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by Rahul
In a small, buzzing venue filled with energy, two rappers stand face-to-face.
The crowd leans in, waiting for the next punchline to drop. Words fly fast and sharp. This is battle rap—the raw heart of hip-hop. Despite its deep impact, battle rap remains in the shadows of mainstream success in India.
Let’s uncover the untold story of battle rap and its pivotal role in shaping Desi hip-hop.
What Is Battle Rap?
At its core, battle rap is a lyrical showdown. Two rappers go head-to-head, using clever wordplay, punchlines, and fast thinking to outshine each other.
Unlike commercial hip-hop, where melody and hooks dominate, battle rap thrives on lyricism, quick thinking, and sharp execution. It is where hip-hop’s competitive fire meets its creative soul.
While battle rap has been a global phenomenon for decades, its Indian roots can be traced back to the early 2010s. Two platforms, in particular, became the backbone of the Indian battle rap movement:
Battle Bars Bombay (B3)
Started in Mumbai by the rap crew Elsewhere—featuring Poetik Justis, Kav-E, E.M.F, Noxious D, and Infamous—B3 gave Mumbai’s best lyricists a stage to clash and grow.
Why B3 Mattered:
- It spotlighted raw, undiscovered talent.
- Turned Mumbai into the hub for battle rap.
- Raised the bar for lyricism in Indian hip-hop.
While B3 was creating it’s magic in the western part of India, another platform was creating legends on the other side.
Spit Dope Inc.
Up north in New Delhi, Spit Dope Inc. was founded by MC Kode and Encore ABJ.
Known for its gritty, no-filter style, it became the top stage for underground battles in North India.
Why Spit Dope Mattered:
- It built a strong, tight-knit community of underground rappers.
- It built a cult following that extended beyond the mainstream.
- It helped launch future stars like Calm, Frappe Ash, Yungsta, and Encore ABJ.
Together, B3 and Spit Dope Inc. didn’t just host rap battles—they sparked a movement.
The reality is that battle rap isn’t just about trading insults. It’s about telling hard truths.
From calling out corruption to addressing social injustices, battle rappers have used the platform to challenge norms and express raw, unfiltered realities.
The Legends Who Shaped the Scene
Here are a few names who helped put Indian battle rap on the map:
MC Kode (Aditya Tiwari)
- Co-founder of Spit Dope Inc.
- Known for his razor-sharp comebacks and strong stage presence.
- Memorable battles include showdowns with Frappe Ash and Poetik Justis.
Poetik Justis (Vineet Nair)
- Co-founder of B3 and key figure in Mumbai’s scene.
- A powerful lyricist who inspired many to take battle rap seriously.
- Still active in the scene, currently working on his most ambitious project Kaala Paani.
E.M.F (Anmol Gawand)
- A creative force behind B3.
- Known for his unique flow and pushing lyrical boundaries.
- His battles with MC Kode and others are still talked about today.
What Makes a Great Battle Rapper?
A legendary battle rapper isn’t just someone who can rap well—they master multiple skills to dominate the stage.
Here’s what separates the best from the rest:
- Wordplay Mastery – Crafting clever lines and hidden meanings.
- Punchlines – Delivering lines that hit hard and shake the crowd.
- Stage Presence – Owning the space and commanding attention.
- Quick Thinking – Free-styling and adapting in real-time.
- Crowd Control – Reading the room and feeding off energy.
- Mental Toughness – Staying calm under pressure and personal attacks.
- Unique Style – Having a voice and flow that stands out.
- Preparation – Researching opponents and writing with strategy.
- Timing – Knowing when and how to hit with each bar.
- Versatility – Switching up flows and keeping things unpredictable.
A great battle rapper is part poet, part performer, part strategist.
Final Thoughts: Why It Still Matters
Battle rap isn’t just a side hustle in Indian hip-hop—it’s the training ground, the testing lab, and the soul of the culture.
It’s where artists show up with nothing but their words and walk away with respect—or a lesson. It strips away the glamour and leaves only raw skill, heart, and hunger. There’s no auto-tune, no studio magic.
And in a world where music often gets watered down for trends and algorithms, battle rap stays honest. It doesn’t care about charts or clout. It cares about craft. And that’s what makes it timeless.
As Indian hip-hop continues to grow, gain recognition, and find commercial success, it’s crucial not to forget where much of its spirit was forged.
So here’s the takeaway: if you care about Indian hip-hop—not just as music, but as culture, as voice, as movement—then battle rap isn’t something to overlook. It’s something to respect, support, and celebrate.
Watch the battles. Share the stories. Talk about the artists. Show up for the underground. Because the heartbeat of Indian hip-hop isn’t just in the spotlight.
It’s on the frontline and it’s still pounding.
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