Politics has always been a crucial topic in hip-hop. From calling out corruption to challenging social inequality, Indian hip-hop is giving young people a voice to question authority and push back against the status quo.
If you’re from India and have been ritualistically following every new update from the recent wave of political protests like me, you must have come across a barrage of short-form content and reels showing scenes of police brutality and students chanting slogans from the protest sites. Almost 30% of these reels have been soundtracked with numbers from the desi hip-hop scene, like they are the anthems of an era defined by outrage and dissent.
As the country burns with a recent wave of protests — first demanding the resignation of the Education Minister and now the Election Commission — we have witnessed people from all walks of life, including students, movie stars and musicians, coming together to voice their dissent against a dysfunctional government.
Amidst this, hip-hop artists like Brodha V, Raftaar, Emiway Bantai, Dino James and others have used their music to express their growing dissatisfaction. Divine’s “Azadi” has become an anthem for the protests, soundtracking reels of students standing up against a government they believe is failing them. The song’s journey from Gully Boy to protest videos shows how music can give a movement a voice and help its message reach people beyond the streets.
Hip-Hop Has Always Been Political
Hip-hop originated in the Bronx, New York, during the 1970s, giving marginalized communities a platform to speak about racism, poverty, police brutality and social inequality. Indian hip-hop has developed its own identity, but the urge to question authority and speak about everyday struggles remains a significant part of the genre.
Brodha V’s “Vaishnava Jana To” challenges religious hypocrisy, while KR$NA’s “Kaisa Mera Desh” addresses corruption, poverty and the contradictions within Indian society. Prabh Deep’s “Elaan”, questions communal division and the misuse of religion. Seedhe Maut has also explored nationalism and social divisions through tracks like “Shaktimaan”.
Artists from different corners of the country bring their personal experiences into these conversations as well. Dhanda Nyoliwala’s “Vomit on Paper” showcases the assertive, unapologetic side of Haryanvi hip-hop talking about heavy subjects like systemic corruption, societal hypocrisy, class struggle and youth frustration. Similarly, Bengal’s Srinivas ‘EPR’ Iyer uses politically charged rap to discuss social injustice in songs like “People Vs Government”. Divine, meanwhile, has frequently drawn from the struggles of Mumbai’s streets, highlighting the class divide and the challenges faced by people living on the margins.
These artists may not all approach politics in the same way, but their music makes space for conversations that often get lost in the noise of mainstream media.
Why It Matters Right Now
In today’s political climate, where questioning those in power can quickly turn into a debate over patriotism, rap provides a direct way to express frustration. Its language is familiar to younger audiences, its delivery is immediate and impactful, and its reach extends far beyond traditional political spaces. A verse can become a reel, a hook can turn into a protest chant, and a song can introduce listeners to issues they might otherwise overlook.
Of course, not every rapper needs to make political music, and a catchy track alone cannot change government policy. But when artists use their platforms to challenge discrimination, question authority and speak about the realities of ordinary people, they help keep these conversations alive.
“I use rap to convey the anger inside me, the anger I have had for many years. Rap allows me to speak about my own life experiences,” Dalit rapper Arivu once told BBC. Hip-hop has been making waves as an instrument of protest against state authoritarianism across the globe. India is no different.
Desi hip-hop has grown from underground cyphers and local music scenes into a major cultural force. As more young Indians turn to the genre, its ability to question the status quo becomes increasingly important. When people take to the streets demanding answers, the music they choose to play can become part of the movement itself. And sometimes, a few bars can get a conversation started that those in power would rather avoid.
Below is a video that depicts the Indian government setting an example for those who dare to raise questions, be it directly or through their art:
Read More: Charanjit Singh: The Indian Musician Who Brought Classical Ragas to Electronic Music
neurotic but nice 🙂
