10 Best Rappers of India 2024
Indian hip-hop has taken the music scene by storm, weaving cultural narratives with fiery beats and thought-provoking lyrics. From Mumbai’s bustling streets to Punjab’s soulful rhythms, rappers in India have carved a niche that blends traditional sounds with modern artistry. But who truly stands out in this dynamic genre? This guide will explore the “10 Best Rappers of India 2024“, unveiling their stories, hits, and the impact they’ve made on the Indian music industry.
Curious about how these artists climbed their way to the top in a genre that’s still burgeoning in India? Keep reading! We’ll unravel their journeys, showcase their unique styles, and highlight why they deserve their spots on this list. Whether you’re a die-hard hip-hop fan or a curious music enthusiast, this in-depth article promises insights that will keep you hooked.
Best Rappers of India 2024
| Rapper Name | Real Name | Debut Year | Popular Tracks | Unique Style |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Divine | Vivian Fernandes | 2013 | “Meri Gully Mein” | Gully rap and storytelling |
| Raftaar | Dilin Nair | 2010 | “Swag Mera Desi” | Fast rap and versatility |
| KRSNA | Krishna Kaul | 2006 | “Vyanjan” | Lyrical and technical prowess |
| Yo Yo Honey Singh | Hirdesh Singh | 2005 | “Brown Rang” | Punjabi beats with urban flair |
| Emiway Bantai | Bilal Shaikh | 2013 | “Machayenge” | Independent and bold lyrics |
| Badshah | Aditya Prateek Singh | 2006 | “DJ Waley Babu” | Commercial and party anthems |
| MC Stan | Altaf Tadavi | 2018 | “Khuja Mat” | Experimental and raw sound |
| Naezy | Naved Shaikh | 2014 | “Aafat” | Gully rap and social themes |
| Brodha V | Vighnesh Shivanand | 2008 | “Aathma Raama” | Multilingual and fusion rap |
| Sidhu Moose Wala | Shubhdeep Singh | 2017 | “So High” | Punjabi hip-hop and storytelling |
Best Rappers of India 2024
1. Divine: The Voice of the Gully
Who is Divine?
Born as Vivian Fernandes, Divine is widely regarded as the pioneer of gully rap in India. Hailing from Mumbai, his music mirrors the struggles and dreams of India’s underprivileged communities. He first gained recognition with “Yeh Mera Bombay” and cemented his place in the industry with the iconic track “Meri Gully Mein.”
What Makes Divine Unique?
Divine’s storytelling resonates deeply, painting vivid pictures of life in the Mumbai slums. His collaborations with artists like Nas and his feature in the movie Gully Boy brought Indian hip-hop to the global stage.
Top Hits by Divine
- “Jungli Sher”
- “3:59 AM”
- “Kaam 25”
Did You Know?
Divine’s journey from performing in local cyphers to becoming the face of Indian hip-hop is an inspiration to many. He was the first Indian rapper to collaborate with Apple Music as an Artist of the Month.
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2. Raftaar: The King of Versatility
Who is Raftaar?
Dilin Nair, aka Raftaar, is known for his high-speed rapping and genre-defying music. Starting as a dancer, Raftaar transitioned into music, becoming a celebrated rapper, lyricist, and music producer.
What Sets Raftaar Apart?
Raftaar’s ability to adapt his style—be it hardcore rap, party anthems, or emotional ballads—has made him a favorite among diverse audiences. His track “Swag Mera Desi” brought him widespread acclaim.
Top Tracks by Raftaar
- “Dilli Waali Baatcheet”
- “Dhaakad (Remix)”
- “Baby Marvake Maanegi”
3. KRSNA: The Lyricist Extraordinaire
Who is KRSNA?
Krishna Kaul, better known as KRSNA, is celebrated for his intricate wordplay and razor-sharp lyrics. Emerging from Delhi’s underground hip-hop scene, KRSNA has become a stalwart in Indian rap.
What Makes KRSNA Stand Out?
KRSNA’s tracks often tackle complex themes, from societal norms to personal introspection. His bilingual skills in English and Hindi add a unique touch to his craft.
Top Tracks by KRSNA
- “Say My Name”
- “No Cap”
- “Kaisa Mera Desh”
4. Yo Yo Honey Singh: The Game-Changer of Indian Hip-Hop
Who is Yo Yo Honey Singh?
Hirdesh Singh, famously known as Yo Yo Honey Singh, is a pioneer who revolutionized Indian rap and hip-hop with his catchy tracks and commercial appeal. Emerging from Delhi, Singh became a household name, blending Punjabi beats with urban rap styles. His breakthrough came in the early 2010s when his songs dominated clubs, weddings, and charts alike.
What Makes Yo Yo Honey Singh Unique?
Honey Singh’s fusion of Punjabi culture with modern beats created a new wave in Indian music. His charismatic personality, paired with relatable lyrics, made his tracks unforgettable. Despite taking a hiatus due to health issues, Singh returned stronger, proving his enduring popularity.
Top Tracks by Yo Yo Honey Singh
- “Brown Rang”
- “Angreji Beat”
- “Dope Shope”
- “Lungi Dance”
Did You Know?
Yo Yo Honey Singh was once the highest-paid singer in Bollywood, earning a whopping ₹70 lakh for a single song.
5. Emiway Bantai: The Voice of the Streets
Who is Emiway Bantai?
Bilal Shaikh, better known as Emiway Bantai, is an independent rapper who rose to fame with his unapologetic lyrics and distinct style. Hailing from Mumbai, his stage name is a creative twist on Eminem’s “Emi” and Lil Wayne’s “Way.”
Why is Emiway Bantai a Fan Favorite?
Emiway’s DIY approach to music has made him a symbol of independence in the Indian rap scene. From creating viral tracks like “Machayenge” to engaging in fiery diss battles, his fearless attitude resonates with fans worldwide.
Top Tracks by Emiway Bantai
- “Machayenge”
- “Khatam”
- “Samajh Mein Aaya Kya”
Did You Know?
Emiway turned down offers from major labels to maintain creative freedom, cementing his status as an independent artist.
6. Badshah: The King of Party Anthems
Who is Badshah?
Aditya Prateek Singh Sisodia, aka Badshah, is one of India’s most commercially successful rappers. From chart-topping hits to brand endorsements, he has solidified his position as a trendsetter in Indian pop and rap music.
What Defines Badshah’s Style?
Badshah excels in creating catchy beats and memorable hooks, making his music a favorite at parties and celebrations. His lyrics, often humorous and relatable, strike a chord with listeners across age groups.
Top Tracks by Badshah
- “DJ Waley Babu”
- “Kala Chashma”
- “Genda Phool”
Did You Know?
Badshah’s “Genda Phool” was one of the most-streamed songs in India during 2020, with over a billion views on YouTube.
7. MC Stan: Redefining Indian Rap with Raw Authenticity
Who is MC Stan?
Altaf Tadavi, popularly known as MC Stan, emerged as a trailblazer with his raw, unfiltered lyrics and experimental beats. His journey from Pune’s streets to becoming a prominent figure in Indian hip-hop is awe-inspiring.
What Makes MC Stan Stand Out?
Stan’s music explores themes of struggle, ambition, and individuality, often incorporating street slang and regional dialects. His honest and relatable lyrics have earned him a loyal fan base.
Top Tracks by MC Stan
- “Khuja Mat”
- “Basti Ka Hasti”
- “Tadipaar”
Did You Know?
MC Stan is one of the youngest rappers in India to achieve fame, with his debut album Tadipaar receiving critical acclaim.
8. Naezy: The Pioneer of Gully Rap
Who is Naezy?
Naved Shaikh, famously known as Naezy, is credited with bringing gully rap into the limelight. His debut track “Aafat” went viral and marked the beginning of a new era in Indian hip-hop.
Why is Naezy an Icon?
Naezy’s music captures the spirit of Mumbai’s chawls and streets. His bilingual skills, mixing Hindi and Marathi with English, give his tracks a unique flavor.
Top Tracks by Naezy
- “Aafat”
- “Mere Gully Mein”
- “Tehelka”
Did You Know?
Naezy’s life and music inspired the Bollywood movie Gully Boy, starring Ranveer Singh.
9. Brodha V: The Multilingual Maestro
Who is Brodha V?
Vighnesh Shivanand, known as Brodha V, is celebrated for his ability to blend Indian classical music with rap. Emerging from Bengaluru, he has become a prominent name in multilingual rap.
What Sets Brodha V Apart?
Brodha V’s mastery of languages and ability to seamlessly merge Indian and Western styles make his music universally appealing. Tracks like “Aathma Raama” showcase his innovative approach.
Top Tracks by Brodha V
- “Vainko”
- “Aigiri Nandini”
- “Flex”
Did You Know?
Brodha V was a finalist in Channel V’s Launchpad, which kickstarted his career in rap.
10. Sidhu Moose Wala: The Legacy of a Legend
Who was Sidhu Moose Wala?
Shubhdeep Singh Sidhu, better known as Sidhu Moose Wala, was a celebrated Punjabi rapper whose untimely demise left a void in the Indian music industry. He introduced a new era of Punjabi hip-hop.
Why is Sidhu Moose Wala a Legend?
Sidhu’s music was a unique blend of Punjabi folk and modern rap, often addressing social issues and personal struggles. His iconic tracks continue to inspire millions.
Top Tracks by Sidhu Moose Wala
- “So High”
- “Legend”
- “The Last Ride”
Did You Know?
Sidhu Moose Wala was posthumously awarded numerous accolades, highlighting his enduring influence on Punjabi rap.
11. Ikka Singh: The Hidden Gem of Indian Rap
Who is Ikka Singh?
Ankit Singh Patyal, known professionally as Ikka, is a versatile rapper who has contributed significantly to Bollywood and the Indian rap scene. Emerging from Himachal Pradesh, Ikka has a unique style that fuses melody with rap.
What Makes Ikka Memorable?
Ikka’s lyrical dexterity and emotional depth set him apart. From party tracks to soulful ballads, his music caters to a wide audience.
Top Tracks by Ikka Singh
- “Paniwala Dance”
- “Nishu”
- “Sanki”
Did You Know?
Ikka began his career with the group Mafia Mundeer, alongside Yo Yo Honey Singh, Badshah, and Raftaar.
FAQs: Everything You Want to Know About Indian Rappers
- Who is the best rapper in India?
It depends on the listener’s taste, but rappers like Divine and Raftaar have consistently ranked high for their impact and versatility. - Why is Indian rap gaining popularity?
The fusion of regional languages, relatable themes, and global collaborations has made Indian rap a genre to watch. - Which Indian rapper has the most global recognition?
Artists like Yo Yo Honey Singh and Raja Kumari have gained international fame for their unique styles and collaborations.
Conclusion: A New Era for Indian Hip-Hop
The Indian rap scene is no longer confined to underground clubs or niche audiences. With these trailblazers leading the way, it’s a genre that’s here to stay. Each artist brings something distinct to the table, whether it’s Divine’s storytelling, Emiway’s bold lyrics, or Brodha V’s multilingual finesse. Together, they’re not just shaping Indian hip-hop—they’re revolutionizing it.