Onto the scene emerged a young yet talented Indian rapper from a middle-class background who single-handedly changed the phase of hip-hop in India. With his stunning debut shocking his audience’s perception of India’s rap culture, Indian hip-hop youth culture was transformed irrevocably. With crass and bold lyrics centering around guns, chaos, drugs, and romance, he made a mark in temples, weddings, and roadside gatherings. However, soon after reaching the epitome of success in his career, he disappeared without a trace. After a break of seven years, he has recently announced his a new tour and album, claiming to have had an altercation after battling mental health alongside addiction.
In his 41years of age, Singh had already achieved the status of a music legend in India, and was known for changing the face of hip-hop as highlighted by the music critique analyst Bhanuj Kappal in the famed documentary ‘Famous’ on Netflix. Singh’s story is one of excess, conflict and genius, and like many early pop stars, contradictingly moving forward, he was also termed an extremely controversial personality. While soaring to fame, he acquired the tag of ‘an aggressive and reckless man’ whose impact to society was deemed negative as many accused him to spread obscenity and delinquency through his craft. Most daunting were the backlash in response to the lyrics from his songs that bore violence against women and followed domestic abusive claims by his ex wife during their divorce, a counter that Singh rebuttled.
His absence for seven years has greatly affected him. While he was out, new artists have appeared in the Indian hip-hop industry who sing and perform better than Singh. Singh himself appears to have changed quite a lot. The confidence he previously possessed has been replaced by a more humble persona, as he now describes himself as a God-fearing man who strongly believes in the power of positivity and the circle of life.
While he claims to have matured his music by moving past drugs to explore deeper subjects, some of his most loyal fans think his new music lacks the edge that he was once known for. Kappal remarks, “He has a core audience that will stick with him forever… but his vision is old now. It’s outdated.”
Singh’s past struggles with addiction and mental illness isn’t something he shies away from. He has embraced it as the foundation for his comeback. “Drugs destroyed me completely. I lost myself to fame, money, and women. I was like a devil, completely satanic.” These words, spoken by him in interviews, reflect the wisdom of someone who has conquered demons with newfound wisdom in his grasp. “What goes around comes around. It took a lot of time for me to get out from where I was stuck. But I am back now.”
Singh was born in Punjab with the name Hridesh Singh. He had always aspired for a career in music and started off as a college DJ, whom later transformed into a producer. His upbringing in challenging parts of Delhi makes him unique and serves as the hallmark of his identity.
Scouting for a home in Punjab’s music industry proved a challenge for him, so he decided to do it alone. His franchise album, The International Villager, came out in 2011 and showcased the mix of Punjabi folk and global hip-hop, which resulted in unfathomable popularity for the artist.
The viral sensation “Brown Rang” along with many others, exposed a lot of Indian youths to the glam of hip-hop. Eventually, Singh became a household under performer, filling stadiums and getting featured in Bollywood movies. Diegesis, as he became more and more successful, his personal life started to plunge due to drug abuse and wild behavior.
A breakdown during a tour in 2017 prompted Singh to reevaluate his life. He took a break from music, sidelined by the prospect of seeking aid. He underwent a healing process that involved a team of professionals from all over the world. “I told my family I was mentally unwell. I cannot do anything until I get better,” he recounted. Singh claims, “I have been to hell and back. But I am sober for seven years now aside from the occasional beer.”
Some of the fans admire his openness about his life struggles, while others remain critical claiming that his new music is still filled with problematic motifs. Nonetheless, Singh’s return feels like a challenge. One that implores his audience to confront his past and reassess his music. “I was away for seven years but I will drive everyone mad again in the next seven,” he asserted. “…But all the love I received seven years ago is the love I want back now.”
We will see if Singh is able to dip his toes back into the hip hop-shaped void he has left as he embarks on this new chapter.
