Indian Hip-Hop Releases That Have Defined 2024
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Loading... - Mukesh Harit
- 18 Dec 2024
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As we near the end of 2024, Indian hip-hop continues to flourish, marked by a series of impactful releases that have captivated audiences and pushed the genre's boundaries. From fiery diss tracks to groundbreaking collaborations, this year has seen a wealth of talent and creativity. Here’s a look at some of the standout moments in Indian hip-hop this year.
The Big Dawg
One of the most significant hits of 2024 has been Hanumankind and Kalmi’s track “Big Dawgs,” which took the airwaves by storm in July. The song's powerful visuals and lyrical storytelling quickly garnered over 4 million views on YouTube and 4 million streams on Spotify shortly after its release. By the end of the year, it reached over 177 million YouTube views and 327 million Spotify plays. Hanumankind’s impressive flow and clever references earned him accolades from American hip-hop artists like Project Pat, Bun B, and Three 6 Mafia. His rising popularity has led to performances at major festivals, including Rolling Loud Thailand, Coachella, and Lollapalooza India, and a remix featuring A$AP Rocky added to the excitement.
Beefs and Diss Tracks
The competitive spirit of hip-hop was palpable this year, with several high-profile beefs capturing public attention. The clash between Seedhe Maut and Straight Outta Srinagar was particularly notable, featuring tracks like “Blackball” and “Rasm-E-Chaharum.” This month-and-a-half-long feud showcased some of the fiercest bars in Indian hip-hop.
Additionally, Naezy stirred the pot with a diss aimed at Pakistani artist Talha Anjum, leading to Anjum’s playful response in “Kaun Talha.” Naezy followed up with “Kya Bey Shaaney,” further fueling the discourse. Mumbai rappers Vijay Dk and MC Altaf also responded to slander from DG Immortals in their track “Title Kya Doon?” highlighting the need for more collaborations beyond just defending their legacies.
The drama extended beyond artists, as YouTuber Rohan Cariappa faced copyright strikes from the makers of the hip-hop talent show MTV Hustle, prompting support from various artists. The situation was resolved, but Cariappa issued an apology, while MTV Hustle released a standard non-apology statement.
Star Collaborations
Collaborations have been a surefire way to gain traction in 2024, with several notable partnerships making waves. The highly anticipated album Street Dreams, featuring Punjabi star Karan Aujla and Mumbai’s Divine, was a highlight. Aujla also collaborated with Ikka on “House of Lies,” and the album produced the hit “Jagga Jatt” featuring Diljit Dosanjh, Badshah, and producer Sez On The Beat.
Badshah’s latest album, Ek Tha Raja, featured collaborations with Arijit Singh and MC Stan, while Yo Yo Honey Singh’s album Glory included tracks with Paradox and Talwiinder. Raftaar’s surprise birthday drop, Hard Drive Vol. 2, featured standout tracks like “Baawe” with Badshah.
King’s album Monopoly Moves delivered hits like “Tere Ho Ke” with Bella and “F*ck What They Say” with MC Stan. The trio Pataka Boys collaborated with Seedhe Maut on “Guddi Check,” while Fotty Seven and Bali released an EP titled Jai Veeru, celebrating their friendship.
Reigning Rapper-Producer Team-Ups
Producer-rapper collaborations have also been pivotal this year. Karan Kanchan worked with various artists, while The Siege and Devonian released the banger “CBSC.” Dhp and producer Whoisavi continued their successful partnership with the murky track “Fast Track.”
Prabh Deep’s DSP mixtape featured a notable collaboration with producer Scuti, showcasing underrated material. Rae Mulla teamed up with Harithelion for several tracks, while Yungsta collaborated with U.K. artist Hadi on the EP Ulte Seedhe Gaane.
Keeping It Local
While Hindi dominates Indian hip-hop, artists from various linguistic backgrounds are making their mark. Harsh Likhari, a Punjabi teen, gained attention through a collaboration with Canadian artist Conor Price. Marathi rap saw a surge with Shreyas and producer Kratex’s “Taambdi Chaamdi,” which became a viral hit.
Tamil artist Paal Dabba had the world dancing to his theatrics on “Kaathu Mela” with producer OfRo. Out via Think Indie, the Tamil label also launched another notable Tamil hit with Asal Kolaar’s “Paiya Dei,” in which the rapper reflected on his reality TV fame and how he’s about much more than that.
In the Gujarati scene, Hukeykaran built on his millions-streamed “Ame Gujarati” with a prolific streak, putting out the EP Che Te Che, a sequel Ame Gujarati 2, and songs like “Khoto Sikko.”
Malayalam artist Baby Jean blew up like never before with “Kaayi,” following it up by featuring on Neeraj Madhav’s “Ballaatha Jaathi” alongside Dabzee.
Up north, Haryanvi hip-hop kept riding hard, with Dhanda Nyoliwala making a grand entrance with songs like “Russian Bandana” and his EP DNW Vol.1.
Truth To Power
Conscious hip-hop still lives and thrives in India, even if artists don’t always make an all-out takedown of societal ills. Dabzee, Baby Jean, and MC Couper launched “Ceasefire Now” against Israeli violence in Gaza.
Closer to home, Manipuri artist Yelhomie asked “Is India My Home?” on his hard-hitting, must-hear song that details how his home state has been ignored.
Mumbai hip-hop artists Lil White, Noor Hasan, and Rekoil Chafe also posed a powerful question on their song “Dharavi ka Dada Kaun?” As they took aim at the corruption in urban development specific to the area of Dharavi, the song found allies in activists like Paranjoy Guha Thakurta and YouTuber Dhruv Rathee.
The stories from within communities were amplified more than ever before, even if they were from rebellious figures like transgender rapper Kinari on her debut album Kattar Kinnar. With shots fired in all directions, this is what a resolute rapper sounds like in 2024.
Filmi Rap
There have been regular crossover songs for hip-hop artists in film soundtracks, and this year has seen a big hit for the likes of Dabzee on “Illuminati” from the Malayalam film Aavesham. Of course, Dabzee has appeared on other film songs this year, but nothing hit the spot quite right as “Illuminati.” The music for Aavesham also included the likes of Tamil artist Paal Dabba (“Galatta”) and Hanumankind (“The Last Dance”).
Although tangential, KR$NA’s “Joota Japani” earlier this year built on the famous Hindi film song “Mera Joota Hai Japan” from 1955’s Shri 420 by Mukesh. It was a choice that was at least partially prompted by KR$NA releasing the song via Saregama (who own the rights to the original), but the familiarity factor worked in the rapper’s favor.
The label also tapped the likes of Divine (last year for “4.10”) and officially gave a seal of approval to New Delhi rap pairing Karun and Nanku for the wispy “Mhmm” (originally out in 2018) that samples Lata Mangeshkar and Kishore Kumar’s duet “Gum Hai Kisi Ke Pyar Mein” from the RD Burman-composed soundtrack for the 1972 movie Raampur Ka Lakshman.
