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Why Ikka Remains DHH's Most Underappreciated Powerhouse

8/15/20254 min read

Ikka represents the very essence of versatility in Desi Hip-Hop, yet remains one of the scene's most undervalued talents. Like Goku unlocking new power levels each year, Ankit Singh Patyal has consistently evolved his artistry, making it nearly impossible to predict what his next project will bring. From commercial Bollywood hits to soul-stirring storytelling masterpieces, Ikka has mastered multiple dimensions of rap music, establishing himself as one of DHH's true OGs who deserves far more recognition than he currently receives.

The Genesis: From Mafia Mundeer to Solo Stardom

Ikka's journey began in the legendary collective that shaped modern Indian hip-hop. As an original member of Mafia Mundeer alongside Yo Yo Honey Singh, Badshah, Raftaar, and Lil Golu, Ikka was instrumental in the group's early success before their disbandment in 2012. His transition from the collective to solo artistry marked the beginning of a remarkable evolution that would showcase his true potential.

The breakthrough came with "Half Window Down" in 2016, a track originally written for Diljit Dosanjh but performed by Ikka himself after scheduling conflicts. This MTV and 9XM favorite became a cultural phenomenon, establishing Ikka as a mainstream force while hinting at the depth that would later define his artistry. His early Bollywood success, including hits like "In Da Club" (2014) and collaborations with major artists, provided the platform for his eventual hardcore DHH emergence.

The Art of Storytelling: A Master at Work

When it comes to storytelling in rap, Ikka stands among the absolute best in the game. His ability to paint vivid pictures with words is exemplified in tracks like "Interview" and "Nishu," where he transforms personal experiences into cinematic narratives that resonate deeply with listeners.

The track "Nishu" particularly showcases this mastery. Named after Ikka's childhood nickname, the song chronicles his journey from a common household boy to the established artist he became. The storytelling is so compelling that it reveals new layers with each listen, demonstrating why Ikka is considered among DHH's finest storytellers.

His 2022 album "Nishu" served as an autobiographical masterpiece, featuring collaborations with DHH heavyweights like Badshah, Raftaar, and Seedhe Maut while maintaining its deeply personal narrative core. Each track depicted his thoughts, lifestyle, ideology, and versatility, creating a comprehensive portrait of the artist behind the persona.

Versatility as a Defining Characteristic

What sets Ikka apart is his remarkable ability to excel across multiple styles and genres. From hardcore DHH to commercial Bollywood tracks, from melodic rap to hard-hitting lyrical exercises, he delivers consistently across the spectrum. This versatility is evident in his discography:

His 2020 debut album "I" established him as a serious DHH artist after years of mainstream success, featuring collaborations with DIVINE, Raftaar, and other prominent figures. The album demonstrated his ability to craft both introspective tracks and high-energy anthems with equal skill.

The 2024 project "Blood Is Better Than Tears" showcased his hardcore side with tracks like "Gojira" and "Fucking Umeed," proving that his lyrical abilities had only sharpened with time. This samurai-inspired EP set the stage for his latest offering while establishing a thematic continuity that speaks to his artistic maturity.

FUBU EP: Peak Ikka in Full Display

Released in August 2025, the "FUBU" EP represents Ikka at his absolute peak. Entirely produced by Sez on the Beat, the five-track project demonstrates why the artist-producer combination remains one of DHH's most potent partnerships. The title itself—a clever flip of the iconic streetwear brand's "For Us, By Us" into "Fuck You, By Us"—establishes the project's defiant tone from the outset.

The EP showcases multiple facets of Ikka's artistry across its five tracks:

"FUBU" serves as both mission statement and anthem, featuring experimental production that pushes sonic boundaries
"Ambulance" delivers sharp punchlines and cultural references, from Freddy Krueger to clever wordplay about King Midas
"Dogs and Snakes" reveals Ikka's introspective side while maintaining lyrical sharpness
"Art Samajh Aata Nahi" demonstrates his storytelling abilities in a more emotional context
"Sunta Hoon Rawal" pays tribute to underground talent Rawal while showcasing masterful flow switches

The Underground Connection and Industry Respect

Ikka's commitment to supporting underground talent sets him apart from many mainstream artists. His collaboration with Rawal on "Sunta Hoon Rawal" represents a rare instance of a mainstream rapper giving proper recognition to an underground artist by name. This gesture reflects his understanding of the scene's ecosystem and his willingness to use his platform to elevate deserving talent.

His influence extends beyond just featuring artists—he's been instrumental in supporting emerging talent throughout their careers. MC Stan has publicly acknowledged Ikka's early support when few others believed in his potential. This mentorship approach has earned him respect across the DHH community, positioning him as both an artist and an industry elder.

The Technical Excellence: Sez on the Beat Partnership

The collaboration with producer Sez on the Beat has become one of DHH's most consistent and effective partnerships. Sez's production on the "FUBU" EP demonstrates remarkable range, from the explosive percussion of the title track to the moody, bass-heavy bounce of "Ambulance". This synergy allows Ikka the space to experiment, get personal, and showcase his technical skills all within the same project.

The production quality elevates Ikka's already impressive lyrical abilities, creating a cohesive sonic landscape that enhances the storytelling and punchlines. This partnership proves that mainstream success doesn't require sacrificing artistic integrity or experimental approaches.

Addressing the Recognition Gap

Despite his consistent output and undeniable talent, Ikka remains underappreciated in DHH discourse. While he's respected within the industry and has maintained relevance across multiple eras of Indian hip-hop, public recognition often lags behind his actual contributions. This disconnect between talent and recognition makes him one of the scene's most undervalued assets.

His ability to adapt to changing sounds while maintaining his core identity is remarkable. From the early Mafia Mundeer days through his Bollywood phase to his current hardcore DHH output, Ikka has consistently evolved without losing his essence—a trait that separates truly great artists from merely successful ones.

The Legacy Continues

With the "FUBU" EP, Ikka has once again proven why he deserves to be mentioned among DHH's elite. The project demonstrates that even at the peak of mainstream success, he remains hungry to create challenging, boundary-pushing music. This artistic restlessness and commitment to growth ensures that his best work may still be ahead of him.

As DHH continues to evolve, artists like Ikka serve as bridges between the genre's past and future. His journey from Mafia Mundeer member to Bollywood hitmaker to hardcore DHH artist illustrates the many paths an artist can take while maintaining authenticity and artistic integrity. For the DHH audience, truly understanding and appreciating Ikka's full potential remains an ongoing discovery—one that rewards deeper listening and recognition of his remarkable versatility, consistency, and commitment to the craft.