The Needle / India

“The Needle / India” mixes together an eclectic range of global sounds with a tilt toward pop, rap, and experimental electronica. The playlist threads K-pop standouts like ILLIT’s “Magnetic” and IVE’s “Will” alongside the shimmering production of acts such as XG, NCT DREAM, and aespa. There’s a strong presence of newer Russian hip hop and cloud rap, with tracks like “Бассок” by Платина and Voskresenskii and “ЗЛОЙ ЖОРА” by Toxi$, as well as gritty underground rap from FACE and Husky.

Rooted in its title’s reference to India, there’s also a visible lean into South Asian influences, highlighted by fusion remixes like DJ Donna and Arijit Singh’s “What Jhumka - Dance Mix,” the melodic “Nyabagam,” and Anuvanuvuu’s punchy energy. Spanish-language trap, lo-fi reinterpretations, UK bass, and experimental pop (from artists like Tanya Chua and Chappell Roan) give the mix its unpredictable shape. It’s one of those playlists that doesn’t stay in one place for long, constantly moving yet somehow connected by its bold curation.