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.