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5 Rising Indian Rappers to Watch in 2026

An Ahmedabad lyricist, a Mumbai storyteller, a melodic hitmaker, a producer-rapper and a Malayalam breakout. Five Indian hip-hop artists past the underground stage and still climbing.

@de

Dhanji

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More on DhanjiYashrajTsumyokiBhargLil Payyan

Indian hip-hop's big names are easy to find. This list is about the artists one step behind them: rappers with loyal audiences, steady releases and real momentum going into 2026.

They come from Ahmedabad, Mumbai and Kerala, and they rap in Hindi, Gujarati-inflected Hindi, English and Malayalam. Some are lyricists first. Others lean into melody and production.

Each entry covers who they are and three tracks to play first.

For the established tier, see Best Indian Rappers 2026 and Indian Hip-Hop Producers.

  1. Dhanji

    Hip-hop · Ahmedabad

    Dhanji is an Ahmedabad rapper known for dense, playful writing and sharp references. His 2020 album Boy Cut, with "Mausambi Drip" and "Kadipatti", made him one of the most talked-about new voices in Hindi rap.

    He followed it with POLARIS in 2024 and appeared on the Amdavad Rap Life compilations. In 2026 he released "Funk You, Pay Me" as part of Red Bull 64 Bars, which he pinned to his Spotify profile with a thank-you to RD Burman.

    Start with "Mausambi Drip". Then play "Funk You, Pay Me" to hear where he is now.

    Essential tracks

  2. Yashraj

    Hip-hop · Mumbai

    Yashraj is a Mumbai rapper known for reflective, story-driven Hindi verses. His 2022 EP Takiya Kalaam, with tracks like "Musafir" and "Mere Log", is a good introduction to his writing.

    He followed it with KARAM in 2023 and singles like "SANATAN" in 2024. He has also collaborated with Bharg on "Boldu Sach" from Bharg's album Nikamma, and he appears on the soundtrack of Kho Gaye Hum Kahan (2023) with "Ishq Nachaawe".

    Start with "Dhundhala". Then play the Takiya Kalaam EP from top to bottom.

    Essential tracks

  3. Tsumyoki

    Hip-hop / R&B · India

    Tsumyoki raps and sings, with melodic hooks and R&B production. He explains the name on his Spotify profile as a state of "vision, productivity and a positive mindset".

    His 2023 album A Message from the Moon and its deluxe edition brought in a wide audience. "Pink Blue" (2022), his collaboration with Bharg, is one of his best-known tracks. He kept up the pace in 2025 and 2026 with "Don't Even Text", "YOU & I" and the AFRO YOKI EP.

    Start with "Pink Blue". Then play "MASTERPIECE" from AFRO YOKI.

    Essential tracks

  4. Bharg

    Producer / rapper · India

    Bharg produces and raps, and his beats are as recognisable as his voice. His 2023 album NIKAMMA, with "Beqabu" and the Yashraj collaboration "Boldu Sach", shows both sides.

    He's also a frequent collaborator. "Pink Blue" with Tsumyoki is one of his biggest tracks. Singles like "Hawale" (2022) and "Roshni" (2023) helped build a steady streaming audience.

    Start with "Hawale". Then play the NIKAMMA album straight through.

    Essential tracks

  5. Lil Payyan

    Malayalam hip-hop · Kerala

    Lil Payyan raps in Malayalam, and his Spotify bio is written in Malayalam too. Spotify showed more than 1.3 million monthly listeners when we checked in October 2026, which makes him one of the fastest-rising regional rappers in India.

    Singles like "Kaafir" (2024), "SALAAM!" and "PONNUM KATTA" (2025) and "CHEMBARATHI" (2026) built his audience, and SAB6 arrived in 2026. He's proof that Indian hip-hop growth is happening in regional languages, not only in Hindi.

    Start with "Kaafir". Then play "WALLAHI!" from SAB6.

    Essential tracks

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