Rawal – Sherdil Mixtape Review

The wait is over: but was it worth it?

Sherdil is, without question, Rawal’s most anticipated project to date. Fans have been waiting for this moment for years, and naturally, expectations were sky-high.

But did it live up to the hype?

We’ll get to that but first, let’s talk about the moment that gave me goosebumps before the album even dropped.

On March 21, 2024, Rawal posted a snippet on Instagram—a quiet, emotional clip of him with his dog, soundtracked by the title track Sherdil. That video didn’t just tease the album; it embodied its entire soul and even now, it hits just as hard.

Across 17 tracks, Sherdil delivers everything you’d expect from Rawal and more.
It’s raw, honest and Rawal at his most vulnerable, and perhaps, his most fearless yet.

At its core, Sherdil explores the emotional scars that have shaped Rawal’s journey—feeling like an outsider, navigating grief, and, most painfully, the early loss of his mother. These aren’t just lyrical mentions, they’re the emotional foundation of the entire project.

Even the album’s artwork speaks volumes: a smiling Rawal, bleeding from his ears. It’s a haunting yet poignant metaphor for the contrast between public perception and private pain. From the outside, it may look like he’s living the dream, but beneath it all lies a storm of unspoken battles.

And that’s exactly what this album lays bare. I’ve followed Rawal since Sab Chahiye, but nothing in his discography has ever felt this personal, this exposed.

If you truly want to understand Rawal—not just as an artist, but as a person, Sherdil is where you begin.

Top 5 Tracks from Sherdil

1) Sherdil (ft. Afkap)

The title track is easily one of the most emotionally charged moments on the album, and features one of the strongest collaborations. Both Rawal and Afkap hold nothing back, pouring their hearts into verses that feel more like catharsis than rap.

Rawal’s minimal, immersive production allows the storytelling to breathe. It might just be one of the best title tracks Desi hip hop has seen.

Afkap, following the quiet brilliance of his Parat EP, delivers a verse that’s heartfelt and unforgettable. This is a collaboration you’ll want more of.

2) Mere Saare Nakli Dost (ft. Saar Punch, Manya Mograi)

We’ve all had so-called friends who vanish the moment things get real. Mere Saare Nakli Dost dives headfirst into that betrayal—blending sharp observations with a touch of irony and humor.

Rawal and his collaborators strike a brilliant balance between biting commentary and playful delivery.

Manya Mograi brings a beautifully haunting hook that sticks, while Saar Punch drops one of his quirkiest and most memorable verses. It’s cleverly composed and undeniably relatable.

3) Bounce (ft. Burrah, Arpit Bala)

Bounce is the album’s biggest surprise in the best possible way. From the first few seconds, Arpit Bala commands your attention with a hook that’s instantly addictive. It’s slick, bouncy, and effortlessly cool.

Burrah, who produced the track, lays down one of the hardest beats on the album. Built to move, this is a no-skips banger that’ll tear through live sets and headphones alike.

4) Baatcheet

This isn’t your usual flex anthem. Baatcheet stands out by keeping things smooth and self-assured. Rawal brings a swagger that feels earned, not exaggerated, over a beat that’s celebratory without being over-the-top.

It’s confident, stylish, and delivered with the kind of finesse that makes flexing feel thoughtful. A refreshing twist on a familiar genre staple.

5) Trauma Repair (ft. Qaab)

One of the most melodic tracks on the album, Trauma Repair is a standout for both Rawal and Qaab. The hook is catchy, the vibe is immersive, and the songwriting is rooted in introspection.

Qaab, one of the most exciting voices in the new wave, brings polish and emotion in equal measure. Rawal’s performance is equally impressive—this track showcases the full range of his vocal control and artistic sensitivity. It’s a song that demands replays.

So, was Sherdil worth the wait?

Absolutely!

This isn’t just Rawal’s most important project; it’s his most complete. It lives up to the hype not by aiming for grandeur, but by offering something far more rare in music today, unfiltered honesty.

Across 17 tracks, Rawal peels back every layer. He reflects on grief, confronts betrayal, exposes his insecurities, and embraces his inner strength.

In doing so, he redefines what it means to be sherdil—not someone untouched by pain, but someone who moves through it with courage.

For longtime fans, Sherdil is everything they’ve been waiting for.

For new listeners, it’s the perfect entry point into Rawal’s world.

(Note: Rawal has referred to Sherdil as a mixtape—something we were unaware of while writing this review. But to us, it felt every bit like an album. And if this is just the mixtape… we can only imagine what the album will sound like.)