Def Jam Recordings India Label Group is dedicated to supporting India and South Asia’s diverse Hip-Hop culture.
Irfana Hameed, a rapper and singer from Kodaikanal, has become the first female artist signed to the Def Jam Recordings India label. Irfana, the ferocious lyricist behind the critically acclaimed 'Ko-Lab' EP, was one of the first emcees to be signed by Universal Music India's largest Hip-Hop label division in India and South Asia.
Swati Bhat
Irfana made a name for herself as a budding female emcee from Tamil Nadu after her debut release with Universal Music India through Found Out Records. Her traditional Carnatic vocal and veena training marked the beginning of her musical career. But, the young artist first became aware of hip-hop when she heard Eminem in the fifth grade on a set of shared pen drives.
Inspiring topics of anti-fascism, Tamil and Muslim culture, and femininity are explored in Irfana's discography. Irfana also contributed vocals to the "I am your King" title music from the Netflix web series Masaba Masaba. She served as the model for the Women's Day ad sponsored by boAt with Rashmika Mandanna. The Malayalam superstar Tovino Thomas is a featured artist on her song "Kannil Pettole," which made her a Hip-Hop sensation in Southern India. Recently, the young artist was showcased in 'Emerging Women in Hip-hop' by Vogue magazine.
Universal Music Group (UMG), the global leader in music-based entertainment, has announced the establishment of Def Jam India in 2022. Def Jam India follows in the footsteps of the legendary Hip-Hop label 'Def Jam Recordings,' which has led and influenced global hip-hop culture for over 35 years. Hip-popularity hop's as a genre has skyrocketed in recent years, and the launch of Def Jam India breathed new life into India's burgeoning Hip-Hop scene.
"I'm honoured to be associated with such a historic label," Irfana said of her victory. I hope that my accomplishment serves as an inspiration to all female hip-hop artists in India! I'm excited to collaborate with Def Jam India to create meaningful hip-hop music.
Communiquéd about her victory "I'm honoured to be associated with such a historic label," Irfana said. I hope that my accomplishment serves as an inspiration to all female hip-hop artists in India! I'm excited to collaborate with Def Jam India and Universal Music India to release meaningful hip-hop music, especially since I grew up watching Def Jam Slam, and this is a dream come true! I hope to inspire all young emcees to take the plunge and dive right in - it's an exciting time to be an Indian hip-hop artist!"
About Def Jam Recordings India
Def Jam India is Universal Music India’s new label division within India dedicated to representing the best hip-hop and rap talent from the region. Def Jam India follows the blueprint of the iconic Def Jam Recordings label, which has led and influenced cutting-edge hip-hop and urban culture for more than 35 years. While Def Jam is a global hip-hop powerhouse that represents an iconic roster of artists such as LL Cool J, Slick Rick, Public Enemy, Beastie Boys, Kanye West, Jay-Z, Rihanna, Pusha T, Dave East, YG and many more.
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