Indian hip-hop is entering a new era, one where experimentation isn’t just accepted, it’s expected. DL91FM, the newly released 30-track mixtape from Seedhe Maut’s Delhi based label DL91era, is a testament to that evolution. With Hurricane on the boards and a stacked lineup featuring Seedhe Maut, AB17, Ghaatak, Lil Bhavi, Bhaskar and OG Lucifer, the project is an introduction to the crew and a bold sonic experiment, which lands with the force of a seismic shift.
Widely regarded as the most formidable duo in Indian hip-hop, Seedhe Maut have carved a legendary space for themselves with their razor-sharp lyricism, relentless flows, and unflinching storytelling. Calm and Encore ABJ have consistently pushed the envelope, merging underground ethos with mainstream appeal, and setting a gold standard for rap artistry in the country. With DL91FM they lean boldly into futuristic, contemporary, and genre-blending production. While earlier projects reflected the duo’s undefeated pen game and classic Delhi sound, this mixtape is louder, more colorful, and emotionally layered. It’s a celebration of brotherhood, ambition, and chaos, wrapped in trap hats, hyper-pop synths, and cleverly done melodies.
A Sonic Landscape, Rebuilt from the Ground Up
Hurricane’s production across the tape is nothing short of genre-defying. He brings a level of polish and imagination that glues the entire experience together, whether it’s through sped-up vocal chops, Indian classical samples, or glitchy transitions. The beats aren’t just backdrops, they’re active participants in every song. Though at times they risk overpowering the rappers, but most often they enhance the vibe instead of clashing with it. Every transition is purposeful, every switch-up feels earned.
From the very first track, Capital Rap, the intention is clear. The track functions as a mission statement, packed with rapid-fire flows, layered production, and an aggressive energy, daring listeners to keep pace with its momentum.
The Line-Up, Friends Who Feel Like Family
What truly elevates DL91FM is the synergy among its artists. While Calm and Encore, Seedhe Maut, have long been known for their unmatched chemistry, what’s remarkable here is how seamlessly AB17, Ghaatak, Lil Bhavi, Bhaskar and OG Lucifer integrate with them. Despite featuring all 7 artists, the mixtape never feels crowded. Instead, it thrives on interplay, trading verses, switching flows mid-track, layering ad-libs and inside jokes. You can hear the bond, and that authenticity is rare.
Calm is in prime form on this mixtape, delivering relentless, rapid-fire flows on tracks like Aadat, brimming with confidence and renowned swagger. His verses feel meticulously crafted yet effortlessly cool. Encore ABJ, always the lyrical genius, pushes his boundaries further by experimenting with vocal modulations and off-kilter cadences, an experimental leap that lands beautifully throughout.
Ghaatak emerges as the wild card, a true standout, dropping slang-heavy, unpredictable bars that feel both raw and spontaneous, yet land with precision. OG Lucifer brings a genre-fluid edge, especially on tracks like CD and Kilas, effortlessly gliding between auto-tuned melodies and gritty verses. Lil Bhavi and AB17 delivers in the tape with deep, theatrical voices and solid cadence. Their presence anchors several tracks, giving each a distinct texture. Bhaskar, arguably the most underrated voice on the label, brings a gritty presence to tracks like Barsaat and Dhoke, layering emotional depth into the project.
Hurricane, solidifies as one of the finest new-gen producers with meticulously crafted beats and seamless transitions. Beyond production, he delivers slick verses on Video Games and, the only single from the album yet, pancakes. With this mixtape, Hurricane doesn’t just support the sound, he helps define it.
The mixtape’s structure, 30 songs, multiple artists on every track, might sound like a recipe for fatigue. But in execution, it’s a triumph of cohesion.
Highlights
With 30 tracks, it’s impossible to pick a single standout, but a few songs demand repeated listens:
Pickup Arguably one of the most electrifying songs on the tape. OG Lucifer’s energy is infectious, and the beat, a dramatic sample of Indian classical, is flipped masterfully.
Madira – Dripping with nostalgia, it channels the emotional vibe of Nadaan and Maina. The track leaves you wanting more, its brevity being its only flaw.
Guldasta – An instant Seedhe Maut classic with a fresh twist. Built on lo-fi textures and slick percussion, where Encore’s poetic wordplay meets Calm’s tight delivery, with unexpected references (yes, even Attack on Titan) that lands beautifully.
Rahat – With its jazzy undertones and mellow pacing, it introduces a smooth, soulful side to the group’s sonic palette. It’s a refreshing flow switch broadens the album’s scope.
MP3 – Full of swagger and self-awareness, this one leans into classic hip-hop braggadocio. The standout feature is a creative flow switch that elevates the song’s playful, flex-heavy energy without losing lyrical finesse.
KTMN – A masterclass in structure and cohesion. Calm delivers a measured and introspective verse, carried by Hurricane’s flawless beat transitions. The track highlights the producer’s ability to stitch together varied moods while keeping the momentum intact.
El Matador – A slow-burning banger. El Matador embraces a dramatic, almost theatrical tone. The restrained tempo works in its favor, creating a moody, atmospheric space that’s as hypnotic as it is memorable.
DL91FM is more than just a mixtape. It boldly reimagines what Indian hip-hop can sound like in 2025. It’s the sound of old friends growing together, taking creative risks, and laying a new blueprint for the scene. Yes, it’s different from what Seedhe Maut fans may expect. But different doesn’t mean diluted. If anything, this project is more of them than anything before, just through a new lens.
It’s vulnerable. It’s experimental. It’s exciting.
Some fans might need a few listens to fully vibe with the left-field choices, but it grows on you, and then it stays with you. This is the sound of artists evolving, without forgetting where they came from.
And that’s the magic of DL91FM: it’s a chill, chaotic, and courageous reintroduction. A mixtape, yes, but also a warning shot. The boys from Section 71 aren’t just here to rap. They’re here to redefine.
If you’ve ever doubted the versatility of Indian hip-hop, this tape is your answer. Treat it for what it is, a mixtape made by friends who love music and aren’t afraid to push boundaries.
And we’re here for it.
