You know India’s rap game is just going to get stronger in the coming years – and it’s not because it’s been waiting in the wings for a while now and needs the push.
The current crop of artistes such as Naezy, Divine, Big Deal, Brodha V, A-List, BK Hrangkhawl and Enkore are doing everything differently from their counterparts in the West to make hip-hop sound their own.
Sure, they are evidently inspired by top international rappers old and new such as Immortal Technique, Aesop Rock and even Tupac and Eminem, but the tales that they turn into rhymes paint a picture of contemporary Indian life. It may not be poetry of the streets just yet, but it’s about struggles and moments in the sun – never being too boastful or about money, women and cars.
For example, Enkore aka Ankur Johar from Mumbai is talking about growing up in the city, disappointments, successes and even about chilling out, all with some real slick beats that can make clubs bounce. With producers such as Stunnah, Sez and DJ Chantz, Enkore’s debut album Libra Scale is a diverse rap record that needs listening as much for the music as Johar’s flow.
The title track that closes the album is a tad bit proud, with Johar rapping, “I’m jus tryna handle biz/juggle love for the fam and friends/with bein selfish, knowin that my life is meant/for a purpose greater than they see/even tho they stare at flatlines in the rupee/a legend needs time to be legendary.” With a couple of interludes (‘Lester’ and ‘Afreen’), Johar is raging and caging occasionally, rhymes coming real easy in his distinctive Indian accent. The punctuation and emphasis on each word on songs like ‘1, 2, Dream’ and ‘One Eyed Monster’ makes Johar’s voice recognisable.
The identity of the young Indian shines on songs like ‘Million Dollar Smile’ and ‘Walk Again’ – one about middle class kids growing up with some privilege and also taking on troubles. This is the best part about Libra Scale – it is personal to Johar, but certainly universally related.
