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Khasi Bloodz
Formed in 2009 , the Shillong collective Khasi Bloodz have been rapping on a variety of themes in Khasi and English . Rappers Donbok Kharkongor ( D-Bok ), Lamonte Pakyntein ( D-Mon ), and Ritik Roy Malngiang ( Big Ri ) have been rapping in a poetic old-school style for a couple of years but as is evident from new tracks like the 2019 single Hit It Right also found them exploring territories like that of chill-hop . In terms of collaborations , they had joined forces with fellow Shillong MC Meba Ofilia on the acclaimed single Done Talking . Additionally , they have also been involved on the Anthem for the North East , a 2016 track highlighting the diversity of the titular region , along with other hip-hop crews like Cryptographik Street Poets and Symphonic Movement .
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BK
Hailing from Tripura , Borkung Hrangkhawl aka BK has been in the game since pretty long and is today considered as one of India ’ s premier wordsmiths . From When I Am Alone to Roots to The Journey , the English-language rapper uses his medium to address his own tussles along with issues like racial discrimination . Having performed for leading music fests like Ziro Music Festival , and NH-7 ( Shillong as well as Pune ), he also opened for the American rock band Hoobastank . BK is also an accomplished battle rapper , having battled in regions like the Northeast and Delhi ( from where he also completed his graduation ).
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Meba Ofilia
As mentioned earlier , Meba Ofilia once collaborated with Khasi Bloodz ’ s Big Ri for an ambient heartbreak anthem titled Done Talking . The song was a major hit achieving global acclaim in 2018 , and even earning both artists an MTV European Music Award for Best Indian Artist . Hailing from Shillong , she followed the success of her debut single with tracks like Lady Bizz and With Pleasure ( another collaboration with Big Ri ). More recently , she was seen as a part of the Rani Cypher , a collective track by Raja Kumari featuring the talents of fellow female rappers like Siri , and Dee MC .
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J ' 97
J ’ 97 might not be the most mainstream name from Assam but the rapper is definitely giving his best in putting his city on the map of hip-hop . Born and raised in Guwahati , most of his recent releases evoke the Assamese city in his songs . His style is versatile enough to accommodate both razor-sharp flows and laidback crooning . Even though his initial work was in English , he has shifted more towards writing in his mother tongue . Singles like One & Only and Thikona make for essential listening if one is trying to get into Guwahati ’ s hip-hop scene . While these tracks found him ‘ flexing ’ about himself in a fast-paced , no-holdsbarred lyrical barfest , another recent release Solo offers a glimpse into Assamese melodic rap .
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28-year-old Naga rapper Macnivil offered a lot of promise with his 2019 debut studio EP Ura Uvie ( that roughly translates to ‘ This Land Is Mine ’). A self-financed project , Macnivil ’ s six-track record was filled with catchy hooks and sociopolitical undertones . As is evident from the titular track , Macnivil addresses the tumultuous affairs of his native state while stressing the need for self-identity for his Naga brethren . The accompanying music video is equally impactful as Macnivil appears wearing handcuffs , signifying the political turmoil in his vicinity . However , by the end , the video takes an empowering tone as he looks at a Naga flag fluttering in the air . As he states in the outro , he dedicates the song and the album to all the Naga martyrs who sacrificed their lives for the dreams and aspirations of their descendants . |
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The Score Magazine
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