In just 9 minutes and 30 seconds, Urban Poet’s latest EP, Culture Ties, manages to do what some albums can’t achieve in an hour—pull you into a world that’s as much about beats and bars as it is about roots, language, and evolution. It’s snapshot of Urban Poet’s journey, a mosaic of places, sounds, and identities stitched together with raw energy and sharp lyricism. Partnering with long-time collaborator Wamp across all four tracks and featuring a standout verse from ReVo LEKHAK on 50 TOLA, the EP is awn earworm in the best way possible.
Raised in Saharanpur, with roots stretching through Dehradun and Noida, Urban Poet’s music is soaked in the contrasts of small-town simplicity and big-city chaos.
“I really wanted to show my core,” he shares, describing how Culture Ties leans into his unique dialect—a blend of Haryanvi influences and local vernacular that reflects the cultural patchwork of Saharanpur.
This isn’t textbook Haryanvi; it’s a dialect that’s evolved with him, and it’s this linguistic authenticity that makes the EP feel like a conversation between the artist and his hometown.
“No bar can just come and go. Every single thing I say stays in the mind, it has that weight,” he says, and that’s not just talk.
A Quick Ride Through Culture Ties
The EP kicks off with Vijay Mallya, and it’s not the champagne-popping, yacht-party anthem you might expect from the title. Instead, it’s a sonic rollercoaster that plays with eclectic samples and sharp, unflinching lyricism. Urban Poet and Wamp layer intricate beats over a narrative that’s as much about self-assuredness as it is about navigating a world full of contradictions. The track sets the tone for what’s to come—a project that’s confident without being cocky, playful without losing its edge.
Next up is 50 TOLA, featuring ReVo LEKHAK (Now GHIDIYAL). Urban Poet’s admiration for ReVo’s work shines through. “ReVo’s unique old school energy is crazy,” he says, recalling how a track like BANNED made him a fan long before they worked together. The chemistry is palpable. ReVo’s effortless flow and signature pauses bring a different texture to the track, blending seamlessly with Urban Poet’s style while adding his own flavor. The song doesn’t try to be anything it’s not—it’s raw, unfiltered, and that’s exactly why it works.
But it’s the latter half of the EP—Quarter and 2NAALI—that really cements Culture Ties. These songs stand out not just for their lyrical depth but for their innovative use of Indian instrumentation and cultural references. Quarter had a life even before the EP took shape, but once the project started coming together, it found its rightful place.
Urban Poet had a very specific sound in mind—folk vocals, Rajasthani influences, something that would resonate on a different frequency. “Every time I would run it back, for some reason all that would play in my head were these folk, Rajasthani, Haryanvi vocals, at a very high note,” he explains.
The search for the perfect voice led him to Sati, a vocalist whose range brought the imagined sound to life. “The notes he hits are next level,” Urban Poet says, and he’s not exaggerating. Sati’s vocals soar over the beat, adding aN almost otherworldly dimension to the track. The fusion of traditional folk elements with hip-hop beats isn’t just a gimmick here—it’s a thoughtful experimentation.
2NAALI takes that fusion a step further. It’s a calculated blend of rap and melody, where Urban Poet leans fully into his dialect and cultural roots. The track is peppered with intense ad-libs and nuanced linguistic layers that reflect the diversity of his upbringing.
“Noida seeps in, Haryana seeps in. My circles have people from all over the place,” he notes.
Thematic Depth and Artistic Growth
Culture Ties moves from light-hearted, confident tracks to deeper, introspective pieces, reflecting Urban Poet’s own evolution as an artist. “This EP is a testament to my ability to do a lot more than just rap,” he says. And he’s right. There’s a rawness to the language, a willingness to be unfiltered that gives the EP its edge.
Quarter stands out as a direct response to the doubters. Urban Poet doesn’t mince words when addressing those who questioned his path.
“Where are you guys at now?” he asks in the song, followed by the punchy line, “Tera favourite rapper mai bana ke kha gaya naashta.” It’s not just bravado—it’s a reflection of the confidence that comes from knowing you’ve put in the work and earned your place.
But it’s not all about proving people wrong. There’s a playful side to Culture Ties too, especially in tracks like 50 TOLA, where Urban Poet lets his quirky, goofy side shine.
Brotherhood Behind the Beats
One of the standout aspects of Culture Ties is the creative partnership between Urban Poet and Wamp. Their dynamic goes beyond the typical artist-producer relationship. “We have this sync, it’s proper brotherhood,” Urban Poet explains. This connection is evident in the cohesive sound of the EP.
Wamp isn’t just a producer—he’s an integral part of Urban Poet’s creative process. “We sit together, and it’s like we’re in dialogue,” he says. Even when their ideas don’t align, there’s a mutual respect that allows them to push each other creatively. This collaborative spirit extends beyond just the two of them. Mentions of Yung Sammy, Flyboy, and other members of their circle highlight how much Urban Poet’s journey is rooted in community.
Even established artists have taken notice. “We get love from Raga bhai, he inspires us,” Urban Poet shares. It’s a reminder that the journey isn’t just about individual success but about contributing to a larger movement within the Indian hip-hop scene.
Final Thoughts
Culture Ties is a reflection of Urban Poet’s journey, both as an artist and as a person. The EP’s fusion of traditional sounds with modern hip-hop, its unfiltered dialect, and its thematic depth all come together to create something that’s fresh and authentic. In a music scene that often chases trends, Urban Poet is carving out his own lane
