YASHRAJ

Yashraj, a 26-year-old rapper, producer, poet, and creative director from Mumbai, is one of the distinct voices of this generation in hip hop and otherwise. Yashraj is known for his elite level penmanship, his conceptual themes and sonic understanding to be as creative and potent as ever. His instincts have translated to not just critically acclaimed projects but also brought his music to charts and created a unique collaborative space for newer acts and the artists who paved the way before him. He made a significant headstart to his discography with the 3-track EP “Azaad Hu Mein” in the year 2020 with a fresh sonic and perspective towards hip hop and unwavered purpose towards the scene. In his subsequent project "Takiya Kalaam" Yashraj’s metaphysical curiosity” is balanced with real-world reflections — not just abstract thoughts, but grounded ones, making the project a fan favourite in the scene. "Ladke Convict" showcases a different side of Yashraj which heavily leans into hype and raw energy and feels tailor-made for a live experience. In July 2024, Yashraj released his latest EP, "Meri Jaan Pehle Naach", a bold fusion of alt-disco and hip-hop. The EP blends primal disco grooves with introspective lyrics and layered vocals, creating a nostalgic journey where hip-hop meets disco while feeling both timeless and futuristic. This release marks Yashraj's sonic evolution into a newer space and a versatile songwriter, featuring gritty, grand, and psychedelic sounds that showcase his fearless artistry and boundary-pushing creativity. In early 2025, Yashraj came up with “3P”, a 3 track EP, a fresh sonic experience with primal rhythms, glitched-out sounds, varying themes and an unabashed delivery underlying humour and depth. The project ‘3P’ with tracks Pissed Off, PSA, Paracetamol are the 3P’s of Yashraj’s philosophy. It’s a concise roller coaster ride with a fun, glitchy and vibrant production backed with an ever evolving bravado and a confident cadence. Yashraj has a wide array of singles and collaborations, namely "Dhundhala", "Hausla", "DLL", "Bura/Bhala" and "Sanatan", have all garnered global acclaim. "Dhundhala" alone has crossed 200 million streams globally. In 2023, Yashraj had his first music feature in a film with the release of "Ishq Nachaawe", alongside Rashmeet Kaur and Karan Kanchan, in the movie "Kho Gaye Hum Kahan". The multi-talented artist also secured three song features on KSHMR's megahit Desi Hip Hop album ‘KARAM’, marking another solid entry among some of the top hip-hop artists on the album. By the year's end (2025), Yashraj became the first Indian hip hop artist to be an official Grammy Nominee by being featured on a Grammy Nominated album, “Sounds of Kumbha” and selected under Forbes India 30 under 30. Yashraj who came up from cyphers in parks and abandoned venues, is an MC in the truest forms and has performed at festivals and club shows across the country. Early 2025, Yashraj had his first International show in Singapore. Over the period, he had the opportunity to be on the bill with American rapper-singer "JID" at NH7 Weekender 2022 edition in Pune, and have also had the opportunity to support American rapper-record producer "G-Eazy" in Mumbai during his India tour in 2023, performing to an audience of 6000+ people. Yashraj’s willingness to explore diverse sounds and collaborations is evident from his distinctive musical shifts. His artistry reflects a blend of honesty, raw emotion, and innovation. As a creative director, Yashraj had a prolific run of collaborations with brands and media coverage in an innovative yet in his own treatment style alongside being in the shoes of a director and shot a couple of his music videos as well as his fellow artist networks in the industry such as the electronic duo producer “Lost Stories”. Over a period of time, Yashraj has been running an independent IP, “Nocode by Yashraj” which indulges in programming standalone club shows, curates brand led content and long form social content pieces showcasing the hip hop artist in a unique outlook.