Spotify’s flagship Indian hip-hop event, RAP 91, which is set to return for its third edition in Mumbai. Featuring the latest hits from the Indian rap scene, this year’s event will include a standout performance by the all-female rap collective representing the 59 Assembly, curated by Tash, a beatboxer and hip-hop head of Marol’s rap cypher (Story by Kanisha Softa)
Updated On: 2024-11-02 09:29 PM IST
Compiled by : Nascimento Pinto
Krishna, rapper, Mumbai Central
This is my first time performing with a female crew on such a big stage, and the experience has been incredible. I learnt classical music from a very young age and was introduced to hip hop in my teens. I’m bringing an Indian classical touch with ‘alaap’ to our set, and it’s amazing to see how that blends with the powerful hip hop styles around me. This is a rare chance to showcase how these two genres can co-exist, and I hope to spread this art to a wider audience.
DJ Soiri, DJ, Goregaon
I usually don’t DJ for hip-hop, so this opportunity was a huge surprise. I will be stepping out of the electronic and techno zone to craft something fresh. I used my skills as a sound engineer to create the intro beats from scratch. We will have a one minute-duo jam session, where I’ll be scratching alongside Sadhana to create an exciting ‘jugalbandi’. Being part of a hip-hop community is something I’ve always craved for.
Sadhana Tawde, beatboxer, Ghatkopar
Performing together brings such massive synergy. We’re tapping into hip hop’s roots, and it’s truly about unity — I’m beatboxing, and they are performing their styles to my beats. It’s a chance to get back on stage and feel bold, alive, and confident, especially after my two-year break. A huge shoutout to Tash; this is going to be great.
Inspectah G, rapper, Kandivli
I’ve been performing hip hop for eight years, moving from beatboxing to rapping. My forte is drill, but this is by far the biggest stage I’ve been on and I’m ready to bring justice to the opportunity. We each have our unique backgrounds and styles; and while it was challenging sometimes, we took a month to build this set. Communication made it happen. I hope to empower more female rappers to find their voice.
Feni Fina, rapper, Andheri West and Toronto
This feels like a moment for the next generation of artistes rising up. As women, it’s especially empowering. My style is authentic, rooted in my Mumbai and Toronto influences, it’s all about staying connected to one’s roots. With Spotify’s reach, we can show the world that Indian female artists are taking their place on big stages. This is an expression of our individuality.
Raashi, rapper, Panvel
It feels great to showcase our talent. People don’t often see the strength of female rappers as a collective, and we’re here to change that. My style revolves around high-speed — I can spit bars at 150 words a minute, and I’m excited to bring that energy. This performance is also a comeback for me after a jaw injury. I’m ready to prove my resilience and show people that female rappers are a force to be reckoned with.