When global EDM, Trap & Bass pioneer KSHMR, born Niles Hollowell-Dhar, announced his the most anticipated debut Desi hip hop album ‘Karam’, which he took almost 2 years to complete and it breathed fresh air into India’s thriving Hip-Hop scene. While millions of KSHMR’s avid listeners see his album as the biggest rap album of the year in India, for many artists and record producers, ‘Karam’ is the much-needed cultural push which might go down as one of the best Hip-Hop albums in history.

In ever-growing Indian Desi Hip-Hop scene, where every beat tells a story and every rhyme narrates an experience, KSHMR dropped his the most anticipated Desi Hip-Hop album "Karam" on November 3rd, 2023. And I have to say this is not just a musical creation; it's a testament to the enduring power of hip-hop when one SuperProducer wielded with the artists in the scene along with some new and upcoming thriving talented faces for a story to tell.

KSHMR collaborated with many artists those who are the OG faces of DHH like Ikka, Raftaar and Krsna alongwith some new and fresh heavyweight talents brewing up in today's scene like a morning Coffee as such Rawal, HanumanKind and only recurring artist from this album Yashraj who has 3 features in album.

This album is not just a collection of beats; it's a sonic odyssey that navigates like a classic Bollywood crime drama movie from the 90s. Let's embark on a detailed review and breakdown of this masterpiece.

The Prelude: Setting the Movie Tone for an album

"Karam" isn't an album you merely listen to; it's an experience that begins with the very first beat. The album opens a portal into KSHMR's creative movie, where each track is a distinct scene. The tone is set, and the listener is invited into a sonic movie journey that begins with some deep philosophy.

The cover art: The Infinite Ouroboros

"Karam" album Cover Art

The album cover art of "Karam" is simplistic but it hits the mark. It is perfecty alleigned with name, theme and plot of an album. The whole album talks about the law of karma. In simple words, "The deeds(Karam) you do will turn around and come back to you". This cover art is inspired by one ancient Symbol called "Ouroboros", a circular symbol that depicts a snake or dragon devouring its own tail and that is used especially to represent the eternal cycle of destruction and rebirth.

The Ouroboros

The Infinite Ouroboros

Here In this art too, you can see a raging snake like figure eating its own tail in anger and hunger, but here making an infinity symbol instead of a circular representing "The Infinite Ouroboros". Which explains that Karma is an infinite loop. If I'd have to explain this with an example then you can suppose if someone did something bad and hurtful to you, you'll do the same to them, by that, they will do even worse to you and you'll do even worse to them, and this cycle will go on and on and will create an infinite loop of Karma. Remember this example because this same thing happened in the album twice on two different occasions. Colour scheme used in the cover is dark and hauntingly red which also support the plot of the album that you will be experienced, and it also represents that your Karma will always Haunt you no matter what.

This Album is spans for more than 50 minutes. It has totally 24 tracks, 10 Interludes and 14 songs. Now let's dive deep into the album and explore every songs and Interludes with the story of an album itself.

1. The Beginning - Interlude

Album opens with our protagonist as a kid who has an alcoholic and abusive father physically abusing his mother. When he tries to confront him, his father forced to get him out of his home along with his mother. Now that he's homeless, one thing he does that to start aspiring and dreaming for getting out this poor circumstances. Where, the first song of this album "dream"comes into play.

2. Dream (feat. Ikka & Karra)

This is the perfect opening track for the album. It's an upbeat and inspiring song about the power of dreams. The lyrics are simple but effective, and the beat is catchy and uplifting.

In this song, the protagonist is wandering in streets of Mumbai having one dream in his eye that he wants to own this city no matter what situations he has to go through.

Ikka penned his very strong, highly aspiring and gangster vibe giving two verses with impeccable flows, witty rhyme schemes and some awesome references. He talked about being self motivated and driven by dream so blindy that he's not seeing whatever he's doing it's good or bad.

3. The plan - interlude

Our protagonist seems frustrated and exhausted from his low life and decided to do something big, so he planned a robbery with his brother in arms and setting a stage for upcoming song "Bhussi".

4. Bhussi (feat. Seedhe Maut & Karan Kanchan)

This track is a bit darker and more atmospheric. It's about the struggles of everyday life, and the lyrics are raw and honest. The beat is also dark and menacing, but it's also strangely hypnotic.

In this track, Protagonist robs a bank because he was tired of not having money in his life. That's where he first stepped in in a crime and underworld scene of Mumbai.

5. The money - Interlude

The Robbery was successful and now the protagonist has so much money in his hands that he's going to buy that club where his friend was refused to enter before. This interlude a subtle callback to Ikka's one bar "I'll buy that land where I'm not supposed to put my feet".

6. Zero after Zero (feat. KR$NA & Talay Riley)

One of the standout tracks on the album is "Zero After Zero" featuring Krsna and Talay Riley. This song perfectly blends Indian influenced elements, creating a unique and captivating sound. Krsna's powerful and dynamic vocals combined with Talay Riley's smooth and soulful voice add depth and emotion to the track. The production quality of this song is top-notch, with KSHMR's signature attention to detail evident in every aspect of the music.

The only con of this song is also standing out of the plot of an album, because in this track, KR$NA was more talking about his own things and deeds. So this song has zero to next progress in storyline.

7. Upar Hi Upar (feat. Yashraj & Rawal)

It features Yashraj and Rawal, two of the most popular upcoming rappers in India. The song starts with a catchy melodious 808s that is reminiscent of versatile capabilities of KSHMR. The beat then drops, and Yashraj and Rawal start rapping. Their lyrics are about the importance of staying true to your roots and celebrating your culture. They also rap about the power of community and how it can help you achieve your dreams.

In the progress of the storyline, the protagonist is going up and up on his own way achieving everything he had dreamt of one by one.

8. Godfather (feat. Nazzz)

This song is one of a kind when nobody expected to see Nazz feature in KSHMR's album. And where Nazz is and there are no punchlines, it cannot be happened. So this song is so Nazz being Nazz, full of punchlines and hardcore Desi gangta vibe giving.

In this song, the protagonist now at top of his game ruling the underworld of city and becomes a Godfather now.

9. Bhasad - interlude

This interlude makes an appearance of the antagonist of an album, His name is "Raja bhai".

And Raja bhai is not happy with our Protagonist because, he is doing business in territory of Raja bhai. So the antagonist warns him saying that his actions will cost him one day.

10. All fall down (feat. Yashraj, Raja Kumari & Riar Saab)

This very song can be labelled as "Certified Banger". KSHMR went out of realm with his bombarding beat. Raja Kumari dropped the Sickest Hook of the entire Album. So big Props to Raja Kumari for this. Yashraj and Riar Saab dropped their energetic verses talking about everyday normal life of a gangster and then went back and forth at the outro verse. The hook is played 4 times in this song and also main Highlight of this track, because it happens very rare when the chorus outshined the actual verses and that's exactly what happened here.

In progression of storyline, Protagonist's gang has some little feuds and shootings with Raja Bhai's gang, where protagonist lost his few gang members. So protagonist felt like his new empire is falling down.

11. B.I.G. (feat. Harjas & PUNA)

This is a calming and sit-back giving vibe track that showcases the rapper's raw talent and lyrical prowess. The song opens with a catchy low beat that immediately grabs the listener's attention, and Harjas's confident delivery adds to the song's intensity.

The lyrics of "B.I.G." are introspective and thought-provoking, as Harjas raps about his struggles and aspirations. He speaks about overcoming adversity, having maturity and achieving success, and his words are both relatable and inspiring. This song has mixed reviews, low retention value and maybe not favourite song of anyone from this album. Some things just didn't work out in this song. But still, it's a really good song.

Our protagonist seems to have some maturity and realisation about his crime life.

12. La vida (feat. Dabzee & Vedan)

This is the song where KSHMR went into "Despasito" mode and threw a really vibey song with having two south indian rappers which I never heard of them before, rapping in 2 distinct South Indian languages. As I'm not familiar with any south indian languages, i haven't understood anything in this song, and yet I was vibing with it all the way long. This is one those songs where you don't need to worry about lyrics and just vibe with the song.

13. The Girl - interlude

As I said before, this is not just an album, it's a Bollywood movie. And movie is not complete without having a heroine. So here comes a female lead in our story, where the protagonist saw one girl on pathway at night looking for taxi and finds her very attractive.

14. Hath Varthi (feat. MC Stan)

Now that a Girl arrived in the scene, now it's time to hit the club and play a "Club Anthem" of this album which is Harth Varthi. The Best beat production by KSHMR in Karam. And it features MC Stan so you couldn't care less about lyrics. But still he delivered his funky verses where he talked about a girl he's hitting on and about his fame and everything. Overall it's really good song just made for playing in parties.

After seeing that girl, maybe our protagonist hits the club and partied all night.

15. Nasheeli Raat - interlude

That girl he saw at that night now is distracting the protagonist so bad that he can't be seeing anything but her face. He realised that he's in love with her. And what time is it? It's time for a "love song".

16. Mere bina (feat. PropheC & Talha Anjum)

This track is a love song about the importance of staying true to yourself. The lyrics are heartfelt and romantic, and the beat is soft and melodic. Anjum's verse was short but yet so effective. Showing that the protagonist is really serious about this one.

17. The Argument - interlude

In this one, we can see that our protagonist is with that girl and showing her a beach-side luxurious villa which he just bought for her. But the Girl is in concern about his gangster life. She doesn't want to live in a luxury bungalow which is made by rivering bloods. So they both have some arguments about it. In the end the girl asks him to quit his gangster life and said "your gun will take my life one day"

18. Maula (feat. Munawar)

In here, we are seeing a Standup Comedian is rapping about deep and serious things about life. This is an introspective track that showcases Munawar's unique storytelling ability and his raw talent. The song opens with a haunting melody that sets the tone for the track, and Munawar's heartfelt delivery adds to the song's emotional depth.

The lyrics of "Maula" are deeply personal and relatable, as Munawar raps about his struggles with faith, doubt, and the search for meaning in life. He speaks about his struggles with self-acceptance and his search for a higher power, and his words are both honest and vulnerable.

Our protagonist is now thinking about what consequences he will might face in the future if he quit his life now and starts living peacefully with his love interest, he's scared of his past and his karma if ever might hurt her too. So he was praying to God and asking for some help to show him right way.

19. The Call - interlude

Our protagonist was spending happy times with the girl when he gets a call from his sidekick friend who went to have some deal in Raja Bhai's area without even telling our protagonist. The deal Turned out as a trap of Raja Bhai where he shot dead the Protagonist's friend and he died on call. We can see the protagonist crying and screaming in pain on the other side.

20. Khoya sab (feat. Yungsta & Lisa Mishra)

Now that our protagonist lost his friend and second in command of his gang, he's feeling like he lost everything and everything is falling apart around him. It's perfect time for a sad song.

This is really powerful track filled with full of emotions that showcases Yungsta and Lisa Mishra's unique talents. Opening with a haunting beat and captivating lyrics, the song immediately draws the listener into its world of introspection and self-discovery. Yungsta's verses are filled with raw emotion and honesty, while Lisa Mishra's soothing voice provides a counterbalance, adding depth, resonance and melancholy to the song.

The lyrics of 'Khoya Sab' explore themes of loss, regret, and the search for meaning in life, with Yungsta and Lisa Mishra sharing their personal experiences and struggles. The song's title translates to 'Lost Everything', reflecting the feeling of being adrift and searching for a sense of purpose.

Considering the best track from this album, it's many people's the most favourite song. Overall, this is very impacting and moving song that will leave a lasting impression on the listener. It's a must-listen for fans of hip-hop and anyone who has experienced the depths of loss and the search for meaning in life.

21. The Revenge - interlude

Now our protagonist is all set to take revenge of his friend's death from Raja Bhai. He's well prepared for going on to full pledged gang war.

22. Enemies (feat. HanumanKind & Yashraj)

This is a "Gym Song" energetic track that showcases the raw talent and lyrical prowess of HanumanKind and Yashraj. The song opens with a hard-hitting beat that immediately grabs the listener's attention, and the confident delivery of HanumanKind and Yashraj adds to the song's intensity.

HanumanKind and Yashraj deliver their lyrics with a confidence that is both impressive and captivating. They command the listener's attention and make their words resonate.

This song gives you a feeling of action packed fight scenes from movie playing BGM exactly like this.

In the long outro, our protagonist seems like winning the war but he's injured, filled with bullet holes and slowly dying.

23. Legacy (feat. Raftaar)

Now that our protagonist is dead, it's time to talk to the legacy he sets. This is a tribute giving and motivational track that serves as a fitting finale to KSHMR's album "Karam". The song opens with a soaring melody that immediately sets the tone for Raftaar's inspiring lyrics. The song's production is top-notch, with a blend of drill elements that perfectly complement Raftaar's confident delivery.

Raftaar's lyrics in "Legacy" are both personal and universal, as he reflects on his own experiences and aspirations while also offering words of encouragement to others. He speaks about the importance of hard work and dedication, the power of dreams, and the legacy that one can leave behind. His words are both relatable and inspiring, and they are sure to resonate with listeners who are striving to achieve their own goals.

The production of "Legacy" is equally impressive, with a beat that is both driving and uplifting. The song's overall sound is polished and professional, and it perfectly complements Raftaar's message of perseverance and success.

Overall, "Legacy" is a perfect finale closing album track on "Karam". It is sure to made to inspire listeners to chase their dreams and leave their own mark on the world.

24. The end - interlude

The narrator voice says "in this life full of ups and downs, you finally get to your end, and nothing else comes with you except your Karam"

Conclusion

Overall, "Karam" is a must-listen album for fans of both electronic music and hip hop. It is a well-produced album with a star-studded lineup of artists and a variety of different styles. The album is also a celebration of Indian culture and the power of dreams. KSHMR really have done something never like before in Desi Hip-Hop scene. Undeniablly, the best project of 2023.

So, if you're looking for an album that is both upbeat and inspiring, then I highly recommend checking out "Karam" by KSHMR. It's an album that will stay with you long, maybe for entire lifetime after you've finished listening to it.

Peace out, and see you next time!

Honorable mentions:

@rap

@hiphop

@desihiphopofficial

KSHMR x KAAZE - Devil Inside Me (feat. KARRA) [Official Lyric Video]