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Tag: Red Bull 64 Bars

  • Karma drops truth bombs in ‘Zi Freestyle’ as 64 Bars returns for season 3

    Karma drops truth bombs in ‘Zi Freestyle’ as 64 Bars returns for season 3

    MUMBAI: Bar none, hip-hop just got real. Def Jam Recordings India and Red bull have teamed up once again to unleash season 3 of Red Bull 64 Bars, the platform that strips rap back to its purest form, 64 lines, no hooks, no fluff, just raw lyricism and storytelling.

    https://open.spotify.com/album/1NZfcJlmwxaOt9z9tTIePU?si=od7C1BNBQhe6eZk9uu0YDg

    The season opens with a bang as rapper Karma joins forces with producer Stunnah Beatz on “Zi Freestyle” a track that sways from smooth, jazz-soaked textures into a hard-hitting beat, mirroring Karma’s verses that blend vulnerability with bravado.

    “Working on Zi Freestyle was an incredible experience,” Karma said. “The format pushes you to focus on the essence of the craft, pure bars and storytelling. Stunnah’s production was the perfect canvas to lay down my truth.”

    Launched globally, Red Bull 64 Bars challenges both rising and established MCs to showcase skill over spectacle. It’s about words, rhythm and authenticity, not chart hooks. Last year’s standout, Vazan by Sambata, became a fan favourite, and season 3 promises to push the envelope further.

    Industry leaders say the format is fuelling India’s hip-hop movement. “Red Bull 64 Bars is one of the most exciting platforms for hip-hop in India,” said UMG India & south Asia, new business & brand partnerships, svp & business head, Preeti Nayyar. “With Def Jam as the perfect home, this collaboration reflects our commitment to championing new voices and celebrating India’s music culture.”

    Adding to that, UMG, head of independent artist collective, Sumedhas Rajgopal, noted: “The format gives artists the freedom to express themselves in the most authentic way. With season 3, we’re bringing fresh performances from rappers and producers who’ll keep pushing boundaries.”

    Zi Freestyle by Karma and Stunnah Beatz is now streaming on all major platforms, setting the tone for a season that proves when it comes to hip-hop, it’s all about the bars.

  • Def Jam Recordings India, UMGB & Red Bull launch new season of Red Bull 64 Bars

    Def Jam Recordings India, UMGB & Red Bull launch new season of Red Bull 64 Bars

    Mumbai: Def Jam Recordings India, in partnership with Universal Music Group for Brands (UMGB), announced a dynamic collaboration with Red Bull to launch the highly anticipated new season of Red Bull 64 Bars. This collaboration aims to shine a spotlight on India’s vibrant hip-hop talent, delivering eight original tracks that represent the country’s diverse music, culture across multiple languages.

    Originally conceptualised by Red Bull, Red Bull 64 Bars stands apart from traditional rap formats by eliminating commercial elements like hooks and refrains, allowing artists to focus purely on raw lyricism and beats. This stripped-back format highlights the unfiltered skill and authenticity of rappers and producers, fostering genuine artistic expression. Powered by the influence and reach of UMG’s premium hip-hop label, Def Jam Recordings India, this season promises an exciting roster of some of India’s most talented emcees, along with a star-studded lineup of producers and artists.

    The format is straightforward, although it does involve a bit of understanding of rhythm and beats. In music (and specifically hip-hop) a single bar is a measure of four counts over a beat. For 64 bars, that means there’s room enough for approximately two minutes of words. Usually, a bar is one aspect of rap vocals, which often form the verse of a song and then there’s the chorus or the hook.

    Season one of Red Bull 64 Bars featured a series of 10 rappers from around the country who worked with Mumbai’s ace beatsmith Karan Kanchan to create a new track that’s all bars. The artists included Bengaluru-based rappers such as Hanumankind and RANJ, plus Mumbai’s cream of the crop, including Dee MC, Shah Rule, MC Altaf, Tienas and Trichia Grace-Ann Rebello, also Delhi NCR bred rappers Agsy and Rawal, and Mohali-based Sikander Kahlon.

    Senior vice president & business head – new business & brand partnerships, India & South Asia, Preeti Nayyar shared, “At UMG for Brands, supporting emerging artists has always been at the heart of what we do. The 64 Bars concept has captured our interest for some time, and we knew it was the kind of project we wanted to champion and partner with. Now that it’s finally happening, we couldn’t be more excited to be part of it. This collaboration perfectly aligns with our mission to foster creativity and elevate the next wave of hip-hop talent in India. With Def Jam Recordings India being the best fit from our labels, we’re uniquely positioned to amplify this initiative. We are thrilled to be part of this incredible initiative that showcases the richness and diversity of India’s music culture through Hip-Hop. It’s a unique platform for artists to share their personal stories with the world, and we couldn’t be more excited to contribute.”

    The new season will feature three of India’s top producers — Karan Kanchan, Sez On The Beat, and Parimal Shais — who will infuse their unique creative energies into the project, shaping the future of Indian hip-hop with their distinctive styles.

    Universal Music Group head of the independent artist collective Sumedhas Rajgopal shared his excitement about the collaboration, “This partnership with Red Bull’s 64 Bars underscores our commitment to elevating and empowering the voices of Indian hip-hop talent. At Def Jam Recordings India, we are passionate about preserving the authenticity of the genre, the culture and Red Bull 64 Bars perfectly aligns with that vision. This platform gives artists the freedom to express themselves without limitations, and we are thrilled to bring these powerful, original tracks to the world. India’s hip-hop scene is evolving rapidly, and we’re proud to play a role in its journey.”