Best Underground Indian Hip-Hop Releases of 2025 You Might’ve Missed
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by Rahul
Every year, a wave of major mixtapes, EPs, and albums flood the scene. But in the noise, some of the best work gets overlooked—especially from underground artists with no label machine behind them.
That’s why we’re shining a light on five recent drops that might’ve flown under the radar but absolutely deserve your ears.
These aren’t rough demos or half-baked tapes—these are industry-ready projects without the industry push.
1) Living is a Dream – Farak
Released: June 08 2025
Farak is finally getting some of the recognition he’s long deserved, and it’s about time.
Formerly known as Rhoat (one half of Thugs from Overseas), he’s been crafting sharp, emotionally rich music for years. Now, as Farak, he’s stepping fully into his own lane.
Living is a Dream is a clear statement of intent. Thoughtful, poetic, and sonically polished, the project is entirely mixed by Farak himself and mastered by the super talented Yash Raj Mishra.
If you’re into vivid storytelling and lyrical depth, this one’s for you. Farak doesn’t just write songs: he paints scenes. He feels like a wordsmith in the truest sense.
The breakout track here is “Khaali Ghar”, which also has a beautiful music video worth your time. Also don’t miss:
Likhta Hoon and Devi
2) Bawaalzadey – Ksar & Speaking Beats
Produced by: Speaking Beats
Released: August 29 2025
Ksar’s Bawaalzadey is a sleeper hit waiting to explode. Backed by lush production from Speaking Beats, this project showcases Ksar’s range, control, and raw hunger. He’s not a familiar name—yet—but one listen through his discography shows an artist bubbling with potential.
The tape features a solid roster of collaborators including Rachit., Awedeo, Gauntlet., and standout verses from Hardbone boy. But what really sets Bawaalzadey apart is Ksar’s ability to switch flows, moods, and energies seamlessly.
Start with “Khwaabon Me” (feat. Rashim Anand), it hooks you instantly.
Also don’t miss:
Gair Kalpanik and I Am That Guy
3) Equinox – merxury & Artemis.
Produced by: Artemis.
Released: July 12 2025
Artemis. is easily one of the most exciting young producers in the game right now. Still just 16 or 17, he’s already building a serious catalogue—and Equinox, his collab project with merxury, is proof of how far ahead he is.
The production is adventurous but refined, equal parts soulful, spacey, and glitchy—while merxury floats over the beats with style and control.
It’s a short tape, but there’s a lot packed into it: from dreamy textures to hard-hitting drums to unexpected switches.
Artemis. is clearly in his experimental bag, and merxury rises to match him bar for bar. If you haven’t run this yet, fix that.
Start with:
Jadoo ki Chhadi, UFO and Stainless Pink
4) Shanti Prastav – Yash Raj Mishra
Released: August 04 2025
Some artists create because they have to: there’s no marketing plan, no agenda, just pure expression. Yash Raj Mishra is one of those artists.
Shanti Prastav, his third album after Super Shakti and Super Shakti 2, is not an easy listen—and it’s not supposed to be.
Built around long, immersive instrumentals and minimal structure, this is an album meant to be experienced, not just played in the background.
It’s introspective, meditative, and, at times, surreal. You won’t “get it” on the first play—but give it your full attention, and it unfolds in powerful, unexpected ways. It’s music that takes you inward, into stillness.
If you want a starting point, try:
Bhavar, Sar Chadh Gayi Kya Bemaari and Taare Dekhti Rahoon
But when you’re ready: put on headphones, hit play on track one, and let the whole thing wash over you.
5) The Dust That Never Settles – MAFIA & DHS
Produced by: Mafia
Released: August 01 2025
If you’re into melody, emotion, and versatility, The Dust That Never Settles is a must-listen.
Across 20 tracks, MAFIA and DHS take you through love, heartbreak, reflection, and everything in between—effortlessly shifting genres, moods, and styles.
MAFIA (real name Devyansh Arora) proves he’s an industry-ready producer. Every beat feels intentional, tailored to the mood, never overdone. Whether it’s a soft ballad or a high-energy bounce, he delivers with clarity and precision.
And DHS, he’s the glue. His writing, flow, and emotional range are undeniable.
From whispered heartbreak to confident swagger, he adapts like a pro. Add to that a stacked feature list (Sahaj, Parv Music, 2facebleed, and more), and this tape becomes even harder to ignore.
Honestly, there’s not a single skip here, but if you’re pressed for time, start with:
Tu Nahi, Maahiya and Eenie Meenie
There’s no shortage of music out there, but real art still finds a way to cut through.
These five projects didn’t come with big PR campaigns or massive co-signs, but they stand tall on their own.
If you’re tired of the algorithm feeding you the same recycled sounds, dig into these tapes.
And if you’ve got an underground favorite we should be listening to, hit us up—we’re always watching, always listening.
Got a project we should spotlight next? DM us on Instagram @DesiRenaissance_
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