A Step Forward with Desi Hip-Hop
PALM Expo Magazine reinvents the space to review and recognise pioneering music talent of
India once again with our column 'An Equal Music'. As a staple feature, which
established a
name for itself up until few years ago, is once again sharing well-researched reviews,
shedding spotlight on the most impressive artists who are diversifying the music genre for
the Indian audiences every day.
We are back with this column to talk about and explore the music industry of India, but this time
it's more than exploring the charts. Keeping the ever-evolving Indian music genres in mind, we will
explore the richness of Indian hip-hop or our so called 'desi hip-hop' that has turned the tables
for recoding label 'Kalamkaar' and independent rap artists like Prabh Deep, who add on to the
label's work with their most impressive talents.
Kalamkaar, a music label that focuses on nurturing emerging talent from the music industry,
established its ground with joint founders Ankit Khanna and Raftaar, with its undivided
focus on the
up-and-coming rappers of India. It's evident that Kalamkaar is advancing the hip-hop industry
with a
pinch of its own music flavours even with its inception in the recent years only.
Hip-hop rose as an independent genre in the early 2000s as one of the mainstream cultural forces in
the music industry and has driven many independent artists to infuse their raps in the 'cool' genre
since then. In fact, songs like 'Never Back Down' by Raftaar to 'Tunnel Vision' by Deep Kalsi
and
other artists, recorded under Kalamkaar label, have struck the chords with the desi hip-hop music
lovers, and are changing the perceptions of integrating rap in the local genre.
Creating an impact within the music industry, Kalamkaar has set the standards high. Inviting
undeniably the best artists from all walks of life, the music label has reinvented the hip-hop
space. Furthermore, with the vision to expand one of the most talented industries, the recording
label also recently introduced 'Kalamkaar Indie', a sub label for indie lovers to dive deep into
multiple music genres with budding artists from India.
Amongst the seasoned artists brought together by Kalamkaar, Prabh Deep, one of the most recognised
faces in the Delhi hip-hop genre, recently tuned his rap with Raftaar in the album - PRAA - EP.
While the duo set out to make a single in the hip-hop genre, they ended up creating an album of four
stupendous songs, amongst which TRAP PRAA touched the hearts with hypnotising melodies and lyrics.
Prabh Deep's albums have always created a sensation since his time in the hip-hop industry.
Recognised and boosted by Azadi Records previously, Prabh Deep released many phenomenal albums that
rocked the hip-hop game. With his most recognised release of the 'Class-Sikh' album in 2017, a
12-track album, Prabh Deep marked the hip-hop grounds, especially winning the Delhi hearts. In fact,
the roll-out of this album showcased his manifestation of royalty, power, and longevity that he
portrays in many of his songs significantly.
His second album 'Tabia', a 15-track album, also achieved recognition from his Delhi-pals with its
focus on a variety of socio-political and economic circumstances of Delhi and became a significant
hit across the nation too.
With a revived energy, inviting innovation into his albums and a year-long break, the rapper came
back this year, exploring the musical fiesta in 'KING Returns'. The Punjabi pop album of 6-songs is
a follow-up after his breakout 'KING-EP' in 2019 and has touched millions of listeners once again.
Winning many awards down the line like 'Musician of the Year' in 2021 by GQ Men of the Year Awards
and getting nominated for the 'Best Hip-Hop Artist' by Radio City Freedom Awards this year, Prabh
Deep is killing it in the game, following the mellow richness of hip-hop amongst the Indian
audience.
Giving a break to our monotonous lives, music impacts our minds and hearts in the most wonderful
ways. Therefore, it's noteworthy to say that finding the soulful voices in the music industry is
quintessential. IRAA (Indian Recording Arts Academy) Awards, therefore, recognises the exceptional
talent of artists not only in music recording but sound engineers and sound producers as well. The
eagerly awaited annual event recognises every music genre in India, celebrating more than 79
categories in the music industry.
Hoping to see more rising stars break all vocal barriers in the Indian music industry, IRAA Awards
will soon start accepting nominations for 2024 this year. Keep an eye out for PALM Expo Magazine to
stay updated!
All recorded labels are requested to share new releases with the PALM Expo team if they wish to get
featured in the 'Unequal Music' column as the team explores the voice and talent of budding artists
in this recurring feature. To share recent albums/independent music for this column, contact:
Ritika Pandey
Email:Ritika.pandey@hyve.group