The discourse around the hip-hop scene in Bombay has always been polarising. On one hand, Bombay is the home of hard-hitting gully rap while we also have an exemplary range of experimental hip-hop acts. Just like the diverse hip-hop talent of Bombay, the demography of the city is a melting pot of culture, class, and hustle which is what “Bombay Coast” by Yashraj is all about!

Bombay Coast – A Genius Title

Bombay Coast as the name of the song is a genius choice because of its multiple interpretations! Firstly, it’s a straightforward meaning of Bombay – The Coastal City! Secondly, Coastal ecosystems, in general, are crucial because they are dynamic, or always changing. For marine creatures, insects, and plants, they offer distinctive habitats – a mirror to the diversity of Bombay which the song talks about!

Lastly, the Bombay Coast historically had always been the entry point for all foreigners. Yashraj pens down a warning to all his opps in the song about the killers of his city and the tough life of the people here! Hence the cover art!

Lyricism and Music

Yashraj’s cadence and the swagger with which he flows in Bombay Coast is simply sensational. His tone effortlessly channels the gritty feel of the song and the city. As far as lyricism goes, the Hausla hitmaker did his job well. The song had it all; from clever references (Nas – Jay Z / Native Bombay references) to commentary on the societal structure, Yashraj encapsulated his verses well.

The music has been produced by the trio of Malhar, Rachit Deo, and Adil; and safe to say, it is a bop! The beat has an old-school vibe with the heavy drums and low-pitched chords in loop. The additional elements added to the base however are what stole the show for me. Be it the turn table effect, the eerie melody loop, or the GTA San Andreas-type sample in the second verse, the toppings were beautiful.
Special shoutout to the sampling of Hanumankind’s Damn Son and to the kicks and snares which were on point.

Conclusion

A song like Bombay Coast was much needed owing to the unnecessary flak that the city’s hip-hop scene was getting from the online hip-hop community. Yashraj is one of the few hip-hop acts from the city who is well respected by everyone in the community and a song screaming the city’s testosterone-filled aggressiveness was necessary! As a Bombay boy myself, this is going straight to my gym playlist! Kudos to Yashraj for teaming up with three amazing talents to team up with three amazing talents to deliver this song! Here’s hoping Yashraj continues experimenting again with his choices!

You can stream the song here!