Those interested in the rap genre in India have likely pondered on the identities of the wealthiest rappers in the country. Individuals who grew up during the 90s are likely familiar with the music of Yo Yo Honey Singh or Badshah, both popular rappers. Presently, numerous artists rap and converse in their native language. This article discusses the Top 10 Richest Rappers in India for 2023.
India boasts a lengthy and notable history of music, and in recent times, the country has produced several highly successful rappers. Some Indian rappers have even garnered global recognition and amassed significant wealth due to their creative and infectious melodies. With the growing popularity of rap and hip-hop
When considering hip-hop, India is sometimes viewed as lagging behind the rest of the world. Nevertheless, there is a rising cohort of Indian rappers who are establishing a reputation for themselves both domestically and internationally. The following blog lists the wealthiest 10 rappers in India, determined by their net worth. Continue reading to discover additional information about your preferred rappers or acquire new insights into Indian rap.
In the country, we will likely witness the emergence of many more successful Indian rappers in the future. Who knows, an Indian rapper might eventually be crowned the world’s foremost rapper!
Rap History in India
Rap music first gained popularity in the United States during the 1970s, with artists like Grandmaster Flash and the Sugarhill Gang achieving chart-topping success. However, it was not until the 1990s that rap began to gain a foothold in India. This was largely due to the efforts of Punjabi rapper Baba Sehgal (Harjeet Singh Sehgal), who released his debut album, “Thanda Thanda Pani,” in 1990. Sehgal’s album was an enormous triumph, paving the way for other Indian rappers like Bohemia and Yo Yo Honey Singh.
Bohemia was a popular Pakistani-American musician who produced several Punjabi rap songs. He is credited with pioneering the new era of desi rap. In the early 2000s, five “Mafia Mundeer” rappers emerged and quickly gained a devoted following. The group included popular rappers such as Badshah, Raftaar, Ikka, and Yo Yo Honey Singh, all well-known today.
Presently, the rap scene in India has undergone a nationwide transformation. Local and street rappers have achieved pan-Indian and even global success. Moreover, there has been a shift from Desi/Punjabi rap music designed for parties to nuanced rap songs in various Indian languages, addressing significant issues. These artists are revolutionizing the rap scene, not only in lyrics but also in music style. Indian rap music is becoming increasingly mainstream, and it is exciting to consider how this genre will continue to evolve!
List of Top 10 Richest Rappers in India for 2023:
1. Yo Yo Honey Singh
Net worth: $22 Million
Original Name: Hirdesh Singh
Birth Date: 15 March 1983
Birthplace: Hoshiarpur
Honey Singh is a rapper, singer, and music producer who has become a household name in India. He was born in Hoshiarpur, Punjab, and started his music career in the early 2000s. He gained popularity in the late 2000s with the release of his album “International Villager,” which included hit songs like “Brown Rang” and “Angreji Beat.”
Honey Singh is known for his catchy beats and humorous lyrics and has collaborated with several popular Bollywood stars on songs for films. Some of his most popular tracks include “Blue Eyes,” “Lungi Dance,” and “Dheere Dheere.”
In addition to his music career, Honey Singh has been a judge on Indian television shows and has appeared in films. He has won numerous awards for his music, including several Filmfare Awards and MTV India Music Awards.
Despite his success, Honey Singh has also faced criticism for the explicit content of some of his songs. However, he has stated that he is committed to producing entertaining and socially responsible music.
2. Raftaar
Net worth: $7 Million
Original Name: Dilin Nair
Birth Date: 16 November 1988
Birthplace: Thiruvananthapuram
Raftaar is also a very successful music composer and lyricist, having written and composed for numerous Bollywood films. He has collaborated with several prominent artists in the Indian music industry, including Badshah and Yo Yo Honey Singh. Raftaar has won multiple awards for his work, including Best Music Director at the 2019 Zee Cine Awards for the film Satyameva Jayate. His popular songs include “Swag Mera Desi,” “Toh Dishoom,” and “Dilli Waali Baatcheet.” With his versatile skills and massive fan base, Raftaar is undoubtedly one of the biggest names in the Indian music scene.
3. Naezy
Net worth: $7 Million
Original Name: Naved Shaikh
Birth Date: 10 August 1993
Birthplace: Mumbai
Naezy, whose real name is Naved Shaikh, rose to fame with his song “Mere Gully Mein” in collaboration with fellow rapper Divine. The song was later adapted into a Bollywood movie, Gully Boy, which helped to bring Indian hip-hop to the mainstream. Naezy has also released popular singles like “Aafat” and “Asal Hustle.” His music and unique style have helped to break down barriers and make rap accessible to a wider audience in India. Naezy continues to inspire and empower through his music and is considered one of the country’s most talented rappers.
4. Bohemia
Net worth: $5 Million
Original Name: Roger David
Birth Date: 15 October 1979
Birthplace: Karachi
Bohemia, also known as Roger David, was born in Pakistan and raised in California. He first gained recognition for his debut album, “Vich Pardesan De,” released in 2002 and became an instant hit in the Punjabi music scene. He released several more albums, including “Pesa Nasha Pyar” and “Da Rap Star,” which solidified his status as one of the top rappers in India and worldwide.
Bohemia’s music is known for its fusion of Punjabi and Western hip-hop beats, and his lyrics often address social and political issues, such as poverty, corruption, and oppression. He has collaborated with other artists from India, Pakistan, and the United States and has been featured in several Bollywood films, including “Chandni Chowk to China” and “Desi Boyz.”
Aside from his music career, Bohemia is also known for his philanthropic work. He has established the Bohemia Charitable Trust to help underprivileged children in India and Pakistan and has supported various other causes, including education and disaster relief efforts.
5. Badshah
Net worth: $5 Million
Original Name: Aditya Prateek Singh Sisodia
Birth Date: 19 November 1985
Birthplace: New Delhi
Badshah, whose real name is Aditya Prateek Singh Sisodia, was born in Delhi, India, in 1985. He began his career as a rapper in 2006 and gained popularity in 2012 with the song “Proper Patola”, which featured Punjabi singer Diljit Dosanjh. Since then, he has released numerous hit songs, including “Abhi Toh Party Shuru Hui Hai,” “DJ Waley Babu,” “Mercy,” and “Paagal.”
Badshah is known for his unique style that blends Indian music and hip-hop. He often incorporates Punjabi and Haryanvi folk music elements into his songs, creating a distinct sound that appeals to many audiences. He has also collaborated with several popular artists in India, such as Arijit Singh, Sunidhi Chauhan, and Neha Kakkar.
In addition to his music career, Badshah has appeared in several Bollywood films, including “Khoobsurat” and “Veere Di Wedding.” He has also served as a judge on several popular Indian reality TV shows such as “Indian Idol” and “Dil Hai Hindustani.”
6. Emiway Bantai
Net worth: $4 Million
Original Name: Bilal Shaikh
Birth Date: 13 November 1995
Birthplace: Bengaluru
Emiway Bantai has been instrumental in popularizing the genre of Indian hip-hop and has become one of the most influential voices in the Indian rap scene. He is known for his hard-hitting lyrics, often inspired by his life experiences and struggles growing up. Emiway is also an active social media user and has a huge following on platforms like Instagram, YouTube, and Facebook.
He often engages with his fans through live streams, Q&A sessions, and by sharing personal moments from his life. Emiway is also known for his entrepreneurial spirit and has launched his record label, Bantai Records, which has signed and launched new artists in the Indian rap scene. He continues to release hit songs and collaborate with other artists, cementing his position as one of the top rappers in India.
7. Dino James
Net worth: $2.4 Million
Original Name: Dino James
Birth Date: 12 November 1991
Birthplace: Bhopal
Dino James is known for his emotionally charged lyrics, often addressing mental health, love, and social issues. He gained popularity with his debut single “Girlfriend” in 2016, and since then has released several hit songs and collaborations with other artists.
Dino James has been praised for his storytelling abilities and ability to connect with listeners personally. He also uses his platform to raise awareness about issues like mental health and domestic violence. Dino James is considered one of the most promising young artists in the Indian music industry, and his fan base continues to grow.
8. Divine
Net worth: $1 Million
Original Name: Vivian Wilson Fernandes
Birth Date: 2 October 1990
Birthplace: Andheri
In 2019, Divine was featured in the Netflix original film “Gully Boy,” loosely based on his life and the hip-hop scene in Mumbai. The film was a critical and commercial success and helped further raise Divine’s profile in India and internationally. In addition to his music career, Divine is involved in various philanthropic endeavours, including supporting education initiatives for underprivileged children in India.
One of Divine’s most popular songs is “Jungli Sher,” which has over 125 million views on YouTube. The song features Divine’s signature blend of hard-hitting lyrics and catchy hooks, showcasing his unique style that blends Indian and Western musical influences. Divine has also collaborated with several other artists in India and abroad, including American rapper Nas.
Divine’s rise to fame is a testament to his talent, hard work, and perseverance. His music has helped to redefine the hip-hop genre in India, and his success has inspired a new generation of rappers and musicians in the country.
9. Ikka
Net worth: $800k
Original Name: Ankit Singh Patial
Birth Date: 27 May 1986
Birthplace: Himachal Pradesh
Ikka, also known as Ikka Singh, is a highly successful rapper and lyricist in India and is considered one of the country’s wealthiest rappers. Born as Ankit Singh Patyal, he has gained popularity among hip-hop enthusiasts with his energetic and fast-paced rap style. One of his most popular works is the song “Angaar”, which he collaborated on with Raftaar and producer Sez on the Beat. Ikka’s financial success indicates that pursuing a rap career can be lucrative in India, and his status as one of the richest rappers in the country is a testament to his talent and hard work.
10. Seedhe Maut
Net worth: $600k
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
Seedhe Maut, a prominent rap duo in India, has gained immense popularity owing to its members’ witty and powerful rhymes, Encore ABJ and Calm, that address various social issues facing the country’s youth. Their unique rap style and strong themes on their debut album, Bayaan, produced in collaboration with renowned producer Sez On The Beat, helped thrust them into the limelight. Seedhe Maut’s music resonates with young Indians, and their most well-known singles, such as “Shaktimaan” and “Kyu,” provide insights into the frustrations of the country’s youth with their limited opportunities.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Indian music industry has seen the rise of several talented rappers over the years. Each rapper brings a unique style and influences to the genre, resulting in a diverse range of music that appeals to a wide audience. From the political and biting lyrics of Bohemia to the catchy beats of Badshah and the introspective musings of Dino James, there’s something for everyone in the Indian rap scene. These rappers have not only made a significant impact on the Indian music industry but also gained worldwide recognition. It’s exciting to see what the future holds for these talented artists and how they continue to innovate and push the boundaries of the genre.
