HIP-HOP HIGHLIGHTS: FRESH BEATS AND FIERY RHYMES
This week’s rap roundup is buzzing with fresh tunes from a diverse array of artists, from Manipur’s Yelhomie to Kolkata’s Archiesman Kundu and beyond. Let’s dive into the beats and rhymes that are making waves in the hip-hop scene:
Yungsta and Hadi’s “Ulte Seedhe Gaane EP”: Yungsta, hailing from New Delhi, joins forces with Kerala-origin American producer Hadi. This collaborative EP, following Yungsta’s acclaimed album “MEEN,” ventures into experimental territories. From synth-fests to slinky beats, Yungsta showcases his versatile Hindi flow, proving his prowess across various styles.
Yelhomie’s “Is India My Home?”: Manipur’s Yelhomie delivers a poignant wake-up call with this release, addressing pertinent issues surrounding corruption, discrimination, and systemic oppression. Released on the anniversary of ongoing unrest in Manipur, Yelhomie’s conscious hip-hop transcends regional boundaries, shedding light on broader societal concerns.
Hukeykaran’s “Khoto Sikko”: Surat-based hip-hop artist Hukeykaran continues to elevate Gujarati rap with his latest single. Following the success of “Ame Gujarati” and his EP “Che Te Che,” Hukeykaran brings infectious party vibes reminiscent of Mumbai rap star Emiway Bantai. With “Khoto Sikko,” he solidifies his position as a prominent voice in the genre.
Aman Fankaar’s “Tarkash”: Indore-repping hip-hop artist Aman Fankaar makes a bold statement with “Tarkash,” the title track from his upcoming album. Reflecting on his personal journey, Fankaar’s dynamic delivery and Mickey’s stellar production amplify the track’s impact, setting the stage for a compelling album release.
Archiesman Kundu’s “Oli Te Goli Te”: Bengali artist Archiesman Kundu captivates listeners with his explosive track, seamlessly blending English, Hindi, and Bengali. With energetic beats and lyrical prowess, Kundu flexes his achievements while paying homage to his roots in Garhbeta. His upcoming release “Gucci” promises to further showcase his unique style.
Trichia Grace-Ann, Ray3urn, and XTACY’s “Buff”: Mumbai artist Trichia Grace-Ann collaborates with Ray3urn and XTACY for a club-ready anthem that doesn’t hold back. “Buff” combines flittering production with scathing verses, showcasing the artists’ versatility and lyrical prowess. Trichia’s bilingual delivery adds depth to the track, making it a standout in the hip-hop landscape.
Spitty, FeniFina, and Mrii’s “New Wave”: Celebrating their Desi heritage, rappers Spitty and FeniFina, alongside producer Mrii, assert their presence in the hip-hop scene with “New Wave.” Infusing Indian classical elements into their sound, the trio delivers a refreshing take on the genre, blending Hindi and English seamlessly.
Raathee’s “Sriharivaasa – The Middle Class Bounce”: Kannada rapper Raathee presents a full album packed with infectious beats and introspective lyricism. Collaborating with Bengaluru’s finest, Raathee delivers bops infused with Kannada rap, showcasing his unique style and storytelling prowess.
Devoid’s “Real Isai Naadagam”: Chennai rapper Devoid makes a powerful statement with his debut album, “Real Isai Naadagam.” With Tamil and English rap, Devoid navigates through various themes with finesse, showcasing his versatility and storytelling ability.
Roy & Bongoland’s “Socho”: Rapper Roy teams up with producer Bongoland for a thought-provoking track that blends electronic beats with witty wordplay. “Socho” offers a tongue-in-cheek commentary on societal issues, coupled with pop culture references, making it a compelling listen.
Srushti Tawade and Zero Chill’s “We Don’t Care”: Mumbai rapper Srushti Tawade collaborates with producer Zero Chill for a socially conscious track that tackles global issues head-on. With engaging rhymes and poignant hooks, “We Don’t Care” urges listeners to speak up and take action in the face of adversity.
Moksh and Yugi’s “Shillong Se Rajdhani”: Shillong hip-hop artist Moksh celebrates his journey in the rap game with “Shillong Se Rajdhani.” Produced by Yugi, the track encapsulates Moksh’s experiences and aspirations, serving as a testament to his dedication to the craft.
From thought-provoking social commentary to infectious party anthems, these hip-hop releases offer a diverse and immersive listening experience, reflecting the vibrant tapestry of the genre.
