Essential Songs from the First Albums & Mixtapes of Desi Hip-Hop Artists
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by Rahul
Some songs don’t just drop, they stay.
They linger for years, long after the hype fades, quietly carving out their place in history.
In this piece, we revisit those early gems — songs from debut or formative projects that still hold their weight. These early albums, EPs, and mixtapes weren’t just creative experiments. They were blueprints for everything these artists went on to become.
To keep things focused, we’ve picked one track per artist, a curated list that values quality over volume. Think of these as the favourite songs of your favourite rappers.
And if you truly live and breathe Desi Hip-Hop, you’ll know why these still hit like the first time.
1) Vicinity Killers – Camo Musiq, Enkore (Breakout – Biggest Indian Mixtape)
Long before producer-led projects became a norm in Indian hip-hop, Vicinity Killers dropped as the second track on an underground mixtape by Camo Musiq: sometime around 2012.
The tape featured a stacked lineup: GD 47, D’Evil, Kru172, and a young Enkore from Mumbai, who stood out on this track.
More than just sonically ahead of its time, Vicinity Killers helped lay the groundwork for collaborative, producer-driven storytelling in Desi Hip-Hop.
2) Thas Okay – Hardbone boy, Deadpan (Deepak Is Dead)
Hardbone might be turning heads today, but a lot of his earlier work still flies under the radar.
From the start, he’s been one of the few artists in the scene committed to concept-driven projects: whether it’s his EPs or his 2023 debut album Deepak Is Dead.
Thas Okay is an early standout from that album: a track that quietly showcased Hardbone’s gift for melody, mood, and overall musicality.
Even now, it remains our favourite cut from the project: raw, reflective, and deeply resonant.
3) Prashna China – Gravity, Shinji (Prashna Chinha)
Gravity has always been known for crafting concept-driven projects, and the title track from his 2018 debut album Prashna China is still one of the strongest statements in Desi Hip-Hop.
What’s wild is that Gravity was just 18 or 19 when he dropped this — a project that revealed a level of depth, introspection, and lyrical maturity far beyond his years.
The album stands out as a whole, but this title track in particular remains one of our all-time favourites. It marked a defining moment not just for Gravity, but for the evolution of Indian hip-hop itself.
4) Straight Outta Kathmandu – Bluesss, MC Dave, Uniq Poet (Blue Up High)
When Bluesss released his debut album Blue Up High in 2019, it raised the bar for production in Nephop, a landmark moment for producer-led projects in the region.
Straight Outta Kathmandu brought together Bluesss’ slick, funk-infused production with standout verses from MC Dave and Uniq Poet: another Nepali gem who continues to deliver consistently powerful music.
It’s one of the best tracks on the album and a perfect introduction to the energy and talent coming out of Nepal’s underground scene.
5) Too Hype – Divine, Sid Sriram, Sanjoy (Kohinoor)
One of the most underrated tracks from an exceptional album. When Divine released his debut album Kohinoor in 2019, he set a new standard—showing just how important a strong, cohesive album is in an artist’s discography.
Six years later, it still stands as his best project, and Too Hype was a standout moment.
A bold, genre-blurring cut elevated further by a stellar Sid Sriram feature, this remains one of Divine’s finest songs to date.
6) Classsikh – Prabh Deep, Sez on the Beat (Class – Sikh)
When it comes to discographies in Desi Hip-Hop, few are as consistently powerful as Prabh Deep’s. He’s a true album artist—every release, whether a full-length or EP, is conceptually bold and creatively fearless.
His 2017 debut Class-Sikh, produced by Sez on the Beat, was our first real glimpse of that vision. It wasn’t just ahead of its time, it set a new bar for what Indian rap albums could be.
While the entire project holds up, it’s the closing track Classsikh that we keep returning to. Years later, it still lands with the same force.
It may take time for some to fully appreciate what Prabh is building, but if you love albums with depth and purpose, his catalogue is essential.
7) Patjhad – Panther, Lithium Beatz (Jungle and Animals within)
Panther is one of the most versatile and gifted writers in the scene today. When he dropped his 2022 mixtape Jungle and Animals Within, he made it clear just how sharp and dynamic his pen game really is.
The tape explores a wide range of styles, and Panther moves through them effortlessly. While there are several standout moments, Patjhad remains one of the strongest tracks—it’s introspective, emotionally resonant, and showcases his lyrical depth.
He’s been consistently putting out impressive projects, quietly building a discography that few in the scene can match.
8) Azaad Hu Mein – Yashraj, Dropped Out, Anoushka Sivasankar (Azaad Hu Mein)
Yashraj is a legend in the making: mark our words. He’s already breaking boundaries, and we’re certain he’s just getting started.
At his core, Yashraj is a poet. He always has been. His 2020 EP was early proof of that depth—introspective, honest, and mature beyond his years.
The opening track, Azaad Hu Mein, captures that balance beautifully. It’s deeply thoughtful yet accessible, showing his rare ability to craft songs that resonate with both casual listeners and those who dig deeper.
That duality remains one of his greatest strengths. His music has layers, but it never demands that you unpack them all to enjoy it.
And he understands collaboration like few others: Anoushka Sivasankar’s vocal textures elevate this track perfectly, showing just how intentional Yashraj is with every detail.
9) Declaration of War – Yungsta, Shaikhspeare, Hardknok, D’evil, Poetik Justis (Freshman)
Long before he was known as Yungsta, he went by Youngsta Ash—and in 2016, he dropped Freshman, his debut album.
The project was an early snapshot of an artist on the rise, featuring a stacked lineup that included MC Heam, Frappe Ash, Raga, Keepsake, and a powerful collective of voices on Declaration of War.
This track remains one of the most memorable posse cuts from that era: raw, energetic, and full of intent. Other standouts from the album include Hometown Hero, Faded, and Sher Khan, all of which capture the grind Yungsta put in long before becoming a recognized force in the scene.
Freshman was more than a debut, it was a declaration.
10) Biba (Feat. Hina Fatima) – Raga (Rap Ka Mausam)
When Raga dropped his 2019 album Rap Ka Mausam, full-length projects were still rare in the scene.
While the album flew under the radar, it was a strong showcase of his range, and one of the first moments we saw how effortlessly he could blend into more mainstream sounds without losing his identity.
Biba, featuring Hina Fatima, is a perfect example. It leans into pop sensibilities while still carrying Raga’s lyrical smoothness and overall tone. One listen, and it’s the kind of track that quietly finds its way onto your loop list.
11) Maujjan – Ikka, Sikander Kahlon (I)
If there’s one debut album by a mainstream rapper that checks all the boxes, it’s I by Ikka. The project was a bold statement: his first full-length effort and a clear reminder of just how skilled and versatile Ikka truly is.
For many, it was the first time they really saw his full artistic range.
Every track on I hits, but Maujjan, featuring the ever-consistent Sikander Kahlon and produced by Phenom, has been on repeat since day one. It’s a certified banger—polished, hard-hitting, and proof that when done right, mainstream doesn’t have to mean safe.
12) Khush Reh Tu – Rawal, Bharg, Tang Mizaaji (Sab Chahiye)
Sab Chahiye was one of the most original and refreshing albums of 2021, if not the best.
A musically rich and versatile collaboration between Rawal and Bharg, the project stood out for its bold sound and fearless disregard for formula.
It’s one of those albums that demands to be heard start to finish. Each track flows into the next with intention, leaving you wanting more by the end.
Even today, Sab Chahiye feels ahead of its time. When people look back at the greatest Desi Hip-Hop albums, this one will be in the conversation.
If you haven’t heard it yet, do yourself a favour: press play.
13) Asli Hai – Young Stunners (Rebirth)
This is the song that changed everything for Umair, and introduced the scene to one of its most gifted producers.
But what many might not know is that Asli Hai was originally part of Young Stunners’ debut album Rebirth, released back in 2017.
The project featured standout tracks like 32 Bore, Dear Zainab, Real Talk, and No Hook Ups, but it was Asli Hai that left the biggest mark.
When Umair re-produced the track in 2019, he elevated it to a new level, and the world finally heard what this young prodigy could do. We’re glad it got the second life it deserved, and so did Umair.
14) Surma – Frappe Ash, Diesby, Priyanka Meher (Bet You Know)
When Frappe Ash dropped his solo debut album in 2019, he made it clear that his artistry extended far beyond just bars: not that anyone doubted his talent.
While Wish You Were Here became the breakout track, the album is packed with hidden gems, and Surma remains one of our personal favourites.
Priyanka Meher, who recently impressed many with the song Parinda alongside Panther, was already showcasing her vocal brilliance back in 2019 with this feature.
And Frappe’s production on Surma deserves serious credit—it’s textured, intricate, and one of the most sonically rich beats on the album. A beautifully crafted track that still holds up years later.
15) Sau Kadam Upar – Poetik Justis, Vedang (Green Heart Astronaut)
Poetik Justis is one of the OGs of the scene, with a catalogue that spans impactful EPs and albums, but his 2021 release Green Heart Astronaut still stands as one of his finest works.
It’s rare for a single track to fully embody the spirit of an entire album, but Sau Kadam Upar does just that. If you had to pick one song to understand Green Heart, this would be it.
Lyrically, it might be Poetik’s best Hindi writing to date—philosophical and reflective. And for those wondering where he’s been lately, you’re not wrong—he’s been low-key. But that’s about to change.
Later this year, Poetik is set to release Kala Pani, his most ambitious conceptual album yet.
We’ve had the chance to hear it, and trust us: it’s something special. A bold new chapter from one of Indian hip-hop’s most thoughtful voices.
16) Raastamahn – Epr Iyer (Protest Poetry)
When it comes to reggae-inspired music in Indian hip-hop, very few artists have managed to stay true to its roots while still making it their own—EPR is definitely one of them.
Known for his sharp, socially conscious writing, EPR has always stood out, and his 2020 album Protest Poetry is a testament to that brilliance.
The opening track Srini Bana EPR is already iconic, but the project as a whole tackles critical issues with clarity, urgency, and heart.
Protest Poetry remains one of the most important albums in the scene: powerful, poetic, and far too underrated.
If you’re short on time, start with Beastcoast Cypher, Kaun Virus?, Badluram Ka Badan and Raastafari. Though honestly, we recommend listening to the album from start to finish.
17) Royalty – Seedhe Maut (2 Ka Pahada)
Before they became Desi Hip-Hop royalty, Seedhe Maut were already chasing the crown—as heard on Royalty, a standout track from their 2017 EP 2 Ka Pahada.
Artists like Seedhe Maut, Kr$na, and Divine are proof that you can succeed without losing your soul or vision while navigating the industry.
What sets SM apart is their growing discography—thoughtfully crafted and consistently strong, which is a big reason they command such deep respect in the scene.
Their discipline and consistency are qualities every creative should aspire to. Kudos to them for what they’ve built over the past decade.
And if you’re new to their music, take time to explore their catalogue, there’s a lot of gold waiting to be discovered.
18) Tadipaar – MC Stan (Tadipaar)
MC Stan is an artist people either love or hate. While we personally appreciate his albums, we’re not the biggest fans of his singles and recent work in general.
That said, there’s no denying his talent: especially when it comes to curating full-length projects and crafting production that stands out.
His 2020 self-produced album Tadipaar is a perfect example. At the time of its release, it felt groundbreaking—fresh, bold, and unlike anything else in the scene. Even now, it holds up as one of the best-produced albums in Desi Hip-Hop.
Tracks like Ek Din Pyaar, Amin, and Numberkaari showcase Stan’s range and vision, but the real star of the album is MC Stan the producer. He remains one of the most unique rapper-producers in the game today.
19) Wavy – SickLot, Shatam, Parv Music (Sick-A-Lot)
Think back to what you were doing at 14 or 15. Most of us weren’t building albums, but SickLot was.
At just 14 years old, he released Sick-A-Lot, and Wavy was a standout moment that showed just how strong he already was as a composer.
This track still features one of his best beats to date. Beyond being a gifted writer, SickLot is a serious force behind the boards: handling production, mixing, and mastering with a level of skill well beyond his years. He’s one artist we’re keeping a close eye on, because the potential is undeniable.
Parv also absolutely delivered on this song. Every time he and SickLot collaborate, it’s pure magic. If he keeps moving the way he has, Parv is well on his way to a big future in the scene.
Shatam comes in mid-track, but there’s nothing mid about his verse.
As Parv himself said on our podcast with the Agyaakaari boys (Parv and SickLot), if Shatam becomes more consistent, he’s destined to be a future star in Indian hip-hop.
Still not convinced? Go listen to 1+1, his EP with Rachit—you’ll hear exactly what we mean.
20) Free – The Siege, Swarada (Bubblecars)
The Siege has always been known for his honesty and fearlessness, and Bubblecars—his 2019 release—is one of the darkest yet most powerful projects in Desi Hip-Hop.
Deeply personal, the album takes listeners on a raw journey through emotional chaos, depression, and suicidal thoughts, ultimately arriving at a place of clarity and peace.
Free, the final track and our personal favourite, closes the project with a sense of healing. It feels like The Siege has processed his pain through the music and come out lighter.
The acoustic arrangement adds to that sense of calm and release, making this a fitting and beautiful conclusion to an album that deserves to be experienced from start to finish.
Closing Thought
These songs weren’t chasing trends, they were building foundations. Some stayed underground, some found the spotlight, but all of them showed us what these artists were capable of long before the world caught on.
We’ve put together a playlist so you can experience them all in one go: revisit the roots, or discover something new.
Listen to the full playlist:
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