a popular name not just in India, but also overseas. Born Hirdesh Singh, Honey Singh has an amazing skill to rap really fast. His voice is impressive and he manages to pull off various accents with ease. Honey Singh is one of the few singers that have managed to create a trend with his unique style of clothes, his music and the way he interacts with the crowd. Honey Singh is certainly considered the most popular rapper in India.
1. Vivian Fernandes aka DIVINE
Born and bred in the slums of Mumbai, DIVINE soon made it to headlines because of his effortless, relatable rap style which resonates with the young, energetic youth of India.
Twenty-five-year-old DIVINE is the first Indian artist to have had Apple Music release his music, and has also produced the theme song, ‘Kaam 25′ for Netflix’ original, ‘Sacred Games’.
2. Naved Sheikh aka Naezy
Just like DIVINE, Naezy grew in slums of Mumbai and made it big when he belted out his insanely popular song ‘Aafat‘.
This guy talks about the place he grew up in, issues he faced and the evils that plague the society today in his quintessential storytelling way which keeps his listeners hooked.
3. MC Prabh Deep
This 23-year-old Delhi based rapper is known for his absolutely sick beats and his socially conscious rhymes that are brutally honest.
His debut album ‘Class-Sikh‘ will unflinchingly tell you about the real-life accounts of street thuggery, drug addiction, violence and unemployment that exists in middle-class neighbourhoods of Delhi.
4. Vighnesh Shivanand aka Brodha V
This multifaceted hip-hop genius is a performing artist, a composer, programmer, sound engineer, lyricist, and scriptwriter.
His style of fusing hip-hop with Hindustani, Classical and devotional music instantly caught the attention of the Vishal-Shekhar duo when he collaborated with them to produce music for the movie ‘Chennai Express’.
In fact, we even had the pleasure to interview him ourselves and learn exactly what kind of artist he is. Read it here.
5. Svetha Rao aka Raja Kumari
This Los Angeles-bred rapper and singer-songwriter is quickly making waves in the music scene. Her track “City Slums” in collaboration with DIVINE is already ruling the charts.
Raja Kumari is a cross-cultural powerhouse who is a perfect example of the great American dream and her mix of the West Coast swag and Desi beats is catchy, daring and a brilliant representation of proud, independent woman.
Image Credits: Google Images
Sources: HuffPost, FirstPost, Wikipedia
Top 100 Underrated Hindi Rap Songs
The desi hip hop scene has been flourishing in the country lately with indie as well as Bollywood rappers gaining fame and recognition by each passing day. While indie artists have undoubtedly given this industry some incredible Hindi rap songs, it’s because of Bollywood’s exposure that desi rap is a household thing now. Enlisted below are 12 terrific Hindi rap songs that will make you forget about international rap music.
62 Dhaakad
Raftaar gave women their anthem with this track from the movie Dangal. His jaw-dropping rap backed with Pritam’s brilliant production made this song a mega-hit.
63. Apna Time Ayega
Lyrics penned down by the master of rap Divine and sung amazingly by Ranveer Singh, Apna Time Ayega will inevitably boost your motivation and morale and make you believe in your dreams.
64. Aage Chal
Raftaar is a rapper who is often credited with dragging underground desi hip hop to the mainstream. This is the song that gives a beautiful picture of his journey to fame.
63. Mere Gully Mein
It’s hard not to mention the song that made the entire nation groove to desi rap. Whether you prefer the Divine and Naezy version or love listening to Ranveer and Siddhant, Mere Gully Mein is truly a path-breaking rap song.
64. Teesri Manzil
Teesri Manzil is an amazing song by Divine, which captures the essence of his struggle to global success.
65. Kala Chasma
Kala Chasma was actually one of the biggest Bollywood songs of all time. Apart from Neha Kakkar and Amar Arshi’s sick singing, Badshah did quite a number with his rap verse.
66. MMM by seedhe maut
Seedhe Maut has laid the foundation of this generation’s pop culture in the country with this catchy track having beautiful lyrics.
67. Firse Machayenge
When it comes to Hindi rap songs, few are as infectious and lyrically mind-blowing as the ones written and sung by Emiway. Listen to this track to truly understand what we’re talking about.
68. Ki Kariye Nachna Aaonda Nahin
From the movie Tum Bin 2, this track sees Raftaar doing what he does the best and occupying the lead in the charts.
69. Mein
Ironically, words are never enough to justify Emiway’s raps. This track is full of energy that will inspire you to pace through life by overcoming all distractions and hurdles.
70. what you want (chati tu kya ) featuring Singsation & Rootz
For those of you who missed it, the track is perfect cobination of storytelling & rhythm . The main part is its lyrics the lyrics of the song is fire specially 1st part but unfortunately this song is so underrated maybe because v less people discover it now music is produced by singsation label . we discover this track for you all listeners .you will find this song on youtube .
The booming desi hip hop scene has encouraged underground rappers to follow their heart’s desire indeed. To give these rappers the platform they deserve, Flutin has come up with HomeStars Rapchik – a virtual rap talent show to find India’s next best rapper. Submit your entry video today here and tune in to catch the hunt and the rap battles live!
