Here is a list of ten unforgettable rappers in the Nepal rap music scene.

Hip-hop music, also referred to as rap music or disco rap in the past, is a popular music genre that originated in the Bronx borough of New York City during the early 1970s. The genre typically features stylized rhythmic music that is built around drum beats and often accompanies rapping, which is a rhythmic and rhyming speech that is chanted. Hip-hop culture is defined by four key stylistic elements, including MCing/rapping, DJing/scratching with turntables, break dancing, and graffiti writing. Other elements may include sampling beats or bass lines from records or synthesized sounds, rhythmic beatboxing, and instrumental tracks.

 

Hip hop music and culture evolved during the 1970s, when block parties became popular in New York City, particularly among African American youth in the Bronx. DJs at these parties played percussive breaks of popular songs using turntables and a mixer to alternate between breaks from two copies of the same record and extend the "break." Sampling technology and drum machines became widely available and affordable, leading to the development of turntablist techniques like scratching and beatmatching. Rapping also developed as a vocal style that artistically speaks or chants along rhythmically with an instrumental or synthesized beat.

Hip-hop music was not officially recorded for play on radio or elevision until 1979 due to poverty during the genre's inception and a lack of acceptance outside of ghetto neighborhoods. The old-school hip-hop era was marked by disco influence and party-oriented lyrics, while new-school hip-hop had an electro sound. The golden age of hip-hop between the mid-1980s and mid-1990s was characterized by innovation and the development of hip hop's own album era. The gangsta rap subgenre gained popularity during this time and focused on the violent lifestyles and impoverished conditions of inner-city African American youth.

 

Hip hop continued to diversify in the 1990s, with regional styles like Southern rap and Atlanta hip-hop emerging. It became the best-selling genre in the mid-1990s and the top-selling music genre by 1999. During the late 1990s and early 2000s "bling era," hip-hop influences were increasingly incorporated into other genres of popular music, such as neo-soul, nu-metal, and R&B. Alternative hip-hop also secured a place in the mainstream during this time, and online music distribution methods like social media and blogs allowed rappers to build a following during the late 2000s and early 2010s "blog era."

 

The mid-late 2010s and early 2020s saw the trap and mumble rap subgenres become the most popular forms of hip-hop. In 2017, hip hop replaced rock music as the most popular genre in the United States.

 

Hip-Hop Music in Nepal

 

The acronym RAP stands for Rhythms and Poetry on a global level, but its acceptance and understanding in Nepal is limited. Despite this, there are young individuals who aspire to become rappers in such circumstances. In Nepalese society, parents often prioritize their children's completion of education and securing better career opportunities. Therefore, choosing rapping as a career may not be considered a wise decision.

 

The initial track recognized as the first Nepali Hip-Hop song is "Meaningless Rap" by Girish Khatiwada, released in 1994 AD. In 2000 AD, Girish Khatiwada and Pranil Timilsinna officially began the rap culture in Nepal. The debut album of Rappaz Union, "Citation Needed," which was in English, became the first Nepali rap album. This album was released in 2006 and featured Sammy Samrat and Nirnaya Shrestha. Two years later, GP (Girish Khatiwada and Pranil L. Timalsena) released their album "Back Again." One of the songs on this album, "Ma Yesto Chhu Ma Testo Chhu," became a hit and helped attract Nepalese towards rap music. As more artists began dropping songs, Nepali hip-hop began to emerge slowly. The first rap song recorded in the USA in 2003 AD was "Nurbu Sherpa Representin' K.T.M.C. (Kathmandu Metropolitan City)" by Nurbu Sherpa.

 

Nephop refers to the Nepalese version of hip hop, which incorporates alternative and avant-garde hip hop, breakbeat, freestyling, and DJing. The introduction of rap culture in Nepal can be traced back to the early 1980s, when electronic DJs began blending classical Nepalese music with the Western urban style. In the 1990s, artists started to release songs featuring commercial beats, marking the evolution of Nephop.

 

Here is a list of ten unforgettable Nepali rappers in the Nepal rap music scene.

 

Yama Buddha

Anil Adhikari better known by his stage name Yama Buddha was a Nepalese rapper based in London, UK. He is widely considered one of the most influential rappers of Nepalese hip-hop & often referred as "King of Nephop". His songs Sathi, Aama, Aaudai chhu ma, Yo Prasanga, Antya Ko Suruwat, etc. are popular hits.

 

Official Youtube Channel: YamaBuddha

 

 

Girish Khatiwada

Girish Khatiwada, who was born on August 30, 1979, is a prominent Nepalese rapper, television personality, vlogger, and radio personality. He is widely recognized as one of the pioneers and most influential figures in the Nepalese rap scene, earning him the title "godfather of Nephop." Khatiwada embarked on his musical career at the young age of 15, releasing his debut track "Meaningless Rap" in 1994. He gained widespread recognition through collaborations with fellow artist Pranil Timalsena on tracks such as "Timi Jaha Pani Jaanchhau," "Malai Bhot Deu," and "Hami Dherai Sana Chhu."

 

Official Youtube Channel: Girish Khatiwada

 

 

Nirnaya Da’ NSK

Nirnaya Shrestha, popularly known by his stage name "Nirnaya Da' NSK," is a prominent figure in the Nepali music industry. Apart from being renowned for his contributions to hip hop and R&B music, he has also gained widespread recognition for his active involvement in various social causes, particularly in providing education to underprivileged children. In 2006, he established the Nirnaya Da NSK's Tour for Education, where he serves as the founder, engineer, performing artist, concept developer, and motivator. The tour's primary objective is to promote the significance of education as the foundation of life.

 

Official Youtube Channel: Nirnaya Da’ NSK

 

 

Manas Ghale

Manas Ghale is a renowned Nepali artist who has made a name for himself as a rapper, singer, songwriter, and composer. He began his journey in the music industry back in the year 2000. Throughout his career, Manas Ghale has received numerous accolades for his exceptional work. He has won prestigious awards such as the Kantipur FM Awards and the Image FM Awards. As for his discography, some of his notable works include "Sukeko Jiu Ma Loorey ko Bal," "Manasick Medicine," and "Malai Maan Pardaina Timro Rap."

Official Youtube Channel: Manas Ghale

 

 

Mc Flo

MC FLO, whose real name is Anurag Sharma, is a well-known underground rapper representing the Nepali hip-hop industry. He gained popularity for his music before people even knew him personally. Despite the lack of recognition for the hip-hop industry in Nepal, MC FLO's music has been greatly admired and has influenced other aspiring hip-hop artists. Although he remained relatively unknown to the public, MC FLO gained wider recognition after hosting one of the seasons of the famous rap battle series, "Raw-Barz". He continues to create music despite the challenging conditions of the Nepali hip-hop industry, fueled by his passion for music and his love for the industry. MC FLO's determination to contribute to this field has been unwavering, even during tough times.

Official Youtube Channel:  MC FLO

 

 

Uniq Poet

Uniq Poet, also known as Utsaha Joshi, is a talented musician and lyricist hailing from Nepal. His music is heavily influenced by renowned artists such as J. Cole, Kendrick Lamar, Nas, Eminem, Jay-Z, MGK and Tupac, and he strives to convey meaningful messages through his work. During his teenage years, he was a devoted Hip-Hop fan but was disappointed to find that he was the only one in his community who shared this passion. Uniq Poet dreamed of seeing young people in Nepal engaging in street battles, akin to those that take place in New York City. This vision eventually led him to join Raw Barz, the pioneering Nepali rap battle league founded by the late Yama Buddha, which became a huge success. Uniq Poet has performed at numerous shows throughout Nepal, including major cities like Kathmandu, Pokhara, Butwal, and Dharan, as well as in cities outside of Nepal, such as Sikkim, Sydney, and Melbourne. He is currently preparing to release his debut album.

Official Youtube Channel: Uniq Poet

 

 

Laure

Ashish Rana, who goes by the professional name "Laure," is a prominent rapper and television personality from Nepal. He first gained popularity after showcasing his rapping skills in a YouTube rap battle. In 2013, he was the most searched Nepalese celebrity on Google. Laure is highly regarded as one of the most talented individuals in the Nepalese music industry. He is involved in various creative endeavors, including rapping, acting, and serving as a judge on Himalaya Roadies 2017. While his birth name is Ashish Rana, he is more commonly known by his stage name, Laure. His success in the Nep-hop industry can be attributed to his impressive rap battle performances, which helped him gain widespread recognition.

Official Youtube Channel: LaureOfficial

 

 

Balen

Balen Shah, a Nepalese rapper, composer, structural engineer, and non-political leader, was born on April 27th, 1990. He is also known as Balendra Shah. Balen Shah had a passion for music and poetry from a young age and drew inspiration from Laxmi Prasad Devkota. Despite having a harsh voice, he pursued his interest in music and poetry by incorporating them into his rap. In 2012, while in the ninth grade, he wrote his first single, Sadak Balak, which he later released. During this time, Yama Buddha, a renowned figure in Nepalese hip-hop, was contributing significantly to the genre. Balen Shah, who was a friend of Yama Buddha, expressed his interest in participating in a rap battle, which Yama Buddha hosted on the popular show Raw Barz. Yama Buddha recognized Balen Shah's talent and allowed him to participate, thus initiating his journey in the world of rap.

Official Youtube Channel: BalenShah

 

 

Sacar aka Lil Buddha

Sacar Adhikari, also known as Lil Buddha, is a gifted rapper hailing from Nepal who has garnered significant attention and popularity through his participation in Raw Barz. He is widely regarded as one of the most impressive rappers in Nepal, and his rapid-fire English delivery has earned him the title of the fastest English rapper in the country. Lil Buddha is passionate about continuing the legacy of the late Yama Buddha and contributing to the growth of the Nepali hip-hop industry. He stays busy with both national and international live performances. Lil Buddha's interest in music began at a young age, and he dedicated himself to practicing and writing songs. He gained significant attention through his performances in Raw Barz, and his talent and dedication have helped him make strides in his career. Recently, he released a new song titled "King of NepHop 2" and has two YouTube channels, "Lil Buddha" and "Sacar ko Sapana," where he shares his music with his fans.

Official Youtube Channel: Sacar aka Lil Buddha

 

 

Vten

Samir Ghising, popularly known as VTEN, is a talented young rapper and songwriter hailing from Nepal, who has gained a considerable reputation in the Nep-hop industry. His hit songs like "Hami Yestai Tw Honi," "Sim Sime Pani," and "Church" have helped him establish a solid name for himself in the industry. VTEN is widely regarded as a sensational rap superstar in the Nepali hip-hop scene, with a massive following of fans, particularly among the youth. As a singer and songwriter, VTEN writes his songs and performs them himself. His debut song, "Churot," kickstarted his career and helped him gain recognition in the industry, with many considering him one of the most promising Nepali hip-hop artists today. Born in Rauthat, he has managed to make a name for himself in the industry, alongside top artists like Laure, with his captivating rap style and meaningful lyrics. His music resonates with many young people, who admire his talent and look up to him as a role model in the industry.

Official Youtube Channel: VTENOfficial