Lively, slangy, and often boastful rhyming throb intoned by a vocalist is called ‘Rap music’ or ‘Hip hop music’.
Slaying the stereotypical career choices and interests the Eminem, Bohemia and Drake inspired groups of rappers from Kashmir valley have not only introduced the genre here but also redefined the rap music and hip hop culture by instilling a connect among the youth and hip hop lovers regarding the genre which has off late clinched popularity among valley youth.
Though yet at a state of infancy, the rap music has witnessed a growth in recent years in valley with several talented youngsters gaining a massive following on social media platforms despite societal reservations.
Not only boys but several girl rappers have carved their presence and identity in the realm of rap music keeping the patriarchal and orthodox mindset at bay.
They say it is easy to start a change but sustaining a change is hard. For all these youngsters choosing a completely naive genre has not been an easy walk.
“The elements of rhythm and beats makes hip hop appealing amid the fact that people can really connect to the music. Secondly, the vent given to resistance in hip-hop has continuously attracted new generations of rebellious fans,” this is what Irfan Mushtaq popularly known as ‘Rapper Iffu’ has to say.
Pertinent to mention Irfan has become a hip hop sensation of the valley like many others and has survived all odds to establish himself in the field rap music.
“Rap is one of the most influential art forms among the younger generation. Even though it took birth around 40-50 years ago as a part of a revolution,” he said.
According to Irfan Indian audiences started resonating with hip hop culture about a decade ago. Since then there has been a significant rise in the number of people who aspire to be rappers, especially teenagers and youngsters.
When asked how could one foresee his/her career in rap music he said, “ Breaking stereotypes and building a career in an unconventional field is not as easy as it seems in the era of hyper-communication. This question always knocks as a youngster seems determined towards pursuing rap as a career. He floats in the dilemma of whether he/she would be able to make a prominent career in rap.”
These youngsters believe that Hip Hop Has a great Impact on society and youth. Rap music has spurred social awareness in communities around the countries. In India or around the world rap artists have used their musical talents to criticize, promote peace and or demonize violent acts
Irfan Started His Career Towards The Music And Poetry World when he Came Out With His First Debut Song Called ‘Shuruwaat’, the beginning. He came up with many Generes of Music In Kashmir.
Pertinently the rap music fosters a relevance to social issues, or problems and issues faced by people especially youth or the ones who are facing struggles in life.
Most of rap stars too have their own struggling phases which becomes an inspiration for several youngsters.
The rap culture is gaining popularity in Kashmir and there are several young singers that are choosing the field of rap.
Few years back Anam Nasir or ‘Rapper Annie’ was though able to establish herself as a young female rap star of valley, breaking all hackles and orthodox barriers. Anam says that her journey was never a cakewalk but a roller coaster of ups and downs.
“Now it’s been five years in hip-hop scene. It was never easy . It was difficult, painful, lot of hurdles that I have faced all these years or even now too. it took me five years to convince my family for my choice of getting into rap music. I don’t feel demotivated now because I’m much bolder to stand for myself and for my dream also my pen is the thing that keep pushing me forward.
“The people who actually know what rap is and know the value of this art provide you with great courage so that you move forward with more motivation. But the orthodox and people filled with negativity have got only bad stuff against you. However I don’t care anymore because I believe that there is hate when you do some good work,” Anam said.
She added, “Rap might be just a word for anyone but for me It’s the thing I live for, I keep going for, the thing that motivates me when I’m low. it’s everything for me.
The youngsters believe that their aim is to send a meaningful message across thorough their lyrics
“My aim is to attract more and more people towards this through sending across Social Messages and speak about several prevalent issues. It is not only about rap .I think music is the best way to express your feelings and emotions,”another young rapper of the valley Mutaib Mushtaq known as Wizfa said.
“Rap has provided many with a purpose and opportunity. Music may assist in redefining reality, speak directly to you, and demonstrate that knowledge is available. It provides young people with a voice. It works because the young lead it, the youth vibe with it, and, most importantly, it is intended to heal.” he added .
23 year old Suhail Ahmad has been doing rap since 2020. However Suhail believes that the feedback and response towards hip hop in Kashmir has been cold.
“I am into rap music since 2020. I feel lot of hard work is still needed to establish in this field because the response has not been that positive though we work hard. I believe that did right by choosing hip hop but as artists we are not able to get that recognition like rappers are given outside state or country. I include social message also in my lyrics. But you have to be careful what you our are speaking about,” said Suhail who raps with the stage name ‘ Bilbo’.
He added, “Our job is to provide with the best, rest it is upto people and masses how their response would be. Good response and feedback encourages you while negativity kind of is a discouragement.”
