Environmental concerns and their impact in Pahadi Hip Hop & Rap

Hip hop originated in the streets of South Bronx in the late 80s. It is characterized by DJing, MCing, graffiti and breakin’. It is primarily an urban phenomenon with rappers addressing issues of race, identity, economic hardship, violence and police brutality. The music explores ideas of masculinity and gang violence with many rappers either belonging to gangs or being shot and killed by them. Over time hip hop has also become associated with toxic masculinity and commodification of women. However, it has now travelled across the world and has a dedicated following everywhere. This paper will trace its introduction and evolution in India with a special focus on the thematic and musical variety in the rap songs popular in Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand. The interaction between the rich culture of folk music and hip hop to create a ‘modern’ synthesized sound which addresses the burning issues of environmental degradation, economic stagnation leading to migration will be analysed.