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Desi Queens On The Mic: 10 Women Dominating India's Hip-Hop Scene

From the iconic Raja Kumari to rising stars like Reble, India’s hip-hop music industry is evolving like never before. Here’s our pick of 10 desi female rappers you should add to your playlist.

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Awantika Tiwari
New Update
female rappers

Over the past decade, the desi hip-hop genre has experienced a revolution, thanks to social media powerhouses like Instagram and YouTube, along with many reality TV shows that have helped turn these rappers into household names. While the desi hip-hop industry majorly constitutes male rap artists, many emerging female rappers are breaking barriers and redefining the genre. From blending traditional Indian sounds with contemporary beats to addressing pressing social issues through their music, these artists are making waves both nationally and internationally. Let's have a look at these women who are setting the stage on fire.

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Raja Kumari 

Also known as the 'Queen of Indian Hip Hop,' Raja Kumari, was born in a Telugu family in Claremont, California under the name 'Svetha Yallapragada Rao'. From being nominated for the Grammy awards to being the voice of multiple popular bollywood projects, Raja Kumari is in a league of her own. 

The lyrics of her songs like City Slums and Mute, represent the social-political situation of Indian cities while dealing with themes like diaspora and gender biases at the global level. 

Mrunal Shankar 

Coming from the vibrant city of Pune, Mrunal Shankar gained popularity through her dynamic performances on a hip-hop reality show, MTV Hustle. Her versatility shines in tracks like 'Albela Sajan,' where she melds classical melodies with rap, and 'Ameeri,' highlighting her rhythmic flow.

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With a strong presence on social media, she also addresses societal issues and personal struggles, positioning herself as a dynamic force in the industry.

Dee MC 

Deepa Unnikrishnan, popularly known as Dee MC, is a well-respected singer-songwriter and has been in the Indian Hip-Hop scene for over a decade. Her contributions to Bollywood, including tracks like 'Jagga Jiteya' from 'URI' and 'Shuru Karein Kya' from 'Article 15,' have solidified her reputation in the industry.

Beyond her music, Dee MC has also been a mentor for many Mumbai-based underground artists along with a popular judge on the MTV Hustle panel. She has also been a representative of Indian female rappers on the international front in countries like the UK, Belgium, and Canada. 

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Irfana Hameed 

Irfana hails from Kodaikanal, Tamil Nadu. She is one of the rising stars in the Indian Hip Hop scene. Her viral rhyme and swagger flow will be stuck in your mind for days on end. From Malayalam cinema to B-Town shows, her songs like 'Kannil Pettole', and 'I Am Your King' have redefined the Indian hip-hop game. 

In her short career, she has already worked with a huge label like Def Jam Recordings India and also released an EP, Ko-Lab.

Meba Ofilia 

Meba Ofilia's soulful voice and poignant lyrics address themes of identity and empowerment. Meba hails from Shillong, Meghalaya. Her collaboration with Big Ri on 'Done Talking' earned her international recognition, including an award at the MTV Europe Music Awards. Meba's fusion of R&B and rap sets her apart in the evolving hip-hop landscape. She has also been featured on tracks with Raja Kumari and Dee MC.

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Agsy

Agsy, also known as Agrita Dhawan, gained fame through reality shows like MTV Hustle. Her songs 'Medusa' and 'Santa Claws' went viral on the internet and were celebrated by millions on social media. Her fiery performances and bold lyrics challenge societal norms and advocate for self-expression.

Her swagger, multi-lingual slang and attractive social media presence are the key factors in her incredible rapping career. The ability to blend various genres of music, including Reggae, Drill, Trap, and R&B, has garnered her respect and stature in the Desi Hip Hop (DHH) community. 

Pho

The talented multi-lingual rapper Pho, originally known as Akriti, raps in multiple languages, such as German, Japanese, Hindi, and English. Along with this, her sharp beatboxing and melodious singing make her an all-in-one package. Born and brought up in the Delhi streets, Pho has been praised by acclaimed rappers like 'Raga' and the breakout duo 'Seedhe Maut'. Her song 'Laapata' is a testament to how she is a complete storyteller.

Reble

Meba Ofilia isn’t the only emerging rapper from the hip-hop scene in Meghalaya. Reble is another name that has been making the waves ever since her songs 'Bad' and 'Believe' dropped. Born and brought up in West Jaintia Hills, Reble has been surrounded by musical communities all her life and cites Eminem, Andre 300, and Biggie are her inspirations.  

FeniFina 

Hailing from Mumbai, Feni launched her music career in Canada with songs like 'Rukna Nahi' and 'Jism-e-Ruhaniyat'. Her songs have both Marathi and Hindi elements to them, along with a catchy Mumbai flow. From addressing casteism, racism, and other social commentaries, FeniFina’s songs have been praised for being raw and moving.

Siri

Hailing from Bangalore, Siri Narayan is a multilingual rapper who effortlessly switches between Kannada, Hindi, and English. Her track 'My Jam' showcases her ability to blend languages and styles, making her a standout artist in the contemporary scene. Siri's electric performances emphasizing on female independence have garnered her a dedicated following with local as well as national audiences.

Raja Kumari Women Rap Artists Dee MC