Desi hip hop is a vibrant genre that blends traditional Indian and Pakistani music elements with modern hip hop beats, lyrics, and swagger. Characterized by its fusion of Punjabi and Hindi rhymes, catchy hooks, and eclectic instrumentation, which often incorporates tabla, dhol, and harmonium, desi hip hop has become a cultural phenomenon in India and the global South Asian diaspora. Emerging in the late 2000s, the genre gained momentum in the 2010s, particularly among urban youth, as a powerful medium for self-expression and storytelling. Desi hip hop's unique blend of cultural heritage and contemporary style has set it apart from other hip hop subgenres, while its emphasis on lyrical dexterity and regional pride has drawn comparisons to Afrobeat and Latin trap. With its infectious energy, desi hip hop has become a significant force in shaping the sound of modern Indian and Pakistani music.

Banda Maarda

Dr Zeus•

Gurlez Akhtar

Single - Released February 5, 2026