The big names usually get the spotlight — but some of the most exciting, fearless work in Desi Hip Hop is also happening far from the algorithm’s reach.
Voices you’ve never heard, regions most overlook — yet these artists are shaping the future of the genre with raw honesty and bold creativity.
At Desi Renaissance, we’re here to amplify those stories.
These are three projects from 2025 (so far) that haven’t gotten the love they deserve — but should belong in your playlist.
Project Name: Rapperoid 15SM
Artist: Sangram Malik
Release Date: March 16, 2025
Why It Stands Out:
Rapperoid 15SM isn’t just an album — it’s a grassroots time capsule. Born from the Lehar Movement, which started in underground cyphers beneath an underpass in Chandigarh, this project captures how community, collaboration, and creative freedom continue to fuel Desi Hip Hop’s underground spirit.
Curated by Sangram Malik, the album brings together 15 emcees from across regions and styles — each one adding a distinct voice to a larger narrative. Tracks like Sidha Shamri Te by Da Mirror and Early Bird featuring high school prodigy BONTT carry a raw, unfiltered energy. Malik’s rock background is embedded throughout — with gritty guitar riffs, punchy basslines, and live-sounding drums that cut through the noise.
The tape closes on a beatbox track — a rare move these days — paying homage to hip hop’s foundations. No samples, no polish, just rhythm and skill.
This isn’t made for playlist culture. It’s a love letter to the underground.
Standout Tracks:
- Sidha Shamri Te – Da Mirror & conVIth
- Early Bird – BONTT & ga66ar
- Hardest – Khatra & RAGE24
- Independent – nau nihal singh & Shergah
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Project Name: Khaati Dehati
Artist: Arun Ydv
Release Date: February 21, 2025
Why It Stands Out:
With 10 tightly crafted tracks, Khaati Dehati puts Bhojpuri Hip Hop front and center — and does it with power. Introduced to us through Manas (another torchbearer for Bihar), Arun Ydv immediately stood out. There’s grit in his delivery, depth in his lyricism, and above all, a strong sense of identity that runs through the entire project.
Featuring regional standouts like Lit Trust and Shikriwal, the album doubles down on Bhojpuri pride while pushing its sound forward. Producer Sampliyaha delivers a rich, genre-bending soundscape — especially on Cycle Punk, a track that leans experimental. It might not click on the first listen, but give it time — it’s exactly that unpredictability that makes this record stick.
More than just a collection of tracks, Khaati Dehati documents a growing movement that deserves national attention.
Standout Tracks:
- Khaati Dehati – Arun Ydv
- Art – Arun Ydv & Lit Trust
- Guru Gyan – Arun Ydv
- Haqdaar – Arun Ydv, Shikriwal & Kriday
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Project Name: House of Hashbass, Vol. 1
Artist: Hashbass
Release Date: April 3, 2025
Why It Stands Out:
House of Hashbass Vol. 1 isn’t just a mixtape — it’s a deeply personal offering from one of India’s most respected producers.
Harshit Misra, better known as Hashbass, has been shaping genre-defying sounds for over a decade. This 11-track project reflects the full range of his influences — from soul and R&B to boom bap, rock, and cinematic hip hop.
It doesn’t feel like a debut — it feels like a culmination. Years of experience, patience, and genuine collaboration all come through. From Raaginder’s soulful violin intro to the richness of tracks like Fariyaad and Habit, the mixtape flows with intention. Every detail is deliberate. Every artist — whether it’s Rashmeet Kaur, The Siege, Yungsta, or rising names like Saniya MQ, pyrx, and AGH — brings something meaningful to the table.
Standouts like Pain and Pride hit emotionally. Big Man and Cinema Score bring swagger and punch. Majra haunts you long after it ends.
This isn’t just a producer flex — it’s a front-to-back listening experience.
Standout Tracks:
- Majra – Saniya MQ
- Pain and Pride – The Siege
- Fariyaad – Rashmeet Kaur & Raaginder
- Cinema Score – Yungsta
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Why Spread these Projects?
The truth is, some of the best music coming out of Desi Hip Hop isn’t getting the reach it deserves. It’s being made in home studios, late at night, by artists who aren’t waiting for permission or platforms — they’re just creating, because they have something to say.
That’s what these projects represent.
They’re bold, personal, and full of heart. They carry the kind of energy you can’t fake — the kind that makes you stop and really listen.
So if any of these tapes connect with you, don’t keep it to yourself. Share them. Play them loud. Talk about them with people who care about music that actually means something.
And if you’ve come across a project that deserves to be in the next Spotlight, reach out.
We’re always digging. Always listening.
Because the future of this culture isn’t just being built in boardrooms — it’s being written in verses like these.
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