Indian hip-hop has been having its moment, and it’s not just about the music anymore. While lyrical firepower, flow, and production have long been the backbone of the scene, a growing wave of artists and directors is transforming the visual format into its own art form. These aren’t just add-ons or flashy backdrops, they’re layered visual narratives and cinematic experiments that add a whole new dimension to the music they accompany.
Indian rappers, both at home and abroad, have been repping the scene through stunning visuals . The breakout success of “Big Dawgs” by Hanumankind, for instance, put a lot of international eyes on India — but that’s just the tip of the iceberg. From underground rising stars to global icons, everyone’s bringing something fresh to the table, pushing creative boundaries in ways we haven’t seen before. And it’s worth noting: this isn’t entirely new. Indian hip-hop artists have been crafting bold, memorable visuals for years — the world is just finally catching up.
LOVESEXDHOKA by Chaar Diwari
Chaar Diwari has never shied away from creating opulent, extravagant worlds around his music. As one of the youngest pioneers in Indian hip-hop, he consistently brings his A-game, writing, producing, and directing his own works with an uncompromising vision. LOVESEXDHOKA is another standout in his discography, weaving together a lover’s story, a dance with fate, and a descent into madness. It feels like a full-fledged film packed into a music video, while the track itself is irresistibly catchy, groovy, and unapologetically bold.
Chitta by Prabh Deep
What some people call Prabh Deep’s best work yet, Chitta is a razor-sharp commentary on drug abuse, power, and society’s fractured moral compass. With its striking black-and-white animated visuals, hard-hitting lyrics, and a narrative that flips between the protagonist's and antagonist’s point of view, the video is as much a cinematic experience as it is a musical one. While confronting the idea of addiction, Chitta explores the illusions of power and control, making you question where the real substance lies. It’s a layered, unsettling piece that demands multiple viewings to unpack its symbolism.
Go to Sleep by Hanumankind
In Go To Sleep, Hanumankind and Parimal Shais deliver an adrenaline-charged track that dives into themes of insomnia, ambition, and inner chaos. With nods to Fight Club and pro wrestling, the song pairs Hanumankind’s sharp lyricism with Shais’ South Indian folk-inspired beats, creating a visceral sonic punch. The music video, directed by Bijoy Shetty, is packed with cinematic references and gritty visuals that amplify the track’s restless energy, making it a standout moment in Indian hip hop’s visual store.
Red by Seedhe Maut
When it comes to Indian hip-hop, Seedhe Maut are no longer just names in the conversation, they are the conversation. With their music video, Red, Encore ABJ and Calm deliver a staggering reminder of why they’ve cemented their place at the very top. Red is a visual knockout. Fans have been raving about its breathtaking VFX, razor-sharp transitions, and the sheer cinematic ambition packed into every second.
Fire in Delhi by BombayMami
Fire in Delhi bursts with energy and intention, blending fierce choreography, striking fashion, and hypnotic red-hued visuals that perfectly match BombayMami’s genre-blending sound. It’s not just a backdrop—it amplifies the track’s fusion of Bollywood exuberance with R&B, hip-hop, and soul, pulling viewers into a captivating world of movement, attitude, and cultural mashups. With this video, BombayMami makes a bold statement about her evolving artistry, firmly positioning herself as a rising global force to watch.
The Dance Song by Yung Raja
The music video for The Dance Song is a vibrant, playful visual that perfectly mirrors Yung Raja’s infectious energy and bilingual swagger. Known for blending Tamil and English seamlessly, Yung Raja brings his signature charm and clever lyricism to this track, celebrating identity, success, and joy. Directed by Jasper Tan (aka Vadbibes), the video bursts with colour, Tamil cinema nods, and cartoonish fun, as Raja dances his way through giant cityscapes and pop culture references. It’s a lively, self-assured statement from an artist who’s fast becoming a global face of Southeast Asian hip-hop.
Maggi by Rae Mulla
Rae Mulla’s music video for Maggi is a dark, gripping visual that mirrors the Mumbai rapper’s raw and restless energy. Known for his work with alternative hip-hop crew SIXK, Rae Mulla steps fully into his own chaotic universe here, blending provocative lyrics with unsettling imagery. The video—featuring hazmat suits, blackened baby dolls, and a chilling razor-to-neck shot—amplifies the song’s themes of inner turmoil, self-destruction, and the tension between purity and perversion.
Words Harita Odedara
Date 8.05.2025