Badshah: The Rise of India’s Hip-Hop King
Aditya Prateek Singh Sisodia, better known as Badshah, has revolutionized the Indian music industry with his unique blend of rap, hip-hop, and Punjabi beats. Over the years, he has built a reputation as one of the most influential and commercially successful artists in the country. From his early days as an underground rapper to breaking YouTube records and collaborating with Bollywood, Badshah’s journey is nothing short of inspiring.
In this article, we’ll dive deep into Badshah’s life, career, struggles, achievements, and lasting impact on Indian music.
Early Life and Background
Badshah was born on November 19, 1985, in Delhi, India, into a Punjabi family with Haryanvi roots. His father was a government officer, and his mother worked as a teacher. He completed his schooling at Bal Bharati Public School, Delhi, where he developed an interest in music, particularly in school choirs and local performances.
Despite his love for music, Badshah pursued civil engineering at Punjab Engineering College, Chandigarh. It was during his college years that he was introduced to Punjabi rap and hip-hop, which significantly influenced his musical style.
“If I had not been a rapper, I would have been an IAS officer.” – Badshah
His time in Chandigarh proved to be a turning point as he began writing lyrics and experimenting with rap music.
Musical Beginnings: Mafia Mundeer and Breakthrough
Badshah’s entry into the music scene began when he joined Mafia Mundeer, a hip-hop collective led by Yo Yo Honey Singh. The group became extremely popular in the underground music scene, producing songs that quickly went viral among the youth. Some of their hits included:
- Angreji Beat (later used in Bollywood’s "Cocktail")
- Brown Rang
- Get Up Jawani
However, creative differences led Badshah to part ways with the group and embark on a solo career. He wanted to establish his own identity and experiment with different music styles.
Rise to Fame: Solo Career and Bollywood Breakthrough
Badshah’s independent career took off when he released DJ Waley Babu in 2015, featuring Aastha Gill. The song became a viral sensation, topping music charts and gaining millions of views on YouTube.
Following this success, he ventured into Bollywood, contributing hit songs to various films, including:
- "Saturday Saturday" – Humpty Sharma Ki Dulhania (2014)
- "Abhi Toh Party Shuru Hui Hai" – Khoobsurat (2014)
- "Kar Gayi Chull" – Kapoor & Sons (2016)
- "Tareefan" – Veere Di Wedding (2018)
- "She Move It Like" – Independent release (2018)
His music was fresh, peppy, and catered to the party-loving audience, making him a household name in India’s entertainment industry.
International Recognition and Record-Breaking Achievements
Badshah is not just a Bollywood hitmaker but also an international music sensation. In 2019, his song "Paagal" broke YouTube records by becoming the most-viewed video in 24 hours, surpassing artists like BTS and Taylor Swift. The song gathered over 74.8 million views, making global headlines.
However, the achievement was met with skepticism, with critics questioning whether views were boosted using promotional strategies. Despite the controversy, the record showcased Badshah’s international appeal and marketing acumen.
Badshah’s Unique Musical Style
Badshah’s music is a fusion of Punjabi, Hindi, Haryanvi, and Western hip-hop influences. His style is characterized by:
✅ Catchy beats – Party anthems with groovy, energetic music
✅ Street-style rap – Lyrics that connect with youth culture
✅ Blend of languages – Mixing Hindi, Punjabi, and urban slang
✅ Mass appeal – Relatable lyrics and foot-tapping melodies
Unlike traditional rap, which often focuses on social issues and storytelling, Badshah’s rap is lighthearted and commercial, making it more accessible to the Indian audience.
Controversies and Criticism
Being a public figure, Badshah has faced his fair share of controversies:
- Yo Yo Honey Singh Feud – His split from Mafia Mundeer led to a rumored rift between him and Honey Singh.
- Genda Phool Controversy – The Bengali folk song adaptation received backlash for not crediting the original artist Ratan Kahar, though Badshah later addressed the issue.
- Auto-Tune Debate – Critics argue that Badshah relies heavily on auto-tune and lacks the rawness of traditional rap artists.
Despite these challenges, Badshah remains one of India’s most successful musicians.
Personal Life
Badshah married Jasmine Masih in 2012, and the couple welcomed their daughter Jessemy Grace Masih Singh in 2017. However, reports surfaced in 2020 about their separation.
Recently, he has been linked to Punjabi actress Isha Rikhi, though neither has confirmed the relationship.
Recent Projects and Future Plans
Badshah continues to evolve as an artist, exploring new sounds and collaborations. His latest album, "Ek Tha Raja" (2024), features 16 tracks, blending rap, pop, and experimental beats. Notably, Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan narrated the trailer, adding to its grand appeal.
With over 350 million Spotify streams, the album has cemented Badshah’s position as a global music powerhouse.
Legacy and Impact on Indian Music
Badshah has played a crucial role in making hip-hop mainstream in India. His influence can be seen in:
✔️ The rise of independent rap and hip-hop artists in India
✔️ Bollywood’s increasing incorporation of rap in its music
✔️ Global interest in Indian rap and urban music
Many new artists, including Divine, Emiway Bantai, and Raftaar, have acknowledged Badshah’s influence in bringing rap music to the forefront of Indian pop culture.
Conclusion: The Reign of Badshah Continues
From a college student experimenting with music to becoming India’s rap king, Badshah’s journey is a testament to hard work, resilience, and innovation. His ability to adapt to changing music trends while staying true to his signature style has made him a timeless artist.
As he continues to break records and push musical boundaries, one thing is clear: Badshah’s rule over the Indian music industry is far from over.
"Music is my language, and my fans are my family." – Badshah
What’s Next for Badshah?
With upcoming collaborations and international projects, fans can expect bigger and better music from the rap superstar. Will he break more global records? Only time will tell!
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