At best,it is a rhyming set of lyrics strung together in a rustic fashion,at worst its a harsh,unpleasant sound that might be jarring to some. For Delhi-based freestyle hip hop artiste BK,short for Borkunglal Hrangkhawl,it is the purest form of expression. Hip-hop might not be for all age groups but it is a popular medium of expressing your thoughts, says BK,20. BKs forte is the freestyle version of hip hop,an American street style of singing which originated in the 1980s and immediately garnered a following. It involves facing off against an opponent with lyrics that are funny and creative. Last year,BK,who is currently completing his graduation from Delhi University formed a hip-hop group called Drop Squad with three college friends,all from the North-East. Theyve performed at night clubs in the NCR like Elevate,Decibel,Barcode and colleges like Miranda House. Tashi Namgyal,21,is the groups DJ who quit his job as a DJ instructor with a Pitampura-based training institute six months ago to join Drop Squad. Our lyrics mirror anxieties of the youth on issues like love,drugs,freedom, says Namgyal,We also try to bring focus on the violence in the North-East through our music. He underwent several months training at a recording studio to master a set of 10 beats that he uses for his group performances. The gang takes inspiration from international hip-hop artists Fort Minor,Fat Joe and 2 Pac but theyre trying to create a distinctive niche for themselves in freestyle. Apart from Namgyal and BK,the troupe comprises another hip hop artiste named LZ short for Lalzomuana Rokhum and an acoustic guitarist,Billy Langhu,who pitches in fusion elements like pop and RNB. The band,which has compiled six tracks and circulated these in campuses,is now planning to launch an album next year. My first song,When I am all alone ,was dedicated to my ex-girlfriend, says BK. There will be songs about Delhi as well as a mix of freestyle hip hop and traditional hip hop, says Namgyal,adding that Aftershock Records is helping them record their album. Were hopping.
