Reflecting his lifestyle, Sambo believes hip-hop is similar to religion and connects people with the nation. “The whole culture emerged from adversity and oppression in the context of American social and economic struggles in the early ’70s, creating something that would help pioneers navigate their reality,” he explains. Looking back at its roots, he emphasizes that art is meaningless without intention. Every movement has a purpose. For him, hip-hop serves as a medium of storytelling and self-restraint.
On a similar line, Mohamed Shahahansage (Raphael) of Street Culture Hyderabad embarks on a journey to address the looming issues through rap. His lyrics shed light on the lives of corporate workers and balances their professors with personal responsibilities.
He plays an ensemble of four rappers, each with their own cultural influences. Punjabi rapper Kurjeet presents Todham Tadi, a track about aggression, freedom of speech, and the power of platforms and microphones. Meanwhile, beatboxer and rapper Prateek Shekhar (Daakiya) blends old-school rap with Sanskrit references from the Mahabharata, weaving ancient themes into modern stories. Participants will be beatboxers Muntazeer and Sairam (M3 Sai) Atelugu Rapper, who add their own flavours to their performances. The show’s case culminates in Raphael’s freestyle rap, using the audience as the muse to improvise poems.
