Sun J. shows his love for rap music right inside India’s central hub of New Delhi. On his single “Dilli” the emerging star represents his city, giving outsiders a lifestyle perspective and keeping the original hip hop ethos alive by placing it in an Indian context.
The rapper is less favorable with dipping in and out of melodic phrases but his hard lyrics turn any solemn situation into high energy enthusiasm. Sun J. seems to take his rap seriously. His music is actively aggressive in sound, if not in content and is coupled with enhanced fidelity, giving his vocals more edge in tracing his runs with more precision.
The Khatarnaak Hip-Hop Collective founded by Sun J. aims to revitalize the current hip hop scene in India. I remember earlier on that English was the language of choice especially when it came to its use in battle raps. But in the recent past there’s been a huge change for India’s rap community where rappers are starting to get more comfortable and expressive with their local slang and rapping with their own language.
“Dilli” is fulfilling by its very nature and its potential hinges on Sun J. taking pride with his ability to bring a touch of the extraordinary to ordinary circumstances. Although the song is exciting with it’s fast-flow, it’s still less addictive with very few rhymes to rely on. This is indicative of a rap movement in India that is still growing at a good pace, and what is happening now with Sun J. and his collective is shaping things for the future.
India has got quite some favorable and talented MCs including Prabh Deep, Emiway, and Naezy. They are still popular, still relevant, still scoring hits, and India’s rap, as it exists now, is being dominated by this creative individuals. Sun. J and his hip hop collective Khatarnaak are doing good in bridging the gap by relentlessly being productive and innovative with their music and coming up with something that’s exciting and relatable to the minds of listeners.
On the single “Dilli”, there is a menacing and thunderous effect with the lightning-speed rap style but it also sets itself up for missed opportunities. It needs more of sticky phrases that directly embed into your brain grooves. I guess what I was looking for was that blend of hip hop and Indian culture where Indian musical techniques such as Indian percussion and effects are highly incorporated into the mix.
There could have been so many ways of making “Dilli” a successful hit by coming up with more creative stuff but Sun J. shows a lot of potential in coming up with a solid track that’s strong and compelling.