Best Indian Rappers Of All Time: Indian hip-hop has come a long way since its inception, and the growth of the rap scene in the country has been remarkable. Over the years, there have been several talented artists who have made a significant impact with their unique style, thought-provoking lyrics, and powerful performances. Let’s take a look at some of the best Indian rappers of all time who have left an indelible mark on the desi hip-hop scene.
1. Divine
Divine, whose real name is Vivian Fernandes, is often regarded as the pioneer of Indian hip-hop. Hailing from the streets of Mumbai, Divine’s raw and gritty lyrics reflect the struggles and realities of life in the city. His breakout track ‘Mere Gully Mein’ brought underground rap to the mainstream and inspired a wave of aspiring rappers across the country.
2. Naezy
Naezy, also known as Naved Shaikh, is another prominent figure in the Indian rap scene. He rose to fame with his track ‘Aafat,’ which showcased his impeccable flow and hard-hitting lyrics. Naezy’s ability to blend Hindi and Marathi seamlessly in his raps sets him apart and adds a local flavor to his music.
3. Raftaar
Raftaar, whose real name is Dilin Nair, is a versatile rapper who has made a name for himself in both the underground and mainstream music industry. With his rapid-fire delivery and catchy hooks, Raftaar has delivered numerous hits, including ‘Swag Mera Desi’ and ‘Toh Dishoom.’ His energetic performances and charismatic stage presence make him one of the most sought-after rappers in the country.
4. Emiway Bantai
One of the biggest names in the underground hip-hop rap scene is most likely Emiway Bantai, also known as Machayenge Guy Bilal Sheikh or Emiway Bantai. He made his debut in 2013 with the song “Glint Lock” and became well-known the following year with “Aur Bantai.”. The fact that his official YouTube channel has reached the 10 million subscriber mark will attest to the fact that he is currently India’s biggest independent artist. His diss track “Samjh Mein Aaya Kya,” which is based on well-known rapper Raftaar, made him a viral sensation.
5. Dino James
With his distinctive rap style and musical taste, Dino James stands out among rap artists. He is renowned for the unique ways in which he relates relationships and emotions to his listeners through his songs. On the internet, Dino James has become incredibly well-liked by rap fans. He receives praise for his songs’ accurate depictions of emotions. His well-known song “Girlfriend,” which features humorous lyrics about various relationships, quickly gained popularity online.
6. King
Arpan Kumar Chandel, better known by his stage name King or King Rocco, is a well-known hip-hop and rap artist from India. He began playing music at a very young age and has since become one of the most popular rappers in the nation. The TV program MTV Hustle is where King Rocco first gained notoriety in 2019. He had the chance to perform in front of some of the biggest celebrities, including Raftaar, Nucleya, Raja Kumari, and others.
A few years later, his album Carnival’s song “Tu Aake Dekhle” became a social media sensation. He gradually ascended the charts in this manner.
7. MC Stan
Altaf Tadavi, also known as MC Stan, has been sweeping the Indian rap scene for a while. Although he began singing qawwalis at the age of 12, he later switched to hip-hop and has since written and produced a significant amount of rap music. When he triumphed on Bigg Boss 16 and became the most popular contestant in the show’s history, his abilities were recognized. Along with this, he has also received encouraging messages from well-known rappers like Badshah and Straight Death. MC Stan is undoubtedly one of the top Indian rappers to look out for in 2023 thanks to his extraordinary talent and dedication. This year, he also made a tour of India, where he entertained a huge crowd.
8. Badshah
Known as Badshah, Aditya Prateek Singh Sisodia is a well-known Indian rapper, film producer, singer, and businessman. In 2014, he performed “Saturday Saturday,” his debut Bollywood song, alongside Indeep Bakshi and Aakriti Kakkar. Proper Patola, Wakhra Swag, Bandook, Saturday Saturday, Razor Mera Swag, Pop The Bottle, and Heartless are a few of the songs that have amassed millions of views.
This prominent Indian rapper has won numerous accolades, including GIMA and Breakthrough Artist of the Year 2016.
9. Yo Yo Honey Singh
Yo Yo Honey Singh’s birthplace is Hoshiarpur, India. Hirdesh Singh is better known as him. He was born on March 15, 1983. He is regarded as the leader in Indian hip hop. Yo-Yo acknowledged that Bohemia’s assertion that his style was not authentic hip hop was true. Despite this, he is regarded as one of the musical innovators of Indian hip-hop. He first released music in 2003.
He began composing music for Bollywood movies after finding success in his music. He has amassed a sizable fan base over the years. Many believed he stopped producing music, but in 2020 his song “Loka” marked his return. He will undoubtedly remain at the top of the list in 2018.
These are just a few of the many talented Indian rappers who have made a significant impact on the desi hip-hop scene. Each artist brings their unique style and perspective, contributing to the diversity and growth of Indian rap. With their powerful lyrics and captivating performances, these rappers have not only entertained but also inspired a whole generation of aspiring musicians.