Hip-hop in India is thriving. But with it comes an uncomfortable truth: too many non-Black mouths are saying what they shouldn't.
Indian rapper @smokey_theghost called this out recently:
"I used the word as a child until someone corrected me. Why does this fascination still exist? And why are we letting it slide?"
When truth comes from inside the house, it hits differently. Smokey's call is one we can't ignore—not just in India but across the South Asian diaspora. From London to Kuala Lumpur, the n-word sneaks into songs, memes, and slang, repackaged through hip-hop without honoring its roots.
Hip-hop in India has evolved from underground whispers to a cultural force that shapes sound, style, and swagger across the country. Mid-2024 was a vibe nobody saw coming—@the_ranjha dropped a cypher that even audiences outside India who didn't speak the language couldn't stop vibing to. You didn't need to know the bars. The culture was enough.
But that same year, an artist named Lil Blackout released a song called "Black N***"* that gaslit the global hip-hop community. The audacity was appalling—art or a twisted mockery? Too often, this isn't an anomaly. From clubs to cliques, this word is carelessly pulled from hip-hop's toolkit without ever pausing to ask where it comes from—or who owns its history.
Hip-hop wasn't built on beats alone. It's a language of resistance forged from struggle. Yet, Blackness is consumed globally, stripped of its history, and recycled into "cool." This isn't just ignorance—it's complicity.
And here's the thing: casteism and anti-Blackness share the same playbook. Both thrive on exclusion and hierarchy, using purity and colour to justify oppression. You can't dismantle one without challenging the other.
What Comes Next?
Do better. Ask yourself:
Why this obsession with the n-word?
How are casteism and anti-Blackness reflected in your words and actions?
Are you consuming Black culture without respecting its history?
If you're an artist, step into the conversation. Follow Smokey's lead. Use your platform to unlearn, educate, and act. Smokey isn't alone. Globally, artists, activists, and educators are working to expose and deconstruct these patterns. Seek them out. Amplify their messages. Because this isn't just about words; it's about systems, legacies, and the humanity we owe one another. Hip-hop isn't just music—it's a mirror. As Smokey said, "I don't see why this fascination exists." Neither should you.
Are you South Asian? We want to hear from you! We’re conducting a groundbreaking survey on South Asian attitudes towards anti-Blackness. Your input will shape culturally relevant resources for parents, families, and teachers, fostering anti-racism in our communities.
The survey takes just 5 minutes, but your voice can make a lasting impact. 🔗 🔗 🔗 to share your perspective:
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