India has always been celebrated for its rich cultural heritage, encompassing music, dance styles, and a fusion of diverse cultures. Over time, unexpected changes and developments have taken place, adding to the evolution of artistic practices. While traditional art forms remain cherished, new genres of dance, art, and music continue to emerge, with individuals embracing a blend of multiple cultures. Rap music has emerged as one of the most popular and rapidly expanding subgenres of the twenty-first century. In 1990, Punjabi musician Baba Sehgal introduced hip-hop to India, contributing to the popularization of rap and hip-hop with songs like “Thanda Thanda Paani” and “Dil Dhadke.” The Indian Hip Hop genre was further ignited in the early 2000s by Bohemia, a California-based rapper of Pakistani-American descent.
1. Raftaar
In 2008, Raftaar embarked on his rap career, collaborating with Lil Golu and Young Amli and sharing their music online under the name Ikka. Raftaar, born in Trivandrum (now Thiruvananthapuram), Kerala, comes from a Malayali family with roots in Delhi. In December 2016, Raftaar married Komal Vohra, who is the sister of Indian television stars Karan Vohra and Kunal Vohra. However, they decided to live separately in 2020 and filed for divorce, which was delayed due to the COVID pandemic. Raftaar gained significant popularity after the release of his song “Swag Mera Desi” by Manj Musik in 2013.
2. Emiway Bantai
Bilal Shaikh, known by his stage name Emiway, is a rapper residing in Antop Hill, Mumbai. Emiway’s strong connection to his hometown is evident in his tracks that rhythmically mention his Pincode, “Mumbai 47.” Coming from a middle-class, observant Muslim family based in Karnataka, Emiway chose his stage name by combining the initials of Eminem and Lil Wayne, resulting in “Emi+Way.” To study hip-hop music, Emiway dedicated significant effort and put in hard work. Initially, he started creating rap videos as a hobby in 2014, but the overwhelming response he received led him to take rap seriously. In 2013, Emiway released the English version of his debut YouTube song, “Glint Lock,” alongside Mint
3. Divine
Divine, the renowned rapper also known as “Voice of the Street,” has a story that resonates with many other artists in the industry. Growing up, Divine faced the challenges of having a mother who worked abroad and an alcoholic father. In one of his songs, he expresses his longing for his mother to return from overseas and for them to have more time together, hoping she could stop working. During a low point in his life, Divine was involved in the drug trade, a period he openly acknowledges as one of his lowest moments. Born on October 2, 1990, in Mumbai, Maharashtra, Divine, whose real name is Vivian Wilson Fernandes, gained fame with his hit song “Mere gully mein.”
4. MC Stan
MC Stan, whose real name is Altaf Tadavi, was born on August 30, 1999. He gained initial fame through his dissing rap battle with Emiway Bantai and the song “Wata,” which has amassed over 9 million views on YouTube. With over 5 million subscribers on his YouTube account, MC Stan has built a significant following. His flow and rapping style have drawn comparisons to Tupac, earning him the nickname “Indian Tupac.” MC Stan is in a relationship with a woman named Niya and resides in Pune, Maharashtra.
5. King
Arpan Kumar Chandel, popularly known as King Rocco, gained fame as a rapper and vocalist after his participation in the 2019 MTV Hustle. Born in New Delhi, the capital of India, Arpan is often referred to by his stage name, King Rocco. From a young age, he had a strong passion for music and aspired to become a renowned rapper. With determination and hard work, King Rocco achieved success and garnered a significant following on his YouTube channel. Currently, King Rocco is focusing on his career and aims to further establish himself in the industry. In 2015, he began his musical journey with the track “Boombas King,” and in October 2017, he released his debut studio album titled “Circumstances.”
6. MC Manmeet Kaur
MC Manmeet Kaur, an Indian rapper and vocalist, is known for her exceptional talent and skills. Her performances are characterized by upbeat energy and memorable lyrics, earning her numerous awards and accolades. MC Manmeet Kaur is a versatile performer who can entertain audiences of all ages, whether it’s a live program, business event, wedding show, or college event. Her captivating personality has the ability to enchant everyone around her, irrespective of their age. Starting her career in her teenage years, MC Manmeet Kaur is recognized for her bold voice and willingness to address sensitive issues such as inequality.
7. Krsna
Krishna Kaul, formerly known as Young Prozpekt, now goes by the name KRSNA. Starting his rap career at the age of 14, KRSNA, originally from Kashmir, gained recognition in the Indian hip-hop scene in the mid-2000s. Born on October 4, 1987, in Delhi to a Kashmiri Pandit family, KRSNA spent part of his childhood in Delhi and attended school there for a period. At his London school, Kaul began rapping at the age of fourteen, wanting to fit in with the other kids. In 2019, KRSNA made a brief appearance portraying himself in the Bollywood movie “Gully Boy.” Known for his poetic lyrics, technical skills, and involvement in notable rap beefs, KRSNA quickly gained popularity in the Desi Hip-Hop scene.
8. Dino James
Dino James, a well-known rapper, vocalist, poet, composer, and rapper, has gained popularity in India. He regularly uploads music videos to his YouTube channel, showcasing lyrics that are inspired by his personal struggles and real-life experiences. Born on November 12, 1991, in the village of Ghoradongri in Madhya Pradesh, India, Dino James is currently 31 years old and resides in Mumbai. Initially, he returned to his hometown of Bhopal to work in his father’s electrical contracting company after spending his first year in Mumbai as a side performer. In a society that values traditional careers like engineering, medicine, and law, convincing his family to pursue a career as a rapper or an in-house writer was challenging.
9. Yo Yo Honey Singh
Yo Yo Honey Singh, a rapper, music producer, and actor, hails from India. Born in Hoshiarpur, Punjab, India in 1983, Singh gained fame in the early 2010s with popular hits like “Lungi Dance” and “Brown Rang.” Apart from his successful music career, Singh has also ventured into Bollywood films, appearing in movies such as “The Xpose” and “Zorawar.” His talent and contributions have earned him prestigious awards, including the Filmfare Award for Best Male Playback Singer, along with numerous nominations and other honors. While Singh has faced controversy, including accusations of promoting drug use in his lyrics and publicly battling bipolar disorder, he remains a respected and influential figure in the Indian music industry.
10. Badshah
Badshah, a renowned Indian rapper and music producer, was born as Aditya Prateek Singh Sisodia in New Delhi in 1985. He embarked on his music career in 2006 and has since released numerous successful singles and albums, solidifying his position as one of India’s most accomplished rappers. Known for his catchy beats and lyrics, Badshah has collaborated with various artists, including Yo Yo Honey Singh, Diljit Dosanjh, and Aastha Gill. His contributions extend to Bollywood as well, having worked on soundtracks for films like “Kapoor & Sons” and “Baar Baar Dekho.”
