Indian rappers have taken over the world by storm. Once what was considered an unpopular music form reaches the world’s masses, everyone wants to be part of it. Since there is a lot of buzz around Indian rappers and desi hip hop, we have curated a list of the best Indian rappers to make your search easy.
1. Divine
Divine real name, Vivian Wilson Fernandes is a Mumbai-based Rapper and entertainer who stands number 1 on this list because of his name in the rap music scene. He is by far the most popular rapper in India and has given multiple platinum albums topping the worldwide charts. Some of his famous albums are Kohinoor (2019) and Punya Paap(2020). He has also collaborated with world-class artists and released chart bursting singles.
2. Raftaar
Raftaar, real name Dilin Nair s an Indian rapper, lyricist, dancer, TV personality, and music composer, who works in the Punjabi and Hindi entertainment industry. He started his career in Rap music with the rappers like Lil Golu and Ikka. He was also a part of a group called Mafia Mundeer by Yo Yo Honey Singh but left it due to personal issues. Raftaar has multiple singles to his name, like Swag Mera Desi(2014), Desi Hip Hop(2015), Saza-e-Maut(2020), and more.
3. Emiway Bantai
Emiway Bantai, real name Bilal Shaikh is an Indian rapper, singer, songwriter, and producer, who has one multiple music awards for his works. He initially started as a low-key rapper and evolved over the years and become a heavyweight in the Indian rap music scene. Some of his famous tracks are Sadak(2017), Samajh Mein Aya Kya(2018), Machanyenge, and more.
4. MC Stan
MC Stan, real name Altaf Shaikh is an Indian rapper, producer, and songwriter, hailing from Pune, Maharashtra. The p-town rapper became famous for his song Khuja Mat(2019). In the track, he dissed Emiway, which then sparked a heated beef between both of them. Though, Emiway was the first one to start the beef. He recently released his album called ‘Insaan’ which includes collaboration with the finest rap artists in India.
5. Badshah
Badshah, real name Aditya Prateek Singh Sisodia is an Indian rapper, singer, songwriter, and producer, who is famous for his work in Hindi, Panjabi, and Haryanvi entertainment industry. Badshah’s early success came from the group Mafia Mundeer in which he was an important member. He is the face of commercial hip-hop in India and has racked up millions of streams on Spotify, youtube music, and more. Some of his famous tracks are Kar Gayi Chull, Saturday Saturday(2012), DJ Waley Babu(2015), and more.
6. Yo Yo Honey Singh
Yo Yo Honey Singh or Honey Singh, real name Hirdesh Singh is an Indian rapper, singer, songwriter, producer, and actor. His journey began producer bhangra and hip-hop music and later singing his own songs and producing his own albums. Some of his famous albums are International Vilager(2011), Desi Kalakar(2013), and more.
7. KR$NA
KR$NA or the dollar sign, real name Krishna Kaul is an Indian rapper who made a name for himself in the early years of Indian hip-hop music. He is one of the most technical rappers out there who play with words with ease. He is famous for tracks like No Cap(2021), Say My Name(2020), Lil Bunty(2022), and many more.
8. Brodha V
Brodha V, real name Vighnesh Shivanand is an Indian rapper, producer, and lyricist, who started rapping at a very young age. His early success can be credited to Orkut rap battle communities which helped him make a name for himself. The Bangalore-based rapper is mentioned as one of the best rap artists in India. Some of his famous tracks are On My Own(2012), Aathma Raama(2012), Forever(2022), and more.
9. Ikka
Ikka, real name Ankit Singh Patyal is an Indian rapper/hip hop artist and a lyrics who has his skin deep in the game. The rapper achieved mainstream popularity very early, making him one of the finest rap artists in the country. His songs are known to be a blend of club music with great lyrical works. His finest songs are Paani Wala Dance(2015), Dirty Girl(2018), and Dilbar Remake(2018).
10. Mc Altaf
MC Altaf, real name Altaf Shaikh is an Indian rapper and lyricist who has dominated the Rap scene in India with his style of lyrics and versatility. His skills on the mic established him as the frontier of the gully gang. Despite coming from the tough times, the Dharavi-based rapper has achieved mainstream popularity with tracks like Mirchi, Soch, Disco Rap, and more.
11. Yashraj
Yashraj, real name Yashraj Mehta is an Indian Rapper and Lyricist. He started his career by remixing famous tracks of his favorite artists and emerged as one of the best rappers in the Indian scene with it. With likes of artists Marshmello, Lost Stories, Zaeden, DIVINE, Ritviz and more, the rapper saw a huge rise in his popularity. His famous tracks are Dhundhala, Kho Gaya, DLL.
12. Kaam Bhari
Kaam Bhari, real name Kunal Pandagale, is an Indian rapper and lyricist who saw widespread popularity after the release of Zoya Akhtar directed movie Gully Boy. He is the real voice of the streets who reached success with nothing but his music. His discography features multiple tracks like White Collar, Khoob, Pataka, Mohabbat, and more.
13. Calm
Calm, real name Siddhanth Sharma, is a member of the Indian rap duo Seedhe Maut. The rapper is best known for his lyrical ability and skills in the studio. Working as a duo with another member, Enkore ABJ has helped him achieve the status he once dreamed of. Some of his famous tracks are Seedhe Maut Anthem, Nanchaku, Nazarbhattu Freestyle and more.
14. Enkore ABJ
Enkore ABJ, real name Abhijay Negi is a member of the Indian rap duo Seedhe Maut. The rapper become insanely popular for his skills in the game and achieved great success very early. Though, the widespread mainstream came after working as a duo with another member Calm helped him achieve the status he once dreamed of. Some of his famous tracks are Seedhe Maut Anthem, Nanchaku, Nazarbhattu Freestyle and more.
15. Karma
Karma, real name Vivek Arora is an Indian rapper, songwrtier, music producer and more. He had a very rough start in the game but with great resilience, he achieved the greatest heights of his career. He has multiple viral tracks to his name, but some of his most famous tracks are Karmasutra (2019), Rap Karte Hain (2018), Warm Up (2019), We Wake Up (2018), Main Wahi Hoon (2019), Take Diss (2019).
16. King
King or King Rocco, real name Arpan Kumar Chandel is an Indian rapper, singer, songwrtier and producer who achieved widespread success after his track Tu Aake Dekh Le become the viral hit of the year. He is one of the most talented individual in the entire rap music scene who has off the charts lyrical ability. Some of his famous tracks are Pablo, Sineer, IICONIC, Dejablo and more.
17. Naezy
Naezy, real name Naved Shaikh is an Indian Rapper and lyricist who achieved mainstream popularity with his collaboration with Divine from Mere Gully Mein. The gully gang rapper has multiple independent and Bollywood features, making him one of the most talented rapper in the entire scene. He has released successful releases like Pyaar Hai, Shabd, Sholay (with MC Mawali & Karan Kanchan) and many more.
18. Dino James
Dino James is an Indian rapper, singer, lyricist, and composer. He faced early hardships in life that are reflected in the songs he makes. Though the rapper had other plans that did not work. But, thanks to that because it made us witness one of the best rap artists in the country right now. Some of his famous tracks are Impossible, Loser, Unstoppable, Mirage, and more.
19. Muhfaad
Muhfaad, real name Gaurav Pal is an Indian Rapper and lyrics. The controversial rapper was once seen with Raftaar and the group until some beef took place. Muhfaad has always been at the center of some kind of controversy which led to his rise in the Indian rap music space. The Delhi-based rapper is well known for his songs like Sare Karo Dab, Bakri, Jashan Hai.
20. Raja Kumari
Raja Kumari, real name Svetha Yallapragada Rao is an Indian rapper, singer-songwriter based in California. She got introduced to the scene after her collaborations with prominent artists started getting a huge amount of attention. She has dropped multiple EP’s till date Curry Sauce Vol. 1, The Come Up, and Bloodline to name a few. Her collaboration with Divine was also the most celebrated one in India.
21. Raga
Raga, real name Ravi Mishra is an Indian rapper, lyricist, and producer. The Delhi-based rapper started rapping in English initially but later moved to Hindi music and produced some great quality work. Some of his most famous tracks are Skills, Badal Gaye, and Triggered.
22. Sikander Kahlon
Sikander Kahlon is an Indian rapper, singer, songwriter, and producer who works in the Punjabi entertainment industry. The Mohali-based rapper became the center of attraction after releasing his 8-minute diss track. He has more than 150+ tracks in his discography and has collaborated with artists such as Byg Byrd, Manj Muzik, and more. Some of his famous tracks are Chal Chaliye, Kyon Ni Kyon Ni, and Killa Free Style.
23. Prabh Deep
Prabh Deep, real name Prabhdeep Singh, is an Indian rapper, singer, songwriter, and producer hailing from New Delhi. Deep’s introduction to rap music came as a surprise when he went to see an open mic, and since then he has been rapping. His debut album topped the iTunes charts and established him as one of the best rap artists in the country. His discography includes tracks like I Don’t Care, Kal (Future), and Khat.
24. Mr. Bali
Mr. Bali or Bali real name, Sachin Bali, is an Indian rapper, producer, and lyricist. The Delhi-based rapper got well known after the release of his new single Sunn Na. The rapper has also collaborated with artists like Fotty Seven, Badshah, and more. Which has helped him to achieve the fame he has today.
25. Shah RuLe
Shah Rule, real name Rahul Sahani is one of the most versatile Indian rappers on the list. Be it producing music or mixing his own record, RuLe has done it all. His inspiration comes from a lot of top-tier rappers around the world like Notorious Big, A Tribe Called Quest, and more. The rapper has also performed alongside rap music giants like Divine and Raftaar. Some of his famous tracks are Samjhe Na, Don’t Forgive Me, Nahi Hai Woh.
26. Sambata
Sambata, real name Pratham Jogdand is a Pune based rapper who has currently been making waves around rap music scene in India. The 20 year old prodigy has already got the attention of the audience and is expecting to get bigger in the coming years. Some of his famous tracks are Pinnak, Palti Fire, and Kaarte Nibaar.
27. Fotty Seven
Fotty Seven, real name Ankit Gidwani is an Indian Rapper, lyricist, and songwriter. He is one of the biggest rap music artists in Indian right now. His influences have helped him develop his style of writing, which is similar to that of the underground rap music scene. Some of his famous tracks are Sehwag, Baap Se, Boht Tej, and many more.
28. GD47
GD47, real name Gagandeep Singh is an Indian rapper and musician from Punjab. He became famous after participating in MTV Hustle Season 2. His first commercial release was LALA, but he became more famous after Virat Kohli started following him on Twitter. Singh has also worked in a Sushant Singh Rajput starrer for a song called Prem Pujari.
29. Raval
Raval is a modern-era bilingual Rapper from the capital of India. The Delhi-based rapper is known for his vocabulary and action-fueled lyrics. Raval has always been a part of the Delhi hip-hop community and over the years has developed a style that is unbeatable. Some of his famous tracks are PEW PEW!, Magan, and more.
30. Tsumyoki
Tsumyoki is a Goa-based underground Rapper who was signed to Gully Gang recently for one of his recent EP ‘Way Too Messy.’ He has been making music for a long time now and is considered one of the most versatile acts in the business.
