Hip Hop, aka rap music and formerly disco rap, is a genre of popular music often characterized by a solid, rhythmic beat and a rapping vocal track. The genre’s origin dates back to the 1970s when it was a cultural exchange among Latino, Black, and Caribbean youth. The hip-hop genre progressed to become one of the most consumed genres of music with time. Inspired and influenced by many sick emcees all over the world, such as Snoop Dogg, Eminem, Ice Cube, Jay-Z, Tupac Shakur, B.I.G, and 50 Cent, the Nepali rap industry has amassed a substantial number of hip-hop artists who are renowned for their enthralling pitch and lyrics.
New Nepali Hip-Hop Songs
The birth of Rap culture in Nepal started via electronic DJs’ composition of classical Nepalese songs over Western urban chic. The nation has produced several world-class rappers who have already been deployed to the international rap community. Bringing a unique taste of Nepali-pan Nepalese swag, we have prepared a list of the top Nepali Hip Hop songs over the decades. Let us instantly direct our attention to the list,
SAATHI – Yama Buddha
Also considered the king of Nepali hip-hop, Anil Adhikari, aka Yama Buddha, is one of the most influential rappers in Nepal. Saathi by Yama Buddha was his second single, released in 2011, which became a significant hit for a short time. It led him to media recognition, and he later released his first album, “Ekadeshma” in 2012. The song has multiple-syllable rhyming patterns followed by a literal fusion of human emotions, drugs and their impacts on society, and the pain of a lost friend. With a robust lyrical stand, Saathi is a beautiful conversion that depicts its value in each word and beat. Some of Yama’s best pieces ever released include: –
- Yo Prasanga
- Aama
- Ma Futchu Tara Jhukdina
- Jutta Ma
VTEN – Yatra
Released in 2020, Yatra by Vten has been one of the most popular songs on mainstream platforms. The song was released from the album Superstar, while over 40 million have watched the official music video on YouTube from VTEN MUSIC. Vten, aka Samir Ghising, deems his sixth single, Yatra, as a musical journey inspired by his life’s struggles. He has conveyed some of his hard-hitting lyrical truths and epiphanies in this solid music produced by Ruthless Beatzz. Additionally, he has released many hit singles, including: –
- Aama
- Khalasi
- Galli Sadak
- Superstar
- Simsime Pani
- Halkhabar
Mc Flo – Hami Sangai Ta Chau Ni
Mc Flo is an underground rapper from Nepal who represents the hip-hop industry. His real name is Anurag Sharma. Like his underrated name, Mc Flo is admired for his songs before his personality. Moreover, the song Hami Sangai Ta Chau Ni is a musical masterpiece that depicts the complex scenario of the couple being separated as the boy leaves the country for a better life. However, he imparts positivity in such an unpleasant environment and insists everything will be alright. It is a relatable song for each Nepalese youth traveling abroad to improve their livelihood further. Similarly, Mc Flo has released many songs on YouTube and other websites. Some of his most listened-to songs are,
- Khula Aakash
- Aawaz
- Maile Haasna Sikey
- Lay It Down
- Tyo Din
Sacar, aka Lil Buddha – King of NEPHOP
King of Nephop by Sacar was released on January 21, 2019, from the album Ecstasy in The Palace’. The music video featured renowned Nepalese rapper Uniq Poet and has received over 11 million views on the YouTube channel titled SACAR, aka Lil Buddha. This majestic rap song lasts 10 minutes and 36 seconds and delivers enriching, flavorful, hard-hitting, soothing lyrics. In addition to Lil Buddha’s supremacy, he has released major hit music videos on YouTube. Some of Sacar’s most loved musical pieces include,
- No Peace In Love
- 100
- Nephop Drip
- STACK
- Sapana
Laure – SUPERRAGA
Aasish Rana, professionally known as Laure, is a Nepalese rapper and TV personality from Pokhara. SUPERRAGA is a rap song by Laure that was released on his official YouTube channel, “Laure,” on September 26, 2017. The song is from his album Chup Laag, and Adam Le Sheriff weaved the music. The piece depicts the current social issues and the voice of the Nepalese youth toward them. The song is 4 minutes and 43 seconds long on YouTube and has already received over 27 million views.
- Mero Solta
- Chup Laag
- Haude
- Case No. 420
- NepHop Ko Bato
Uniq Poet – STRAIGHT OUTTA KATHMANDU
Utsaha Joshi, aka Uniq Poet, is a Nepal musical artist with expertise in Indian hip-hop genre music. He has contributed numerous songs, including his most viewed song, Straight Outta Kathmandu. The song Straight Outta Kathmandu was released on his YouTube channel on February 20, 2019. It is arranged from the album “Blue Up High.” The song featured MC Dave, a renowned artist from London, and Suraj Shahi Lama, aka Bluesss, who gained significant recognition after the release of Straight Outta Kathmandu. Among some of Uniq Poet’s significant pieces include,
- Mero Desh Birami
- Kalo
- Jheli
- HipHop Saved My Life
- Balatkaar
Girish Khatiwada – Ma Yesto Chu
Cited as the first Nepali Vlogging YouTuber, Girish Khatiwada is one of the pioneers of beginning rap culture in Nepal. Girish, with Pranish Timilasina, formed the duo GP and released Ma Yesto Chu featuring DA69 in 2000, which became the first rap song to attract Nepalese listeners abroad to rap music. Moreover, Girish joined YouTube on January 2, 2006, and has contributed his rap and lifestyle vlogs to his channel ‘Girish Khatiwada.’ The YouTube channel has procured over 452k subscribers as of 2022. Some renowned songs from the artist include,
- Prithvi Narayan Shah
- Aag Laagi
- Ganja Man
- Haami Dherai Saana Chhau
- Lok Hop
Manas Ghale – KERAISITI
Manas Ghale, aka Loorey, is a renowned Nepali rapper who began his career in rap in 2000 A.D. Since his debut, he has bestowed several albums with numerous successful songs that succeeded in the hit list. Keraisiti is one of his latest songs, released on December 23, 2018. The song was released on his YouTube channel and has over 600k views. Keraisiti is a musical piece produced by Lay Zy from the album Malai Manpardaina Timro Rap featuring Nepali model and emerging actress Sanna Gurung.
Among Manas’s melodious compilations, the following are must-listen-to songs by the lyrical genius,
- Bhaicott
- Khelauna
- Yatri
- Interlude
- Dubey Ma
Chirag Khadka aka 5:55 – Samadhi
5:55 is among the most recognized emerging Nepali hip-hop artists who have received affirmative feedback since his hit song, Budi. With his fame, he added some pieces, including Samadhi, Aago ko Jhilko and Haasa. However, Samadhi was among the music videos shot by the renowned Nepali prodigy cinematographer and photographer Prajwol Thapa Magar, aka ‘Jholey.’ Some of Chirag’s top songs include,
- Haasa
- Life Jacket
- Aago Ko Jhilko
- Arthahin Duniya
- Stoner Life
- Sakaratmakta
Dmriti – Hide And Seek
Although there are undoubtedly more prominent emcees in town, we are diverting our final designation to a more young and emerging soul of the East. Representing the nation, based on Jhapa, Smriti Bishwakarma, aka Dmriti, is a 21-year-old multi-lingual rapper who won the first reality rap show, Breakbars. She has projected a massive possibility not just under the label of being called a female rapper but an actual rapper. The victory bells themselves are the sheer example of her will. Dmriti is a prodigy in the making, as she has uttered in her song Hide And Seek, released on May 22, 2022. She has additionally released several pieces, including: –
- Female Rapper
- Om Mani Padme Hum
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The abovementioned songs are some of the most famous ones mainstreaming in the Nepali virtual community. The artists mentioned above are the principal names of the hip-hop community, which has continued to deliver their unwavering attitude and contribution to the Nepali rap industry. Estimating the time frame of the hip hop industry of Nepal, the music genre has become active since the late 90s and early 2000s. Several renowned artists were discovered during the reign. However, the growth of hip-hop in Nepal was slow progress back then. Nowadays, it is one of the most well-known genres of music that attracts the younger generation.
Some beloved hip-hop songs on YouTube are:
Balen – Balidan
SickJam – G.A.N.G
Yodda – Kharab Bani 10
Bluesss – LA LA LA LA
Mr.D – Wild
Dong – Raavana
Nawaj Ansari – Samrajya
Yabi The Goat – Vagwan
