Over the past 20 years, Indian hip-hop has developed into a phenomenon both inside and outside the country. On Spotify, the genre has seen rapid growth. In 2023, close to 30% of all top 50 tracks in India in 2023 were hip-hop.
Gen Z is a driving force behind the popularity of hip-hop in India, representing more than 70% of the genre's listeners on Spotify in the country. One of the key reasons why Gen Zers in India gravitate toward hip-hop is because of its relatability and authenticity. And, as the genre continues to evolve across India, various regions are developing their own styles of this music.
Many of these artists can be found on Spotify's flagship Indian hip-hop playlist, Rap 91, which has seen its follower count grow by 110% over the last two years. In that time, Rap 91 has also celebrated India's rich and diverse hip-hop tradition by hosting a live showcase featuring some of the culture's biggest and most promising artists.
This year is no different, and on November 10, the third edition of Rap 91 Live will take place at Mumbai's Mehboob Studios and feature Paal Dabba, Dhanda Nyoliwala, Kinari, BABY JEAN, and many more.
Keep reading to learn more about these artists, along with Indian hip-hop's other rising stars.
Paal Dabba
Born and raised in the vibrant streets of Chennai, Paal Dabba seamlessly blends traditional Tamil influences with modern hip-hop, creating a sonic identity that is truly his own. Beginning his career as a dancer, he mastered the art of movement before diving into the world of rap, evidenced by Paal's electric performances that fuse rhythmic Tamil verses and energetic dance moves.
With a commitment to storytelling, Paal Dabba uses his music to explore his personal experiences, bring awareness to social issues, and amplify the pulse of Tamil culture. His authentic voice resonates with fans, making him a powerful figure in the global rap scene.
Dhanda Nyoliwala
Dhanda Nyoliwala is a pillar of the Haryanvi rap scene, making a name for himself through his unapologetic lyrics. Originally from Nyoli Kalan, Haryana, India, this Australia-based artist exploded onto the scene in 2019 with his debut track Afgan, which would pioneer a game-changing sound: Haryanvi Drill.
Since then, his hit single Up To U smashed records, landing at number one on both Spotify India charts, while his genre-defining work has paved the way for a new wave of Haryanvi artists.
Kinari
A transgender rapper from Delhi, Kinari is renowned for her hard-hitting lyrics and cinematic production. This year saw the release of her debut album, Kattar Kinnar, which was met with commercial and critical acclaim. Influenced by artists like MC STAN, Vijay Dk, Pasha Bhai, JAKX, and Arivu, Kinari's music embodies a complex yet infectious artistry.
This past September, Kinari released Pinjre Ke Geet, her first self-produced project, which explores her nuanced relationship to Delhi.
Baby Jean
Just 23 years old, Baby Jean has already made a name for himself thanks to his unique flow, clever wordplay, and infectious beats. Hailing from Kerala, his music reflects his personal experiences growing up in Malappuram, tackling themes of death, loss, and self-discovery.
Baby Jean has been honing his craft since he was a teenager, developing a magnetic stage presence and steadily building a loyal fan base through his memorable live performances and social media presence.
Hanumankind
Influenced by Southern hip-hop legends like Three 6 Mafia and DJ Screw, Hanumankind has developed a unique style that merges his Indian heritage with contemporary hip-hop.
Hanumankind's breakthrough moment came in 2019 when released his debut EP, Kalari, featuring tracks like Daily Dose that quickly garnered attention in the Indian hip-hop scene and on Spotify. This year, he scored a major hit with Big Dawgs, which landed in the Top 10 of our Top 50 Global playlist, and has been streamed nearly 290 million times on Spotify to date. Between July and September following the song's release, the rapper grew his number of Spotify followers by more than 900%.
Discover more of India's hottest names in hip-hop on our flagship playlist Rap 91.
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Over the past 20 years, Indian hip-hop has developed into a phenomenon both inside and outside the country. On Spotify, the genre has seen rapid growth. In 2023, close to 30% of all top 50 tracks in India in 2023 were hip-hop.
