Naren's indie round-up/ July 2023, Ep 2


BY NARENDRA KUSNUR

Divine & Sidhu Moosewala/ Chorni

Label: Self-released 

Rating: *** 1/2

The song has been in the news because of the names involved. Rapper Divine pays tribute to late Punjabi star Sidhu Moosewala in 'Chorni', by using their voices and lyrics in an energetic number.

After Sidhu's Punjabi stretch, Divine talks about rejection and the ills of jealousy. He also mentions that he learnt real hip-hop from Sidhu, Nipsey Hussle and 2Pac Shakur.

Divine uses the sample of the Lata Mangeshkar song 'Chorni Hu Main' composed by Shankar-Jaikishan in the film Chorni. The use is subtle, coming at the right moments. The treat comes from Navkaran Brar's video, with some amazing sequences and effects. It's a classy production.

MGeneric/ Sukoon

Label: Self-released 

Rating: ***

Qatar-based Dr Mufazzal Zulfekar Hussain, who goes by the name MGeneric, had released the rap song 'Sakht Launda' earlier this year. His latest 'Sukoon' follows a similar path of using various lyrical themes.

For instance, he begins with, "Bars mere Red Bull energy ke capsule, josh se kare sari veins full". A while later, he raps, "Life like chess board, opponent hai Kasparov, phoonk ke enemy ko phoonk de, next step guarantee hai check step". And the clincher, "Sukoon ka khud karke khoon, dhoonde sukoon".

The production by K28 acts as a good backdrop. Overall, a song that fits in well with the desi hip-hop mood.

Dxvta feat. Amrita & Skyra/ Arz

Label: Self-released 

Rating: ***

More on the hip-hop front, as we hear Delhi rapper Dxvta aka Dev Kumar on his latest single 'Arz'. Here, he goes back to the same team as his earlier track 'Evil Eye', with singer Amrita and engineer Skyra.

Amrita has a melodious voice and easy style that contrasts Dxvta's rap stretch. The two alternate vocals, as the angst-filled words talk of a desire to make a relationship get going.

Dxvta has released quite a few tracks over the past couple of years, including '3.38 am' with Skyra. They seem to know each other's vibe well.

Ipsitaa & Aditya Dev/ Dilbara

Label: JJust Music

Rating: ***

Let's change the mood now. Singer Ipsitaa teams up with composer Aditya Dev on 'Dilbara', a song clearly aimed at the dance floor. She also appears in the video, directed by Charit Desai and featuring a group of back-up dancers. 

Aditya joins in the vocals on the song, released by Jackyy Bhagnani's JJust Music. Though Rashmi Virag's lyrics don't go beyond the routine "Tu mera khwab bane, main tera khwab banoo" and "Come be my dilbara", the song has a certain peppiness and the kind of infectious beats that make it dance-friendly.

Manish Sharma & Rajesh Soni/ Mann Bawaraa (film song)

Promoted by: Ubon Vision

Rating: *** 1/2

We'll end this week with a film song, from the forthcoming release Panchkriti - Five Elements. The track, 'Mann Bawaraa', is a melodious love song composed and written by Rajesh Soni and sung by Manish Sharma.

Filmed on Sarika Bharoliya and Sagar Wahi, the song is set in a picturesque and hilly region in Bundelkhand, which straddles Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh. It's a tune that sticks to you with it's simplicity, and the line "Hua re hua re hua mann bawaraa, mann bawaraa" lingers on.

Manish has a pleasant voice which has potential in both film and independent music. Hope to hear more from him.



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