Desi hip hop

Last updated

Desi hip hop is a term for music and culture which combines the influences of hip hop and the Indian subcontinent; the term desi referring to the South Asian diaspora. The term has also come to be used as an alternative for rap music and even pop music which involves rappers of South Asian origins.

Contents

Overview

The launch of Bohemia's second album Pesa Nasha Pyar (2006), whose tracks such as "Kali Denali", "Kurti" and "Sahara" became big hits, there was a new-found interest in desi languages during the early 2000s. [1] [2] Even though there were several occasional hits during this period, the desi hip hop scene remained limited largely to the underground, with a very niche loyal audience. [3] Hip-hop culture, including graffiti and b-boying started seeping into the club scene and street culture of big cities like Delhi and Mumbai. [4]

Also, 2017 saw a major boost in this genre through the start of Rap battle culture introduced by an entertainment and music production house named 6FU. Rap battles are a culture of western countries, however India witnessed its first rap battle in regional languages through 6FU's first event Frontline in Delhi. [5] The label started youtube channel in 2017 has given under grounder rappers a new hope to be heard and establish rap as a career. 6FU was started by Trouble who hosts rap battles and cypher (freestyling) sessions where more than a dozen rappers perform turn-by-turn on the same stage to see who has the better verses. [6]

Collaborations

Desi hip hop has crossed paths with Western hip-hop multiple times, notably when musicians from both sides of the world collaborate. American rapper Snoop Dogg has worked with different artists such as rapper Dr Zeus, [7] Bohemia (rapper), [8] and the band RDB. [9] Bohemia also collaborated with hip-hop artists such as Kurupt, Sean Kingston, Iraj Weeraratne and Baby Bash & The Game (rapper). The group RDB also worked with different hip hop artists such as T-Pain [10] and Ludacris. [11] In 2016, famous Indian rapper Badshah worked with dancehall musician Sean Paul in a song called "Move Your Body" with DJ Shadow Dubai. Desi rappers born and/or raised in the West have also bridged the cultures within their music, incorporating desi influences into their music. Anik Khan has blended Queens culture with Bengali influences into his music, [12] and similarly, rappers Riz MC and Heems of the group Swet Shop Boys incorporate many South Asian influences in their music. [13] [14] In 2017, Pakistani rapper Ali Kaz collaborated with WWE music producer Jim Johnston for the theme song of WWE wrestler Jinder Mahal. In 2017, Badshah also did international collaboration with Major Lazer as a commercial promotion of Tuborg Brewery.

In 2017, Los Angeles based Hip Hop group - Bhanga Bangla - introduced a type of Trap music [15] that leans heavily on South Asian stories from the trap. They went on to create a new trap movement that has sparked the attention of audiences around the world. [16] In 2019, Divine and Naezy collaborated with American rapper Nas. [17] In the same year Divine collaborated with Dave East for his song Remand. [18] The same year Emiway Bantai collaborated with Nigerian Canadian rapper Dax for their song I Been That. In 2020, Emiway Bantai collaborated with the likes of Macklemore and Snoop Dogg. In January 2021, KR$NA was featured on American rapper Hi-Rez's song "Crossroads" with Royce da 5'9". [19] Later in July, another collaboration with Hi-Rez was released, titled "Playground" featuring former Slaughterhouse member, KXNG Crooked. [20] In the same year in November, KR$NA was featured along with A-F-R-O, Joell Ortiz, Bizzy Bone, Tech N9ne and Twista, on the song "Overdrive", by Hi-Rez.

In 2022, Rapper Badshah announced that he's collaborating with Colombian singer J Balvin and Puerto Rican record producer Tainy in a song called Voodoo. [21] [22] While in July 2022, DJ Shadow Dubai, a dubai based DJ announced collab with Yo Yo Honey Singh and Lil Pump for track called Casanova. In August 2022, Emiway Bantai collaborated with Detroit based Pakistani rapper Lazarus for track called LOBOTOMY.

Related Research Articles

<i>Doggystyle</i> 1993 studio album by Snoop Doggy Dogg

Doggystyle is the debut studio album by American rapper Snoop Doggy Dogg. It was released on November 23, 1993, by Death Row and Interscope Records. The album was recorded and produced following Snoop Doggy Dogg's appearances on Dr. Dre's debut solo album The Chronic (1992), to which Snoop contributed significantly. The West Coast style in hip-hop that he developed from Dre's first album continued on Doggystyle. Critics have praised Snoop Dogg for the lyrical "realism" that he delivers on the album and for his distinctive vocal flow.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">DJ Quik</span> American rapper and record producer (born 1968)

David Marvin Blake, better known by his stage names DJ Quik or Da Quiksta, is an American rapper and record producer from Compton, California, known for his production in the G-funk style of West Coast hip-hop. Blake has collaborated with Snoop Dogg, Kurupt, Tupac, Chingy, R. Kelly and Shaquille O'Neal, among others. As a recording artist himself, he is perhaps best known for his 1991 single "Tonite", which within the top 50 of the Billboard Hot 100. Blake's stage name refers to his ability of producing songs in a short period of time.

Indian hip hop is a genre of popular music developed in India. Desi hip hop is a term given by Bohemia for music and culture which combines the influences of hip hop and the Indian subcontinent; the term desi referring to the South Asian diaspora. The term has also come to be used as an alternative for rap music and even pop music which involves rappers of South Asian origins.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">2 of Amerikaz Most Wanted</span> 1996 single by 2Pac featuring Snoop Doggy Dogg

"2 of Amerikaz Most Wanted" is a song by American rapper 2Pac from his fourth studio album, All Eyez on Me (1996). The song features fellow West Coast rapper Snoop Doggy Dogg and was produced by Dat Nigga Daz. The song was released as a promotional single for the album on May 7, 1996 and later as the B-side to the album's second major and third overall single, How Do U Want It. The song peaked at number 46 on the US Billboard Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Airplay chart. The song contains interpolations of Grandmaster Flash and The Furious Five's song "The Message" and "Radio Activity Rap " by MC Frosty and Lovin' C.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Bad Azz (rapper)</span> American rapper (1975–2019)

Jamarr Antonio Stamps, better known by his stage name Bad Azz, was an American rapper and member of hip-hop collective D.P.G.C.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Kurupt</span> American rapper and record producer (born 1972)

Ricardo Emmanuel Brown, better known by his stage name Kurupt, is an American rapper and record producer. Born and raised in Philadelphia, he formed Tha Dogg Pound in 1992 along with Daz Dillinger; the rap duo has released eight albums. He also formed the hip hop group The Hrsmn in 1996, with whom he has released two albums. His debut solo album, Kuruption! (1998) was released by A&M Records and peaked at number eight on the Billboard 200.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">From tha Chuuuch to da Palace</span> 2002 single by Snoop Dogg featuring Pharrell Williams

"From tha Chuuuch to da Palace" is a song by American rapper Snoop Dogg featuring fellow American rapper Pharrell Williams from the former's sixth studio album Paid tha Cost to Be da Bo$$ (2002). Produced by The Neptunes, it contains re-sung elements from "Contagious" performed by The Isley Brothers. The song lyrics reference their lead singer Ron Isley. The music video was directed by Diane Martel and includes cameo appearances by Tony Cox, Tommy Davidson, Lauren London and rappers Soopafly, Goldie Loc, Uncle Junebug, Daz Dillinger and Warren G. The video includes Pharrell wearing make up to look like Bill Gates. The song was featured in the films Malibu's Most Wanted & 50 First Dates and video game MTV Music Generator 3.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Kxng Crooked</span> American rapper (born 1976)

Dominick Antron Wickliffe, better known by his stage name Kxng Crooked, is an American rapper from Long Beach, California. He is best known as a former member of the hip hop supergroup Slaughterhouse with other members Joe Budden, Joell Ortiz and Royce da 5'9". He is CEO of his own record labels, Dynasty Entertainment and C.O.B. Digital as well as Senior Vice President of Treacherous Records. Before starting his own label, he was also signed to Virgin Records and Death Row Records. He is currently one half of the rap duo Crook and Joell with his former Slaughterhouse bandmate, Joell Ortiz. Together, they released three studio albums.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">New York, New York (Tha Dogg Pound song)</span> 1995 single by Tha Dogg Pound featuring Snoop Doggy Dogg

"New York, New York" is a song from the American West Coast hip hop duo Tha Dogg Pound featuring Snoop Doggy Dogg. The song was released as a promotional single and is the third and final single from their debut album, Dogg Food.

Pakistani hip hop is a music genre in Pakistan, influenced heavily from merging American hip hop style beats with Pakistani poetry. The genre was initially dominated in English and Punjabi, but in recent years has expanded to Urdu, Sindhi, Pashto, and Balochi.

<i>Mac & Devin Go to High School</i> (soundtrack) 2011 soundtrack album / studio album by Snoop Dogg and Wiz Khalifa

Mac & Devin Go to High School is the collaborative soundtrack to the film of the same name, as well as a collaborative studio album by American rappers and film stars Snoop Dogg and Wiz Khalifa. It was released on December 13, 2011, by Atlantic Records. The album features guest appearances from Bruno Mars, Juicy J, Curren$y and Mike Posner. The album is supported by the lone hit single, "Young, Wild & Free". The album received positive reviews from music critics, who praised Snoop's and Khalifa's technical rapping abilities and production choices. The soundtrack debuted at number 29 on the US Billboard 200, and has been certified gold by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA).

<i>Doggumentary</i> 2011 studio album by Snoop Dogg

Doggumentary is the eleventh studio album by American West Coast hip hop recording artist Snoop Dogg. It was released on March 29, 2011 on the Priority Records record label. The album was produced by Battlecat, The Cataracs, Gorillaz, David Banner, THX, DJ Khalil, Fredwreck, Jake One, David Guetta, Mike Dean, Jeff Bhasker, Lex Luger, Meech Wells, Mr. Porter, Rick Rock, Rick Rude, Scoop DeVille, Scott Storch, Warryn Campbell, Kanye West, DJ Reflex, among others.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">JasonMartin</span> American rapper

Jason L. Martin, formerly known by the stage name Problem, is an American rapper, songwriter, and record producer from Compton, California. He is best known for his guest appearance alongside YG and Iamsu! on E-40's 2012 single, "Function", which entered the Bubbling Under Hot 100 chart and received gold certification by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA), along with his guest appearance on Childish Gambino's single, "Sweatpants" the following year. His 2013 single, "Like Whaaat", entered both the aforementioned chart and Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs, serving as lead single for his debut extended play (EP), Understand Me (2013).

<i>Bush</i> (album) 2015 studio album by Snoop Dogg

Bush is the thirteenth studio album by American rapper Snoop Dogg. It was released on May 12, 2015, through Doggy Style Records and I Am Other, and distributed by Columbia Records. The album was produced by Pharrell Williams with additional production by Chad Hugo. It features guest appearances from Kendrick Lamar, Stevie Wonder, Charlie Wilson, Gwen Stefani, T.I. and Rick Ross. Bush was the first album by the rapper after his return to the hip hop moniker Snoop Dogg.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Badshah (rapper)</span> Indian rapper and singer (born 1984)

Aditya Prateek Singh, known professionally as Badshah, is an Indian rapper, songwriter, music producer, television personality and businessman. Badshah has his songs in Hindi, English, Punjabi and Harayanvi languages. Badshah has brought underground sounds to the mainstream with remarkable impact. Badshah has since made significant contributions to Indian hip-hop and rap music and Bollywood music. His notable works in Bollywood films include Kar Gayi Chull from Kapoor and Sons, Garmi from Street Dancer 3D, Naina from Crew, Proper Patola from Namaste England.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Divine (rapper)</span> Indian rapper (born 1990)

Vivian Wilson Fernandes, known professionally as Divine, is an Indian rapper. Born and raised in Andheri, Mumbai, Fernandes started gaining popularity after the release of his single "Yeh Mera Bombay" in 2013. He broke through with the release of "Mere Gully Mein" in 2015, which featured fellow Mumbai-based rapper Naezy.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">KRSNA (rapper)</span> Indian rapper

Krishna Kaul, known mononymously as Krishna, stylised now as KR$NA, is an Indian rapper. He was one of the earliest rappers to emerge in the Indian hip hop scene in the mid-2000s under the stage name Prozpekt. He is widely acknowledged within the Desi Hip Hop community for pioneering a lyrical revolution in the genre, infusing a new wave of poetic depth and lyrical complexity into hip hop's narrative. He was also briefly featured in the 2019 Bollywood film Gully Boy as himself.

Naved Shaikh, professionally known as "Naezy The Baa”, is an Indian rapper from Mumbai, Maharashtra, who first broke into mainstream rap with the song "Mere Gully Mein" featuring fellow rapper DIVINE. A fictional version of his character has been portrayed by Ranveer Singh in the Zoya Akhtar-directed 2019 musical film Gully Boy. He made his film debut with the hit song "Birju" from the 2015 film Hey Bro, the music video for which featured celebrated Bollywood actors Amitabh Bachchan, Akshay Kumar, Hrithik Roshan, Ajay Devgn, as well as choreographer Prabhu Deva, with the film's lead actor Ganesh Acharya.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">12th Mirchi Music Awards</span> 2019 Hindi language movie-music award ceremony

The 12th Smule Mirchi Music Awards or simply Mirchi Music Awards 2020, was the 12th edition of the Mirchi Music Awards and took place on 19 February 2020. The award ceremony was hosted by Aparshakti Khurana, Neeti Mohan, and Shekhar Ravjiani at Yash Raj Studios, Mumbai. The title sponsor was Smule, replacing Pepsi.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Gully rap</span> Genre of hip-hop music

Gully rap is an emerging genre of hip-hop music that originated from Mumbai. It has since spread across India. Inspired by American rappers like Tupac, The Notorious B.I.G. and Nas the music discusses the street life in distinct Hindu-Urdu rhythm and cadence. Gully means "narrow lane" in Hindi. DIVINE and Naezy are artists that are considered at the forefront of the genre. It stands in contrast to mainstream desi rap or Bollywood which focus on more superficial aspects of life. By contrast, gully rap has a socio-political emphasis.

References

  1. ↑ Mahmood, Rafay (26 January 2012). "Bohemia: More than just forties and shorties". The Express Tribune. Tribune.com.pk. Retrieved 14 September 2015.
  2. ↑ "Bohemia Bio". mtv.com. MTV. Archived from the original on January 4, 2013. Retrieved 14 September 2015.
  3. ↑ Mehrotra, Palash (12 August 2012). "Indian rap scene: A revolt that will not get televised". India Today. Retrieved 14 September 2015.
  4. ↑ Kappal, Bhanuj (12 October 2013). "Inside Mumbai's Burgeoning Hip-Hop Scene". The Sunday Guardian. Archived from the original on 23 September 2015. Retrieved 14 September 2015.
  5. ↑ "Hip-Hop Fan? Delhi Is Having A One-Of-A-Kind Rap Battle".
  6. ↑ "City rappers take vernacular route to underground central". Hindustan Times. 2018-09-02. Retrieved 2019-03-24.
  7. ↑ "Woofer: Snoop Dogg, Dr Zeus, Nargis Fakhri unite their creative energies for this stylised Punjabi number". Firstpost. 2017-12-13. Retrieved 2020-05-15.
  8. ↑ "Bohemia is my genre of music". dna. 2006-04-19. Retrieved 2017-08-20.
  9. ↑ "Singh Is Kinng soundtrack to feature top international names". santabanta.com. Retrieved 2017-08-20.
  10. ↑ Pawar, Bhagyashri. "T-Pain and RDB collaborate for Daddy Da Cash" . Retrieved 2017-08-20.
  11. ↑ "RDB and Ludacris team up for Akshay Kumar's production "Breakaway"". Urban Asian. 2011-07-08. Retrieved 2017-08-20.
  12. ↑ "On 'Kites,' rapper Anik Khan wants to share Queens culture with the world". NBC News. Retrieved 2017-08-19.
  13. ↑ "Swet Shop Boys: A Discussion on Representation, Politics, and Entertainment". Brown Girl Magazine. 2017-06-14. Retrieved 2017-08-20.
  14. ↑ Narayan, Sanjoy (2017-08-10). "Rapping with a subcontinental backbeat". livemint.com/. Retrieved 2017-08-20.
  15. ↑ "Bhanga Bangla Drops Fire Desi Trap Video - The Village". Desi Hip Hop. 2018-07-13. Retrieved 2019-05-18.
  16. ↑ "Bhanga Bangla lends support to Bangladesh student movement". Dhaka Tribune. 2018-08-06. Retrieved 2019-05-18.
  17. ↑ "Hear Nas Jump In with Divine and Naezy on 'NY Se Mumbai' -". 2019-02-12. Retrieved 2020-06-16.
  18. ↑ "Divine & Dave East Make The Mumbai-Harlem Connection On "Remand"". HotNewHipHop. 9 October 2019. Retrieved 2020-06-16.
  19. ↑ "Rappers KR$NA, Hi-Rez collaborate with hip hop legend Royce Da 5'9". The Siasat Daily. 2021-01-02. Retrieved 2021-02-21.
  20. ↑ "New Music: Hi-Rez, KRSNA & KXNG Crooked – Playground". HipHop24x7 | Hip Hop News & Music. 2021-07-02. Retrieved 2021-07-10.
  21. ↑ "Voodoo". www.instagram.com. Retrieved 2022-04-20.
  22. ↑ "Badshah Makes His International Debut With J Balvin & Tainy For Voodoo". Koimoi. 2022-04-20. Retrieved 2022-04-20.
This page is based on this Wikipedia article
Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply.
Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.