INDIE UNPACKED: THE GAMECHANGERS OF REGIONAL HIP-HOP

FROM BHOJPURI JAZZ AND MEITI REALNESS TO URDU HIP HOP, HERE ARE ARTISTS WHO ARE CHANNELING THEIR ROOTS INTO RAP, ONE VERSE AT A TIME

- By SHARANYAA NAIR

The multilingual soundscape of India bolsters its regional hip-hop scene.

From Bhojpuri to Meitei, languages are no barrier for the fiery collective of regional rappers, artists, and musicians. These artists fuse dialect, rhythm, and raw storytelling, channeling their roots into bars that hit as hard as they resonate. In this edition of Indie Unpacked, we spotlight the rising underdogs redefining Indian rap, one verse at a time

THE CULTUREHOOD:“POOPAADAM”

A true love letter to Kerala’s burgeoning hip-hop scene, “Poopaadam” by The Culturehood is an effervescent blend of syrupy classical vocals, flowing verses, and a thumping UK drill beat. Featuring artists Mubasssok, MC Mac, and Lostricin, the track shuttles between gritty bars and nostalgic melodies, paying homage to Nineties rap style through its video treatment and costume styling. The production style is remarkably versatile, melding classical vocal belts with verses in English and Malayalam. Crafted by the young and restless, “Poopaadam” brings a fresh visual and sonic aesthetic, transporting listeners to memories of a familiar time. Even for those unfamiliar with the language, the beat and emotive production speak universally, making the track a standout cultural crossover.

SHIKRIWAL:“REAL BAAT”

Shikriwal’s “Real Baat,” an asynchronous mix of sounds, pairs a dulcet saxophone with Bhojpuri rap, setting the tone for a track that’s as unexpected as it is captivating. Reminiscent of Tyler, The Creator’s