2019 was probably one of the most noteworthy years of the decade for the global Desi Hip Hop culture. Already the most streamed genre in the world, Hip Hop grew wings and took flight in India. Canada birthed a new Punjabi Trap sound. Female emcees from across the globe are stepping up and standing out. Bollywood made a pretty good attempt with Gully Boy and Wiz Khalifa headlined Sunburn Festival.
We thought to take some time out to Rap Up and reflect on some of the most noteworthy releases and events of 2019 that actually put a time stamp on our story.
– Spotify Officially Launches in India
– Bollywood Goes Hip Hop with Gully Boy
– Sony Music Signs Deal with DesiHipHop Inc
– Universal Music Launches Mass Appeal India
– DesiHipHop Inc launches OTT app for South Asian Hip Hop
– Global Desi Hip Hop Playlists launched on Apple Music & Spotify
– Sony Music & Kwan create JV BigBangMusic with Naezy on the roster
– Ranveer Singh launches Hip Hop focused record label IncInk with Navzar Eranee
– MTV Hustle launches with Raftaar, Raja Kumari & Nucleya as judges to mass audiences
– Official DHH Merchandise launched with Urban Fashion the fastest growing ecommerce segment
– Bangla Trap kings Bhanga Bangla get raided by the police during a video shoot for having guns in a church
MUSIC
– Divine releases Kohinoor with a feature from Nas on NY Se Mumbai
– Sidhu Moosewalla and Brown Boys Redefine Punjabi Trap sound
– Dee Equals All Emcees Squared on her highly anticipated debut album Dee=MC2
– Cartel Madras Emerge as Breakout Artists with lit single, Goonda Gold
– Akaash’s Overseas put Mumbais best emcees on one album
– Kha Se Khatarnaak EP by KHHC enforces authenticity of real boom bap Hip Hop
– Sikander Kahlon claims his crown with his 11th mixtape, Mihkail
– Tracy De Sa’ causes an international Commotion representing India, Spain Portugal & Paris
– Emiway’s becomes first independent Indian Hip Hop artist to hit 100M views on Youtube, Machayenge
– Sez On The Beat produces another masterpiece for Seedhe Maut, Bayaan with near genius album art by Jayman
There are many more notable moments in the evolution of Desi Hip op culture which may have missed. Please feel free to comment below