Raga, Delhi's Leading Rapper, Signs Exclusively With Def Jam India.

Def Jam India, Universal Music Group's (UMG) renowned Hip-Hop label subsidiary in India and South Asia, is thrilled to announce the exclusive signing of Delhi's iconic rap star Raga. The strategic alliance comes amid Def Jam India's continuous dedication to recognizing and promoting emerging Hip-Hop/Rap talent in India and South Asia.

Pritish Bagdi

While the collaboration marks a watershed point in Raga's incredible rap career, it also underscores Def Jam India's commitment to providing unparalleled support to Indian Hip-Hop and its vibrant sub-cultures across the country.

Raga has grown to national recognition through a hard-hitting repertoire of multiple rap records and is currently regarded as one of Northern India's most significant rappers. Raga has gone from underground rap icon to mainstream rap star in a matter of years, thanks to his killer rap rhymes and provocative vocal delivery. Raga is a cult figure among his admirers, having the uncommon capacity not only to describe his early life in the streets of Jamnapar, East Delhi, through affecting conscious rap but also to achieve towering rank in modern commercial rap.

Raga's catalog includes the internet-breaking Haryanvi rap track "Kaleshi Chori" with DG Immortals, his top-selling singles with Def Jam India including "Sheher" and "Badan", his epic debut album "Rap Ka Mausam", single "GTA NCR", and more. Def Jam India wants to support and establish such significant transformations in Indian music as India undergoes a historic disruption in rap music. The prestigious record label hopes that this big collaboration will not only promote Raga's burgeoning rap career but will also pave the door for millions of young rap artists across India.

Raga is about to release his much anticipated EP "Midtown Madness" soon. The explosive project, which Raga has previewed at some of India's biggest live events, including Def Jam India's landmark '50 Years of Hip-Hop' extravaganza in Delhi-NCR, will feature Raga's most contagious bars yet. Raga has also collaborated exclusively with legendary Hip-Hop director Azar Strato on a music video for the project. Raga is honored to be a part of Def Jam India and Universal Music India.

Devraj Sanyal, Managing Director and CEO, of Universal Music India & South Asia, expressed his excitement on Def Jam India’s latest signing. “We are thrilled to announce the latest addition to the Def Jam India family, Rapper Raga. His unique blend of lyrical prowess and raw talent has already made waves in the Indian hip-hop scene, and we are excited to amplify his voice on a global stage. Raga’s signing with Def Jam India represents our commitment to fostering home-grown talent and taking it to new heights. Get ready for the next chapter in Indian hip-hop with Rapper Raga and Def Jam India”.

Raga himself shared his enthusiasm, stating, “I’m truly excited to partner with Def Jam India. I grew up listening to the record label’s iconic rap artists including the revered Public Enemy, Jay-Z, Pusha T, and many many more. While it's an honor for me to be a part of such an iconic record label, I’m also aware that this partnership will inspire millions of rap artists across India. I’m grateful for the opportunity and the trust that Def Jam India has expressed in my artistic vision and my music. Together, we’re going to make some incredible music and break new boundaries in this ever-expanding world of Hip-Hop. We’re comin’!”

Raga's list of accomplishments does not stop here. The 28-year-old New Delhi trailblazer will serve as a guest judge on MTV Hustle Season 3 - India's largest Hip-Hop reality TV show. Raga will offer unusual insights and personal experiences with the show's next bright generation of rappers throughout his brief tenure. His presence with Hip-Hop pioneers and industry giants such as Badshah, Ikka, Dino James, and others is set to make the latest season of MTV Hustle the most thrilling season ever.

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Def Jam Recordings India Announces A Multi-City Event To Celebrate Hip-Hop's 50th Birthday

Raga, Hanuman Kind, Bella, Rawal, Bobkat, Killa K, Irfana, Chaar Diwaari, Parimal Shais, DJ Ishani, and DHP are among the artists included.

Swati Bhat

To acknowledge and celebrate Hip-Hop's 50th birthday, Def Jam Recordings India is happy to announce a spectacular celebration with a series of rap performances on the 11th and 12th of August 2023 in three major cities: Delhi, Mumbai, and Bengaluru.

In honor of this significant milestone, Def Jam Recordings India is teaming up with top Indian rappers and record producers from Delhi, Mumbai, and Bengaluru for an unforgettable experience. The label has sincerely strived to push the burgeoning Hip-Hop culture in India by supporting various hard-hitting bodies of work.

Def Jam India's signed emcees Raga, Bella, and Chaar Diwaari will perform in Delhi-NCR; HanumanKind, Rawal, Parimal Shais, Killa K, and DHP will perform in Bengaluru; and Def Jam India's Rapper Irfana, DJ Ishani, and Bobkat will perform in Mumbai.

The multi-city events, dubbed "Def Jam India Presents 50 Years of Hip-Hop," will take held on August 11th and 12th, 2023, in Delhi and Bengaluru at Imperfecto Patio, Gurugram, and Fandom, respectively, and in Mumbai at Khar Social.

Aside from the artists who will create the most vibrant gathering in Hip-Hop on this historic day, performing their biggest hits, some of them will showcase and perform unreleased bodies of work for the guests.

Furthermore, star-studded guest appearances are expected at events in Delhi-NCR, Mumbai, and Bengaluru.

Sanujeet Bhujabal, EVP and Head of Content, Universal Music Group India, shared “At the Universal Music group both globally & here in India, Hip-hop is a huge priority for us as its one of the fastest growing genres in the youth & we’ve already done some incredible work in the past 4 years across multiple labels. Since our foray into mainstream indigenous hip-hop, we’ve published more than 150 songs from some of India’s hip-hop elite like Divine, Badshah, Ikka, Raja Kumari, Dino James, Wazir Patar, Raftar & Paradox to name a few. At Def Jam India, we carry on the storied history of the world’s most well-known hip-hop label and its legacy and so it’s our duty to celebrate the most awaited moment in hip-hop history. Celebrating 50 years of hip-hop with our artists and fans is the only natural thing for us to do & I can’t wait for our communities to help us throw the largest & and loudest celebration in recent times”

On August 11, 1973, DJ Kool Herc created the groundwork for hip-hop during a dance party in The Bronx, New York. Since then, the genre has grown to become one of the most influential forms of artistic expression in the world, altering performing arts and entertainment on an unparalleled scale.

By signing legendary Hip-Hop groups like Beastie Boys and LL Cool J in 1984, Def Jam Recordings played a vital role in anchoring rap music in the West and beyond. Def Jam was founded by famed Hip-Hop composer and record producer Rick Rubin and African-American entrepreneur Russell Simmons and has been vital in representing some of today's most influential Rap Artists. From Public Enemy to Kanye West, LL Cool J, Rihanna, and others, the label's eclectic lineup has left an unmistakable influence on worldwide Hip-Hop culture.

Universal Music India's intention in hip-hop was to strengthen its presence in the South Asian peninsula and encourage the genre's growth in India beginning in early 2019. Bringing down Mass Appeal and cooperating with musicians such as Divine, Ikka, Raja Kumari, Gully Gang, and others demonstrated their dedication to the Indian Hip-Hop genre.

Universal Music continues to uphold this history with the recent formation of Def Jam Recordings India in February 2023, promoting a broad archive of Hip-Hop music in India. The label has collaborated with various Hip-Hop artists such as Badshah, Ikka, and Dino James, along with Punjab's Wazir Patar, GD 47, Ellde Fazilka, and Trick Singh, Delhi-NCR's influential rap artists Paradox, Bella, Fotty Seven, Raga, and Aghor, Kolkata's J Trix, Mumbai's hard-hitting rapper Sambata, and southern India's Hanumankind and Irfana Hameed, and others, highlight their dedication to supporting the vibrant Hip-Hop culture across the entire country.

“It’s important to celebrate a culture that has given so many people around the world a space to express themselves and speak their truth. It has given me so much throughout the course of my life. The Hip-Hop scene in India is still young but a fast-evolving and diverse scene. Celebrations and events such as this one are important to me as they provide a great opportunity to invite more and more people to experience the culture and become a part of it themselves.” shares Raga.

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"Tu Jo Na Hota" by Fotty Seven is inspired by Latin rap & Def Jam India.

The celebrated emcee and poet Ankit Gudwani, also known as Fotty Seven, has made ripples in the contemporary Indian Hip-Hop scene with his recent album, "Tu Jo Na Hota." As he moves from his characteristic sound, this CD marks a crucial milestone in his career. Fotty Seven, as a significant figure for India's youth, continues to inspire and engage fans with each new release.

Swati Bhat

"Tu Jo Na Hota," his most recent musical endeavor, is a self-produced record that demonstrates his artistic evolution and reveals his variety as a tormented artist. The music, which draws inspiration from Latin rap, deftly blends Fotty Seven's underlying vulnerability and hopeless romance. "Tu Jo Na Hota" is a therapeutic cry for affection during times of loneliness, representing hope inside a relationship.

"Tu Jo Na Hota" demonstrates Fotty Seven's strong devotion to his trade. The song is dedicated to his muse, his lover, who becomes his only confidante. It illustrates Fotty Seven's ability to elicit strong emotions and connect with his audience on a personal level.

Fotty Seven has cemented his status as a sought-after artist, acclaimed for his talent and versatility, thanks to his authentic sounds and wide catalog. Collaborations with some of India's top Hip-Hop musicians, notably rap legend Badshah, have increased his profile as a genre powerhouse. His hard-hitting singles with Def Jam Recordings India, such as "Banjo" and "You Know The Drill" with Ellde Fazilka, have gained critical praise and cemented his place as an amazing artist.

Reflecting on his latest release, "Tu Jo Na Hota," Fotty Seven expressed his enthusiasm and communiqué, "This song holds a special place in my heart as I've ventured into new territory, departing from my signature sound. I took a creative leap, and I'm excited to see how my fans will embrace this evolution. Their love and support for my previous songs have been incredible, and I hope they'll shower the same affection on this one. I eagerly await their responses and look forward to sharing this musical journey with them."

His meteoric rise and impact on the Indian Hip-Hop scene attest to his exceptional talent and steadfast dedication. With each album, he pushes the genre's boundaries, breaks down barriers, and sets new standards, leaving an unforgettable impression on the industry. "Tu Jo Na Hota" demonstrates Fotty Seven's artistic prowess and an everlasting dedication to his trade.

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