In the heart of Srinagar, amidst the serene landscapes and the haunting echoes of conflict, emerges a voice that transcends boundaries and speaks truth to power through Hip-Hop. Ahmer, a prolific rapper and producer hailing from Kashmir, is not just an artist; he is a symbol of resilience, defiance, and cultural pride. His lyrics, steeped in the region’s social fabric and cultural identity sheds light on the ongoing struggles faced by his people.

Chronicling Resilience in the Face of Adversity

Ahmer Performing Live at Spoken fest, DLF, Delhi.

Ahmer’s music isn’t just a reflection of hardship; it’s a testament to the unwavering spirit of Kashmiris. Songs like “KUN,” featuring the legendary MC Kash, pulsate with raw energy and defiance. It rallies for a brighter future, urging courage in adversity. Lines like “embracing fearlessness” and “standing firm even if legs were to break” paint a vivid picture of unwavering determination.
Similarly, “Bilya” produced by 30KEY! showcases Ahmer and Tufail‘s cultural pride and unwavering commitment to social justice through its distinct Kashmiri rhythm and metaphorical language woven with social commentary. This establishes Ahmer as a voice for his generation.

Introspection and the Weight of History

Ahmer delves into the complexities of Kashmiri identity and the burdens of living in a conflict-stricken region. This introspective nature is evident in songs like “Elaan,” featuring Prabh Deep, produced, mixed and mastered by Sez On The Beat. The opening line, “This is year 95s tale; I was born carrying sin,” instantly pulls listeners into the song’s exploration of identity. References to societal hypocrisy and unchecked development paint a vivid picture of the region’s struggles.

Navigating the Murky Waters of the Industry

Ahmer’s journey isn’t a fairy tale. “Rant” produced by 30KEY! and composed by Rajvir exposes the disillusionment and cutthroat realities of the music industry. The song lays bare the harsh truth of unfulfilled expectations and a system prioritising profit over art. Despite the challenges and frustrations, Ahmer acknowledges music’s power, particularly hip-hop. “Rant” ultimately becomes a testament to his perseverance and dedication to his craft.

1. 1. You mentioned your love for music and using it as a platform to raise your voice against injustice. As you continue to evolve as an artist, what themes or messages are you currently exploring in your music? Can you give us a glimpse of your current creative process and any upcoming projects or collaborations that you are excited about?

• • If you go back to the roots of hip-hop music and study it, rap music is essentially a form of protest music and has always been. It came from the ghettos, and I don’t care how commercial or mainstream it has become; it’s your story, and through your story, you reach out to the masses and the people who feel the same way you do. It should be powerful, and undoubtedly, it is one of the most impactful genres on earth.  I don’t think evolving as an artist is going to change who I am and who I’ve  been; I’ll always be a conscious artist, deep down. I want to experiment, make different music, and try different genres and styles because I want to push myself, and I know that I am capable enough to get out of my comfort zone, which I think is the aim of new music. What has changed is how we are looking at the industry now, and subsequently, how the industry looks at us, I think.

• • I think I have been too naive. When you are a full-time musician, the stakes are different. It’s a challenge for you to survive. For us, it’s always been too difficult from all ends, considering where we come from and the politics of the industry, you easily become an enemy. If your relationships aren’t good with some of the most powerful people in the scene, you are going to either get blacklisted or worse. My music is just a product for labels to just sell, crack deals that only work in their favour, and managers make more money than the artists they represent, when artists don’t even have a clue about it, it’s a dirty game. I mean, I know the industry is cutthroat, but I have never thought about my music that way or boiled it down to just that. I guess that’s where I’ve been too nice and learned a lesson too. So, if right now the music I’m making is underrated and doesn’t have that much reach, I’m glad that I am making it and happy about it, and there is no disrespect for it, for my time, for my energy, and there is no greed around me either.

2. 2. As a rapper of Kashmiri Hip-Hop, your perspective offers a unique lens through which to view the world. How do you see your role in representing the complexities of Kashmiri society, culture, and identity in the broader landscape of hip-hop?

• • I don’t think people should look at Kashmir through my lens; if they can relate to what I am saying, that’s good, and if they don’t, that’s also okay. I am no saint, but I have opinions and a perspective, I don’t follow any ideology,  and what’s out there is just too many narratives. What I know, I know, and I want to know more, and learning, searching doesn’t end when you really study about it; do your research instead of relying on WhatsApp information, fabricated news and frantically hilarious propaganda. 

• • The world is a mess, and everything has a price. Where I come from, there are so many layers that it’s not easy for us to come to a conclusion that a lot of people who aren’t from there get to. It’s a marketplace for TRP, for hatred, and for filthy politicians. I have had an arc, from LKBD, my debut album to Azli, because I consider them to be really special and they really tell you my story. I’m lucky that I’m that artist. I have had flaws. Other rappers might be superheroes, I’m not. and I’m proud that I have grown, both as a human and as a musician. Not a lot of artists are willing to do that because it’s scary. It’s scary to speak up, knowing it’ll decrease your fan base. That’s why a lot of rappers in the scene don’t even speak up when it comes to critical issues and concerns, be it all around the world or even hometown. They are comfortable where they are; I don’t want to be. When you come from a region like Kashmir, everything becomes political on its own, and they expect that from you. I don’t want to be limited; I want to expand, and whatever it takes, my music should stand for hope and resilience just like Kashmiris have, and I’m not talking about just one community, each and everyone.

50-Cent Vintage photoshoot.

3. 3. Early inspiration, 50 Cent, introduced you to hip-hop. How has his influence shaped your music and themes?

• • 50 Cent will forever be an inspiration, and it’s not only because of his music. He had a remarkable impact on culture. Personally, I believe his music and his larger-than-life personality taught me a valuable lesson: never give up and prioritise yourself. In this harsh world, one cannot simply give their heart away without caution. Looking back now, it’s evident how merciless it can be out here, where people often perceive kindness as weakness. I grew up listening to his mixtapes, being inspired by his fearlessness, and witnessing his generosity towards his fellow artists, whether it was G-Unit or everything else. Over the years, he provided a tremendous platform for many individuals, even though not everyone appreciated it. 50 isn’t merely a musician; he is a brilliant businessman too. I’m still eager to learn so much more. Whether it’s downloading his wallpapers, listening to his mixtapes, watching his interviews, or even books, his influence was everywhere, and I was an avid fan and I still am.

A Force for Change

His musical journey began steeped in the raw energy of American gangsta rap. However, his sound evolved with albums like ‘Azli,’ revealing a more introspective and soulful side. Collaborations with Kashmiri folk musicians like Shameema Shafi further enriched his sound, creating a unique fusion of rebellion and tradition. His impact extends far beyond music. Ahmer has become a role model for Kashmiri youth, inspiring them to find their voice and fight for their dreams.

Ahmer’s music is a powerful blend of social commentary, cultural pride, and introspective lyricism. He offers a unique perspective on the Kashmiri experience, using hip-hop as a tool for empowerment, social change, and the preservation of Kashmiri identity. As Ahmer continues to evolve, his music promises to be a compelling voice not just for Kashmir but for a generation yearning for a more just and equitable world.

Photos by Yashraj Kanojiia