Over the past 14-15 years, the rap culture in India has undergone a significant transformation. After 2010, it gained popularity primarily in urban areas, propelled by figures like Yo Yo Honey Singh in the North Indian landscape. His focus on themes such as girls, clothing, cars, love, and breakups made his raps party anthems for over a decade. Subsequently, artists like Badshah and Raftaar entered the rap scene, contributing to Bollywood hits while continuing the trend of themes centered around love, breakups, hookups, and girls.
The dynamics changed with the release of the film “Gully Boy,” starring Ranveer Singh, which drew inspiration from the life stories of two Mumbai-based rappers, Divine and Naezy. The movie, directed by Zoya Akhtar, portrayed the struggles of slum children overcoming barriers to become successful rappers.
Post “Gully Boy,” Mumbai-based rappers gained prominence, addressing topics like poverty and personal struggles. However, issues of caste and social justice were not fully explored in their narratives. In the third season of MTV Hustle, a rapper named 100RBH, also known as Saurabh Abhyankar, emerged as a finalist and won the OG Hustler Award for raising social issues on the show. His impact was evident from the audition round, where he emphasized the right to ask questions in independent India, shaping the basis of his rap.
Hailing from Amravati city in the Vidarbha region of Maharashtra, Saurabh also contributed to the film “Jhund,” addressing the issue of casteism in sports. His audition song in Marathi highlighted his roots in a small city untouched by Bollywood and hip-hop, showcasing his affinity for ‘Bheem Geet’ and mentioning B.R. Ambedkar—a rarity among rappers on television.
Selected for Dee MC’s team, 100RBH delivered back-to-back hits, each addressing social issues. In “Historic Don,” he acknowledged his historically eminent ancestors, including Buddha, Samrat Ashok, and Bhimrao Ambedkar, emphasizing his role in representing Dr. Ambedkar’s thoughts. In “Ladki Ya Galti,” he explored patriarchal mindsets restricting women’s freedom, citing the example of Savitribai Phule.
In another track on MTV Hustle, ‘Andhere me Ujala,’ he rapped about pollution, climate change, and environmental sustainability, delving into the dark side of capitalism. In ‘Porn,’ he raised vital social issues, highlighting how elite marketization is harming common people, chemical manures are impacting crops, and misleading advertisements by Bollywood actors negatively influence people. He also exposed the negative side of media, selling fake news instead of truth.
In the rap battle of ‘ Ground Shunya,’ where rappers select popular tracks to entertain, 100RBH chose ‘Aasman,’ attacking the ongoing rap culture in India that prioritizes money, awards, and views over highlighting social realities. He asserted that rap is not merely entertainment but a source of philosophy reflecting societal truths.
Through his performances, he highlighted India’s greatest leaders like Bhagat Singh, B.R. Ambedkar, Savitribai Phule, Chatrapati Shivaji, Sahuji Maharaj, and Sambhaji Maharaj. After the show, he received a grand welcome in his city, standing in front of Babasaheb’s statue, with slogans of ‘Jai Bhim’ and hoisting the blue flag symbolizing equality.
While some argue that 100RBH became a star after MTV Hustle, he had already made contributions in the film “Gully Boy,” was a member of the Swadeshi group, and had given hit tracks like ‘Desire’ and ‘Zanjeer.’ Saurabh did that thing which are unusual for TV world, his unique representation attracted people from all strata, bringing conscious rap to the forefront. His songs revolutionized the show, duly recognized by judges and audiences. Hopefully, he will inspire the younger generation to ask questions on crucial issues through their art, promoting a blend of entertainment and education.
Ritu
The Writer has completed his MPhil in history from University of Delhi and writes on social issues.
