As a South Indian who grew up in the North, Raftaar—born Dilin Nair in 1988—has kept his finger on the pulse of young India’s dauntless attitude and built a reputation as a fiery rapper who likes a bit of fun on the side. Originally part of the Mafia Mundeer crew with the likes of Yo Yo Honey Singh and Badshah, Raftaar brought his defiant wordplay to Bollywood songs like “Dhaakad” as well as Punjabi collaborations such as “Swag Mera Desi” and “All Black”. With his distinctively low voice and snarling delivery, he’s since collaborated with artists from around India—including Bangalore’s Brodha V, Goa’s Nucleya and New Delhi’s Deep Kalsi and KR$NA—while promoting young voices through his label Kalamkaar. Meanwhile, solo material like 2018’s Zero to Infinity, 2020’s Mr. Nair and the incendiary diss track “Sheikh Chilli”—where he takes aim at rival rapper Emiway Bantai—document the musician clawing his way to the top.