Freedom is main attraction of hip-hop, says rapper Raftaar

Popular rapper Raftaar, known for songs like "Warna Gabbar aa jaega", "Singh And Kaur", "Toh dishoom", "Dhaakad" and "Haseeno ka deewana", says the free-flow nature of hip-hop makes the genre enjoyable for all music lovers.

The rapper, who launched the first episode of "Hip Hop Highway" on digital platform Saavn, said in a statement: "The main attraction lies in the freedom that hip-hop stands for.

"People do, and might always criticize the songs that I make, but the present and the future of hip-hop in India is good. There is a need for a balance between the commercial and underground hip-hop scenes, and I want audience to support the good things I do, instead of condemn the bad things I do," he added.

"Hip Hop Highway" is a 12-episode audio show that will go on air every Wednesday and will share a lot of insightful details about hip-hop music.

Every week, a new Indian rapper will host the show in conversation with budding talents, rappers and will talk about the role desi hip-hop has come to play in India's popular culture.

Raftaar and Bobby Friction, a DJ, television presenter and radio presenter from west London, hosted the premier episode.