5 Underground Indian Rappers to Add to your Playlist RIGHT AWAY!
Yuvraj Nanda | Feb 07, 2025, 23:16 IST
These emerging underground hip-hop artists are redefining the Indian rap scene with their raw storytelling and unapologetic individuality. Their music goes beyond beats and rhymes—it’s a reflection of their identity, struggles, and ambitions. If you’re looking for fresh, authentic sounds that break the mold, these five artists deserve a spot on your playlist.
The hip-hop scene in India is popping up more than it has ever did, and the purest form of rap is what you find in the not so commercial underground scene of the country. These young artists from different parts of the nation write their songs themselves, with some of them even producing their own music — something that speaks volumes about the passion that is instilled within this industry and those representing it.
Rap music in India is represented majorly by the Punjabi artists (slightly more at the commercial level) and Hindi language across the underground with most of these artists finding their break even points by performing in cyphers, giving auditions at rap shows, doing live performances, and putting their own albums on streaming platforms.
In this rap hustle and bustle, there are 5 artists that stand out for their commitment to the art. Their talent, consistency, and passion for the game is what makes them the next big things of what we call as the “Desi Hip-Hop” scene in India. Check these upcoming rulers of your playlists out, if you’re the one who’s into unfiltered, authentic, full of vibe rap music:
1:
A big name in the underground sect, Dhanji is the forefront soldier of the Gujarat Hip-Hop scene that pops up from Ahmedabad. He is beyond question the most unique rapper from all of India for his eclectic style and experimental approach, which has further led to him carving a distinctive niche for himself in the rap music industry of India.
His most notable work so far is his album RUAB released in 2023, which he also extended as RUAB (Director’s Cut) in December 2024. He’s one must add artist to your rap collection.
Straight out of Nagpur, Prathamesh is undoubtedly one of the most talented hardcore rappers with the best rhyme schemes you would come across as a listener. He is personally close to another Nagpur rapper Naam Sujal, and the duo have together been doing well on streaming platforms since the breakthrough of Sujal after MTV Hustle 4.
His notable works include his singles — Dus Dus Peti and Dhanteras ft. Naam Sujal, Teetar ft. Hardbone Boy.
Now who would believe if someone was to tell them that this guy dropped not one, not two, not three, but SIX multi-track projects in 2024? A known name to the underground niche, A. Roy is potentially one of the most consistent rappers who keeps dropping more and more of music, with zero compromises on the quality of art. He is a known name to the niche segment of the underground, and one of the most unique artists that we see coming from the next gen DHH.
His notable works include his albums — Ladies, Thank You and Bob Jynx Extended Play.
There are good rappers, there are great rappers and then there is Yungsta. Hailing from the capital, he is a prominent figure in the city’s hip-hop community. He began his journey with rap music and battling at the age of 14 and since then, he has succeeded at developing a reputation for his introspective lyricism and a dynamic delivery that makes him stand out from the rest.
His most notable work so far is his album MEEN (2023) produced by Sez On The Beat.
Representing Uttarakhand, Uniyal is one name in the underground DHH segment emerging upwards, being now widely known amongst the enthusiasts of the genre for his poignant lyrics and a style that is very distinct from the rest. He has recently been gaining attention in the Indian hip-hop scene, especially for his storytelling and cultural references that he uses in his work — something that appeals to the listeners.
His most notable work so far is his EP “Nanda Devi Express”, with the track Vartmaan breaking through from his catalogue of music.
Well, it’s hopeful to think that your playlists are well set for the upcoming one month! With these brilliant pieces of art from the five craftsmen we talked about, your headphones are up for a roller coaster ride.
Their music is something that serves as both, an artistic expression as well as a statement of their identity and what they stand for, proving to the society that true artistry thrives beyond the spotlight.
Rap music in India is represented majorly by the Punjabi artists (slightly more at the commercial level) and Hindi language across the underground with most of these artists finding their break even points by performing in cyphers, giving auditions at rap shows, doing live performances, and putting their own albums on streaming platforms.
A man rapping at a cypher, AI generated.
In this rap hustle and bustle, there are 5 artists that stand out for their commitment to the art. Their talent, consistency, and passion for the game is what makes them the next big things of what we call as the “Desi Hip-Hop” scene in India. Check these upcoming rulers of your playlists out, if you’re the one who’s into unfiltered, authentic, full of vibe rap music:
1: Dhanji
His most notable work so far is his album RUAB released in 2023, which he also extended as RUAB (Director’s Cut) in December 2024. He’s one must add artist to your rap collection.
2: Prathamesh
His notable works include his singles — Dus Dus Peti and Dhanteras ft. Naam Sujal, Teetar ft. Hardbone Boy.
3: A. Roy
His notable works include his albums — Ladies, Thank You and Bob Jynx Extended Play.
4: Yungsta
His most notable work so far is his album MEEN (2023) produced by Sez On The Beat.
5: Uniyal
His most notable work so far is his EP “Nanda Devi Express”, with the track Vartmaan breaking through from his catalogue of music.
A trio of rappers, AI generated.
Well, it’s hopeful to think that your playlists are well set for the upcoming one month! With these brilliant pieces of art from the five craftsmen we talked about, your headphones are up for a roller coaster ride.
Their music is something that serves as both, an artistic expression as well as a statement of their identity and what they stand for, proving to the society that true artistry thrives beyond the spotlight.