India’s music industry has witnessed a surge of talent and creativity over the years, and the realm of rap music is no exception. Within this vibrant and ever-evolving scene, a select group of artists has not only made their mark with their lyrical prowess but also amassed substantial wealth.
With their captivating verses and chart-topping hits, these individuals have secured their positions as the top 15 richest rappers in India. From their groundbreaking albums to their lucrative endorsements and business ventures, these rap icons have not only revolutionized the Indian music landscape but have also redefined success in the industry.
Let’s delve into the lives and achievements of these trailblazers who have taken the Indian rap scene by storm, captivating audiences and accumulating immense wealth along the way.
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List Of The Richest Rappers in India
Below, we’ve compiled a comprehensive list of the richest Indian rappers, so if you ever wanted to know who’s at the top of India’s rap game, keep reading. From underground acts to commercial success stories, this list has got something for everybody. Whether it be popularity or wealth — these rappers have done exceptionally well in both categories and will serve as an inspiration to upcoming hopefuls everywhere.
- Yo Yo Honey Singh (180 crore INR)
- Raftaar (80 crore INR)
- Emiway Bantai (57 crore INR)
- Naezy (57 crore INR)
- Ikka (41 crore INR)
- Krsna (40 crore INR)
- Badshah (36 crores INR)
- Bohemia (33 crore INR)
- MC Stan (15 to 20 crore INR)
- Brodha V (8 to 41 crore INR)
- King (8 crore INR)
- Divine (8 crore INR)
- Dino James (1 crore INR)
- Seedhe Maut (76 lakh INR)
1. Yo Yo Honey Singh
- Net worth: 180 crore INR
- Original Name: Hirdesh Singh
- Birth Date: 15 March 1983
- Birthplace: Karampura, New Delhi
- Youtube: 5.84M subscribers (Channel)
- Spotify: 10,936,788 monthly listeners (Playlist)
Yo Yo Honey Singh, whose real name is Hirdesh Singh, is a prominent figure in the Indian music industry. He is known for his work as a music producer, rapper, singer, songwriter, and actor.
Born on March 15, 1983, in Karampura, New Delhi, Yo Yo Honey Singh began his career in 2003 as a session and recording artist, eventually gaining recognition as a bhangra and hip hop music producer. He has been associated with various genres of music, including Indian, World, Bollywood, and Asian music.
Honey Singh’s journey to success involved studying music at Trinity College London and Trinity School, Belvedere. Over the years, he has released numerous hit songs and collaborated with many renowned artists in the Indian music industry. His unique style and catchy tunes have earned him a significant fan following.
Apart from his musical endeavors, Honey Singh has also ventured into acting. He has appeared in several films and contributed to their soundtracks. His versatility as an artist has allowed him to explore different creative avenues.
In recent news, on his 40th birthday in 2023, Honey Singh announced the release of a Netflix documentary about his life. The documentary, directed by Mozez Singh and produced by Oscar winner Guneet Monga, is set to be released later in the year.
2. Raftaar
- Net worth: 80 crore INR
- Original Name: Dilin Nair
- Birth Date: 16 November 1988
- Birthplace: Thiruvananthapuram
- Youtube: 3.96M subscribers (Channel)
- Spotify: 3,394,437 monthly listeners (Playlist)
Raftaar, whose real name is Dilin Nair, is an accomplished Indian rapper, lyricist, dancer, TV personality, and music composer associated with Hindi and Punjabi music. He was born on November 16, 1988, in Trivandrum, Kerala, India. Raftaar began his career as a dancer and later transitioned into the music industry, where he has made a significant impact.
Known for his energetic and catchy rap style, Raftaar has gained popularity through his hit songs such as “Swag Mera Desi,” “Baby Marvake Maanegi,” and “Saare Karo Dab”. He has been recognized for his talent and has won awards like the “Best Urban Single” at the Brit Asia TV Music Awards for “Swag Mera Desi” in collaboration with Manj Musik.
Raftaar comes from a middle-class family. His father worked as a cleaner at the railways, and his mother was a typist. He has openly spoken about his family background and takes pride in his roots. Raftaar’s journey in the music industry has been marked by his dedication and versatility, allowing him to succeed as a rapper, lyricist, and music composer.
In addition to his music career, Raftaar has also ventured into television. He has served as a judge on reality shows like MTV Hustle, Dance India Dance, and Roadies. This has further expanded his reach and made him a familiar face in the entertainment industry.
3. Emiway Bantai
- Net worth: 57 crore INR
- Original Name: Bilal Shaikh
- Birth Date: 13 November 1995
- Birthplace: Bengaluru
- Youtube: 20.1M subscribers (Channel)
- Spotify: 3,482,158 monthly listeners (Playlist)
Emiway Bantai, whose real name is Bilal Shaikh, is an Indian singer, rapper, dancer, songwriter, editor, and music composer. He gained widespread recognition for his song “Asli Hip Hop” in the film “Gully Boy” (2019). Emiway Bantai has been actively involved in the independent Hip-Hop/Rap scene and has amassed a significant following.
Born on November 13, 1995, in Bengaluru, Karnataka, India, Emiway Bantai hails from a middle-class orthodox Muslim family. He adopted the stage name “Emiway” as a combination of the names Eminem and Lil Wayne, reflecting his musical influences. Emiway Bantai made his debut in 2013 with the song “Glint Lock”.
Throughout his career, Bantai has released several hit songs and engaged in diss battles with other rappers, including Raftaar. He is known for his hard-hitting lyrics and has gained millions of subscribers on his YouTube channel.
His journey in the music industry has been marked by his perseverance and dedication. He formed his own label, The Bantai Studio, and has showcased his versatility as a singer, rapper, dancer, and music composer. He has received accolades such as the Radio City Freedom Award for his song “Aisa Kuch Shot Nai Hai”.
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4. Naezy
- Net worth: 57 crore INR
- Original Name: Naved Shaikh
- Birth Date: 10 August 1993
- Birthplace: Mumbai
- Youtube: 765K subscribers (Channel)
- Spotify: 128,611 monthly listeners (Playlist)
Naezy, whose real name is Naved Shaikh, is an acclaimed Indian rapper hailing from Mumbai, Maharashtra. He gained prominence in the mainstream rap scene with his breakout song “Mere Gully Mein,” which featured fellow rapper DIVINE. Naezy is known for his unique style and representation of Mumbai street rap and Desi Hip-Hop.
His rise to fame further gained attention when he was portrayed by actor Ranveer Singh in the film “Gully Boy” released in 2019. The movie was inspired by Naezy’s life and contributed to bringing Indian hip-hop to the forefront.
Naezy’s approach to writing lyrics and his artistic quirk have been the subject of interviews and discussions. He collaborates with beat makers and showcases his mental process and creativity through his music.
Over the years, Naezy has released several impactful songs that have solidified his position as one of the stalwarts of the Indian hip-hop scene. His contributions to the genre and his representation of the Mumbai rap culture have garnered him a dedicated fan base.
Naezy is also active on YouTube, where he uploads rap songs and shares his artistic endeavors. Through his music, he continues to contribute to the growth and popularity of Indian rap and Desi Hip-Hop.
5. Ikka
- Net worth: 41 crore INR
- Original Name: Ankit Singh Patial
- Birth Date: 27 May 1986
- Birthplace: Himachal Pradesh
- Youtube: 571K subscribers (Channel)
- Spotify: 5,025,117 monthly listeners (Playlist)
Ikka, whose birth name is Ankit Singh Patyal, hails from New Delhi. He began his musical career in 2003 when hip-hop was still a relatively unpopular genre in the Indian music scene. However, his passion and skill for music shone through, and he gained recognition for his rapping skills and lyrical abilities.
His debut in Bollywood was with the song “In Da Club” for the 2014 film Tamanchey. Since then, he has worked on various Bollywood tracks, collaborating with top-notch music labels and artists. His style as an artist is hard-hitting and versatile, making him stand out from his peers.
Ikka’s contributions to the Indian music industry have made him a notable figure in the rap scene. His artistry and dedication have helped him stand tall amidst the cut-throat competition. Recently, he released his album “I,” which has been well-received by his fans and critics alike.
Apart from his Bollywood contributions, Ikka continues to make independent music, which has gained immense popularity. His music is a perfect blend of inspirational, upbeat, and hard-hitting lyrics. His latest track, “Level Up” featuring DIVINE, is taking the rap scene by storm.
6. Krsna
- Net worth: 40 crore INR
- Original Name: Krishna Kaul
- Birth Date: 4 October 1987
- Birthplace: Delhi
- Youtube: 1.25M subscribers (Channel)
- Spotify: 2,434,390 monthly listeners (Playlist)
Krsna, whose real name is Krishna Kaul, is an Indian rapper, producer, and songwriter. He was one of the earliest rappers to emerge in the Indian hip-hop scene in the mid-2000s under the stage name Prozpekt. Known for his distinct writing and rapping techniques, Krsna has made significant contributions to the rap industry in India.
He gained further recognition when he was featured in the 2019 Bollywood film “Gully Boy” as himself. He has released several tracks that have garnered attention, including “Dekh Kaun Aaya Wapas,” which gained popularity on his YouTube channel. His versatile style and lyrical abilities have made him a respected figure in the Indian rap community.
Krsna has been involved in music collaborations and has been signed by Contrabands, a joint venture between Universal Music India, Vh1, and Hard Rock Café. His talents have contributed to the growth and development of independent music in India.
7. Badshah
- Net worth: 36 crore INR
- Original Name: Aditya Prateek Singh Sisodia
- Birth Date: 19 November 1985
- Birthplace: New Delhi
- Youtube: 6.78M subscribers (Channel)
- Spotify: 15,274,616 monthly listeners (Playlist)
Badshah, whose real name is Aditya Prateek Singh Sisodia, is an Indian rapper, singer, film producer, and businessman known for his Hindi, Haryanvi, and Punjabi music. He started his career in 2006 as part of the Hip Hop group Mafia Mundeer alongside Yo Yo Honey Singh.
Born on November 19, 1985, in New Delhi, India, Badshah hails from a Punjabi mother and a father from Haryana. His interest in singing developed during his school days, where he was part of the music choir.
Throughout his career, Badshah has gained popularity for his catchy songs and energetic performances. Some of his notable hits include “DJ Wale Babu” and “Saturday Saturday”. He has contributed to the Hindi, Punjabi, and Haryanvi music industries, establishing himself as a prominent figure in the Indian music scene.
Badshah has also ventured into the film industry, providing music for Bollywood movies. He has collaborated with various artists and producers, expanding his influence and reaching a wide audience.
Apart from his music career, Badshah has been involved in several controversies, but he remains unapologetic and continues to pursue his dreams. He has been recognized for his contributions to the Indian music industry and has received numerous awards and nominations for his work.
8. Bohemia
- Net worth: 33 crore INR
- Original Name: Roger David
- Birth Date: 15 October 1979
- Birthplace: Karachi
- Youtube: 1.67M subscribers (Channel)
- Spotify: 2,303,961 monthly listeners (Playlist)
Bohemia, whose real name is Roger David, is a Pakistani-American rapper, singer, songwriter, and record producer. He is known as the pioneer of the Desi hip hop industry. Born on October 15, 1979, in Karachi, Pakistan, Bohemia comes from an ethnic Punjabi-Christian family.
Bohemia gained recognition as the first-ever Punjabi rapper, releasing his debut album “Vich Pardesan De” in 2002. He is known for his Punjabi language rap and is considered a trailblazer in the Desi hip hop genre. Some of his notable works include songs featured in films such as “8×10 Tasveer” and “Chandni Chowk to China”.
With a significant following on social media, Bohemia has amassed millions of followers on platforms like Instagram. He continues to create music and engage with his fans through various channels.
Throughout his career, Bohemia has remained true to his unique style, delivering hardcore rap music that was previously unheard of in the Desi hip hop scene. He is recognized for his contributions to Punjabi rap and his role in shaping the genre.
9. MC Stan
- Net worth: 15 – 20 crore INR
- Original Name: Altaf Tadavi
- Birth Date: 30 August 1999
- Birthplace: Pune
- Youtube: 8.3M subscribers (Channel)
- Spotify: 4,429,330 monthly listeners (Playlist)
MC Stan, also known as Altaf Tadavi, is an Indian rapper, lyricist, music producer, and composer. He gained significant popularity after the release of his song “Khuja Mat” in 2019. His journey to fame is notable, as he grew up in a slum and rose to prominence through his talent and hard work.
Although there have been controversies surrounding MC Stan, his talent and unique style of rapping have earned him a dedicated fanbase. His participation in season 16 of the reality show “Bigg Boss” allowed viewers to witness his personality and creativity.
He has carved out a niche for himself with his socially conscious lyrics and captivating beats. His YouTube channel boasts a legion of fans and his music is available on a range of platforms including Spotify and Apple Music.
What sets MC Stan apart from other Indian rappers is his unique style. He has a gift for mixing hard-hitting rhymes with more melodic hooks that create a balance between the two. While many Indian rappers seem to focus on either melody or lyricism, MC Stan does both equally well. His tracks are musically interesting and meaningful lyrically.
10. Brodha V
- Net worth: 8 to 41 crore INR
- Original Name: Vighnesh Shivanand
- Birth Date: 27 March 1990
- Birthplace: Kanchipuram
- Youtube: 864K subscribers (Channel)
- Spotify: 958,458 monthly listeners (Playlist)
Brodha V, whose real name is Vighnesh Shivanand, is an Indian hip-hop artist, lyricist, rapper, and music producer. He was born on March 27, 1990, in Kanchipuram and is known for being one of the fastest rappers in India.
He started his rapping career at the age of 18 and initially participated in online rap battles on Orkut. Over the years, he has released several singles and albums that have garnered attention and acclaim. Some of his notable tracks include “Aigiri Nandini,” “Aathma Raama,” “After Party,” and “Vainko”.
Known for his ability to rap in multiple languages, including English, Hindi, and Kannada, Brodha V has showcased his versatility in his music. He has also collaborated with other artists and gained recognition for his fusion of Carnatic music with rap.
Brodha V’s contributions to the Indian hip-hop scene and his unique style have earned him a dedicated fan base. He continues to create music as an independent artist, believing that good music can succeed without major record label backing.
11. King
- Net worth: 8 crore INR
- Original Name: Arpan Kumar Chandel
- Birth Date: 10 October 1998
- Birthplace: New Delhi
- Youtube: 5.88M subscribers (Channel)
- Spotify: 16,072,416 monthly listeners (Playlist)
King, whose real name is Arpan Kumar Chandel, is an Indian rapper, singer, and songwriter. He gained recognition through his participation in the television show “MTV Hustle” in 2019, where he performed in front of notable artists like Raftaar, Raja Kumari, and Nucleya. He emerged as one of the top five contestants.
Born in Uttar Pradesh and later shifting to Delhi, King started pursuing his career as a rapper from a young age, demonstrating his dedication by traveling long distances to acquire quality equipment for his music. He has been known by various names such as “Badnaam Raja” and “Thisizhyoroccobabe”.
King’s journey as an artist began with his YouTube channel called “King Rocco”. He released his first music album titled “Circumstances” in 2018, which featured songs like “She Know,” “Red Dirt State,” “The Division,” and “Clearly By Now”. His versatile style and unique stage presence have contributed to his popularity in the Indian rap scene.
12. Divine
- Net worth: 8 crore INR
- Original Name: Vivian Wilson Fernandes
- Birth Date: 2 October 1990
- Birthplace: Mumbai
- Youtube: 6.53M subscribers (Channel)
- Spotify: 3,651,511 monthly listeners (Playlist)
Divine, whose real name is Vivian Wilson Fernandes, is an Indian rapper born in Mumbai, Maharashtra. He gained popularity in the music industry with the release of his song “Yeh Mera Bombay” in 2013. Known for his streetwise rhymes that seamlessly transition between Hindi and English, Divine is signed to Sony Music India.
With a genre that encompasses rap and hardcore rap, Divine has established himself as a prominent figure in the Indian rap scene. He began his career as an underground rapper in 2011 and has since garnered a significant following. Divine is the founder of Gully Gang, a Mumbai-based crew, and also runs a music label under the same name.
The rapper has achieved several notable milestones in his career. He was the first Indian rapper to rap in Hindi for BBC 1 radio show’s “Fire in the Booth” series. He is also recognized as the first Indian rapper to feature on a New York Times Square billboard, a distinction he received for his album “Punya Paap”. Divine’s contributions to Indian rap have solidified his position as a leading artist in the industry.
13. Dino James
- Net worth: 1 crore INR
- Original Name: Dino James
- Birth Date: 12 November 1991
- Birthplace: Bhopal
- Youtube: 5.97M subscribers (Channel)
- Spotify: 2,291,249 monthly listeners (Playlist)
Dino James is an Indian rapper, singer, lyricist, composer, and actor known for his unique style of storytelling in his songs. He hails from Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh, and has gained popularity for his socio-conscious rap songs in Hindi. He is recognized for his ability to express his own life experiences through his music.
Born on November 12, 1991, Dino James grew up in Madhya Pradesh, where he aspired to become an actor from a young age. Despite facing challenges in the acting field, he decided to pursue a different path and ventured into the world of music. He has gained a significant following through his self-titled YouTube channel, where he uploads rap songs.
Dino James has showcased his talent as a rapper, singer, composer, and writer, captivating audiences with his powerful and heartfelt songs. His lyrics are often based on his real-life experiences and the struggles he has faced. He has also signed with Def Jam Recordings India, further establishing his presence in the music industry.
14. Seedhe Maut
- Net worth: 76 lakh INR
- Original Name: Abhijay Negi (Encore ABJ) and Siddhant Sharma (Calm)
- Birth Date: 15th July 1995 and 1st September 1995 respectively
- Birthplace: Delhi and Nainital respectively
- Youtube: 351K subscribers (Channel)
- Spotify: 698,224 monthly listeners (Playlist)
Seedhe Maut is a hip-hop duo from New Delhi, India, consisting of Siddhant Sharma (stage name Calm) and Abhijay Negi (stage name Encore ABJ). They have gained recognition for their unique style, razor-sharp lyrics, and combative delivery. The duo met at Spit Dope Inc., a Delhi underground battle rap league, and embarked on their musical journey together.
Their rise in the desi hip-hop scene has been notable, with the duo consistently releasing critically acclaimed mixtapes, albums, and singles. They represent the next stage in the evolution of New Delhi’s hip-hop sound and have drawn inspiration from international hip-hop collectives like Run The Jewels, Clipse, Black Hippy, Mobb Deep, and Blackstar.
Seedhe Maut’s music tackles a range of social issues and reflects their perspective on society. The lyrics often carry a confrontational and thought-provoking tone, addressing subjects such as the education system and the struggles of young individuals in society.
As an influential duo, Seedhe Maut has made a significant impact on the local hip-hop community in New Delhi. They continue to push boundaries and evolve as artists, leaving a lasting impression on the Indian hip-hop scene.
History of Rap in India
The history of rap in India showcases the evolution and growing popularity of the genre within the country. Indian hip hop, also known as Desi hip hop, refers to the fusion of hip hop influences with the Indian subcontinent’s cultural elements. It encompasses various styles and subgenres and has developed into an original art form with its own unique characteristics.
The introduction of rap in India can be traced back to the early 1990s when Punjabi rapper Baba Sehgal, also known as the “First Rapper of India,” emerged on the scene. Baba Sehgal’s hit songs like “Thanda Thanda Paani” and “Dil Dhadke” incorporated elements of rap and hip hop. He played a significant role in popularizing rap music and setting the stage for future artists.
Initially, Indian rap artists drew inspiration from American hip hop, leading to mimicry of the genre in the early 2000s. However, over time, Indian hip hop has matured and developed its own distinct identity. Artists began rapping in their regional languages, such as Tamil, Punjabi, or Assamese, which further added to the diversity and cultural richness of Indian rap.
The growth of underground rap in India has been a significant milestone. From the early years to the present, Indian hip hop has experienced a surge in popularity and experimentation with different styles and subgenres. The rap scene in India has witnessed a bubbling creativity, with artists fearlessly expressing their truths and pushing boundaries. This evolving landscape has given rise to a new generation of Indian hip hop artists who are making their mark on the global music stage.
Notable Indian rap artists have emerged, including Yo Yo Honey Singh, Sidhu Moosewala, Badshah, Bohemia, and Diljit Dosanjh, among others. Each artist brings their unique style and perspective, contributing to the diversity and vibrancy of Indian hip hop.
In recent years, rap music has also become a powerful form of protest in India. Artists use their platform to address social and political issues, reflecting the realities and aspirations of the people. This aspect of rap music has further solidified its influence and relevance in Indian society.
Conclusion
As you can see, there are many great rappers in India who are making a lot of money from their music. Their hard work, and hustle has paid off in the long run. Not only are they earning well themselves, they also broadened the horizons of the Indian rap genre. These artists have brought fresh inspiration and perspective to their industry and we must acknowledge and encourage them for the same. If you’re looking to get into the rap game, then take inspiration from these artists and start working on your own tracks today!
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Who coined the term desi hip hop?
Bohemia is often credited with coining the term “desi hip hop.” The term is derived from the Hindi word “desi,” meaning “of or relating to South Asia.” Desi hip hop is a subgenre of hip hop that incorporates elements of South Asian culture and music.
2. What culture does rap come from?
Rap originated from African American communities in New York City and is a significant part of hip hop culture. Hip hop, as a cultural movement, gained widespread popularity in the 1980s and 1990s. Rap music is characterized by stylized rhythmic music performed alongside “rapping,” which is a form of chanted rhyming speech delivered in a rhythmic style.
3. Who started rap culture in India?
Baba Sehgal, also known as Harjeet Singh Sehgal, is often credited as the pioneer who started rap culture in India. In 1990, Baba Sehgal introduced hip hop and rap to the Indian music scene with hit songs like “Thanda Thanda Paani” and “Dil Dhadke”. He played a significant role in popularizing rap music and laying the foundation for the growth of hip hop culture in India.
4. Who is fastest rapper in India?
According to the India Book of Records, Abhay Prasad, also known as Devil The Rhymer, is the fastest rapper in India. He recently released his EP Psykalone under actor Ranveer Singh’s music label. In a video posted on YouTube, he raps 478 words in one minute.
5. What is India’s fastest rap song?
India’s fastest rap song is “Psykalone” by Devil The Rhymer. Devil The Rhymer can lay claim to being India’s fastest rapper, having clocked a massive 478 words in one minute. The song is a blend of personal stories in an open-hearted way as well as confrontational manner.
Raj Kumar Prasad is a movie buff with a zest for travel and a passion for food. He enjoys sharing his adventures and insights at festalks.com. Whether he’s exploring new destinations, savoring different cuisines, or catching the latest flicks, Raj loves to engage with his readers and spark lively conversations. Dive into his world and discover fresh perspectives on all things fun and flavorful.