Interview with Kabir: The Voice of Northeast India’s Hip-Hop Scene

Episode 2 – 'Interview by Amit Baruah'

Hip-hop is more than just music. It’s a movement, a voice for the unheard, a canvas for stories that need to be told. And in Northeast India, one name stands tall in shaping this culture—Kabir.

A rapper, lyricist, and visionary, Kabir has brought Shillong’s underground hip-hop scene to the mainstream, proving that music from this corner of the country has a place on the global stage. In this episode of Interview with Amit Baruah, I sit down with Kabir, an old friend and a pioneering artist, to dive deep into his journey, his struggles, and his vision for the future of hip-hop in Northeast India.

Humble Beginnings: From School Notebooks to SoundCloud

"So, Kabir, tell us about your career. How did it all start, and where are you at this moment?"

Kabir leans back, smiling as he recollects his journey.

"I started technically in 2009. Back then, I was still in school, scribbling lyrics on the last pages of my notebooks. I didn’t have a clear direction, but I had an undeniable love for poetry and rap. My friends were into hip-hop, so I naturally got drawn into the culture. By 2011, I started recording demos at home—just me, a basic headphone mic, and free online DAWs. That’s how it all began."

For a kid growing up in Shillong, a city known more for its rock and blues legacy than hip-hop, this was uncharted territory. He wasn’t just writing rhymes; he was discovering an entire culture, learning about flow, bars, and storytelling through rap.

The First Big Break: Northeast Cypher

"People know you now, but when did that start? When did you first feel like, 'Okay, people recognize me as an artist'?"

Kabir chuckles, recalling a turning point.

"Recognition came in waves. It wasn’t overnight. I started small—recording tracks, sharing them with friends. Then, in 2020, everything changed. I was meditating at home when I had this calling: I needed to do something bigger. I reached out to fellow rappers from different states in Northeast India, and that’s how we created Northeast Cypher."

The project was revolutionary—12 rappers from all eight Northeastern states coming together in a powerful, unifying track. 3.2 million views later, Northeast Cypher became a landmark moment in Indian rap history.

"I remember walking through Shillong and Guwahati, and people recognized me, calling out, ‘Hey, are you Kabir from Northeast Cypher?’ That’s when I knew something had changed."*

The track wasn’t just a showcase of talent; it was a statement. It put Northeast India on the hip-hop map and earned praise from legends like Divine, KR$NA, Brodha V, and Raga.

The Essence of Kabir’s Music: A Voice for the Voiceless

Kabir’s music isn’t just about rhythm and rhyme—it’s about truth. His songs touch on the struggles of his community, the political undercurrents of society, and personal battles with mental health.

"Your lyrics tell stories of the unheard. When did you start writing about social issues?"

"It started with a song called Prayer for My City in 2015. Shillong was going through a tough time, and I wanted to document that. It wasn’t just about rhyming words; it was about using music as a tool for change."

This song resonated deeply with listeners. It spoke about identity, struggles, and the socio-political climate, making it a powerful anthem.

"I believe hip-hop should be more than just beats. It should inspire, create dialogue, and empower people to speak up."

This philosophy has remained central to Kabir’s music. His upcoming album, Love + Pain = Wisdom, continues this tradition, addressing suppressed issues and highlighting the reality of the world around us.

Breaking into the Mainstream: VH1 & Beyond

"Tell us about your first industry breakthrough. You’ve been grinding since 2011, but when did you first feel like you made it?"

Kabir’s journey hasn’t been easy. It took him nearly eight years to reach a milestone moment.

"One of my biggest breaks came in 2020 when my song Fire in Your Eyes got featured on VH1 India. That was surreal. Suddenly, people beyond my immediate circle knew my name. They listened to my music. That gave me an insane amount of motivation."

While some might consider this "making it," Kabir remains grounded.

"I still have a long way to go. There’s so much more to achieve, so many more stories to tell."

This hunger for more is what keeps him going.

The Responsibility of an Artist

"With the influence you have, do you feel a responsibility toward the younger generation?"

"Absolutely. Hip-hop is more than music; it’s a culture that impacts people deeply. I always remind myself—if you have a voice, use it wisely. What we say as artists influences the youth, so we need to be responsible with our words and actions."

Kabir’s message is clear—hip-hop should unify people, break barriers, and inspire positive change.

The Future of Hip-Hop in Northeast India

"Where do you see yourself in the next five years?"

"I want to take Northeast Indian hip-hop to a bigger platform. I want to keep making music, collaborating with artists, and bringing attention to the talent in our region."

"2025 is a big year for me. I’m dropping my debut album, and I need all the support I can get. I’m also planning to tour, meet people, and continue using music to tell powerful stories."

A Verse to End the Show

"Kabir, we can’t let you leave without a verse!"

With a grin, Kabir grabs the mic and delivers a powerful verse from Prayer for My City:

"Lord, here's my prayer for my cityWhere hate bombs like NagasakiTears been falling heavy then rains in CherrapunjiI'm speaking the truth now raw and law, they're trying to sue me..."

The room is silent, taking in every word.

"That was fire, Kabir! Thank you for being here."

"Always a pleasure, Amit."

Final Thoughts

Kabir is more than a rapper—he’s a storyteller, a visionary, and a cultural force shaping the future of Northeast Indian hip-hop. His journey is a testament to passion, persistence, and purpose.

As his music continues to reach new heights, one thing is clear: this is just the beginning.