Film Music

Gully Boy Songs: Core Vocalists, Collaborators, and Ranveer Singh's Role

By Jordan 5 min read

The soundtrack of the film 'Gully Boy' featured prominent contributions from Divine, Naezy, and lead actor Ranveer Singh, alongside a diverse collective of Indian hip-hop artists.

Who sang Gully Boy songs?

The soundtrack of the film "Gully Boy" featured a diverse array of artists, prominently showcasing the talents of Divine, Naezy, and Ranveer Singh himself, alongside a collective of groundbreaking Indian hip-hop artists who contributed to its authentic sound.

The Core Vocalists

The musical landscape of "Gully Boy" was primarily defined by the voices and lyrical prowess of its lead artists, bringing the raw energy of Mumbai's street rap scene to the forefront.

  • Divine (Vivian Fernandes): A foundational figure in Indian hip-hop, Divine's powerful delivery and poignant lyrics were central to the film's musical identity. He performed several key tracks, including the iconic "Mere Gully Mein" (with Naezy) and the anthemic "Kaam Bhaari," among others. His real-life journey significantly inspired the film's narrative.
  • Naezy (Naved Shaikh): Known for his distinctive flow and colloquial Mumbaiya Hindi, Naezy was another cornerstone of the soundtrack. His collaboration with Divine on "Mere Gully Mein" was instrumental in popularizing the gully rap genre. He also contributed to tracks that captured the authentic voice of the streets.
  • Ranveer Singh: The lead actor, Ranveer Singh, immersed himself fully into the role of Murad and performed many of the songs himself, lending authenticity to his character's journey as a rapper. His vocal contributions included tracks like "Apna Time Aayega," which became an empowering slogan, "Gully Boy," and parts of other key songs, showcasing his versatility and dedication.

Key Contributing Artists and Collaborations

Beyond the central trio, the "Gully Boy" soundtrack was a collaborative masterpiece, featuring a roster of talented artists who enriched its sound and lyrical depth.

  • Siddhant Chaturvedi: As MC Sher, Siddhant Chaturvedi also performed some of the rap portions, notably in tracks that featured his character's mentorship of Murad.
  • Mc Altaf, Rahul Piske, Nexus, DBang D, Maharya, 100RBH: These artists represent the vibrant underground hip-hop scene that the film aimed to spotlight. They contributed to various group tracks and cyphers, ensuring the soundtrack felt genuinely representative of the gully rap movement.
  • Raja Kumari: The Indian-American rapper and songwriter contributed to the track "Apna Time Aayega" and was involved in the songwriting process for several songs, adding her unique global perspective to the Indian hip-hop sound.
  • Dub Sharma: Known for his socially conscious lyrics and powerful delivery, Dub Sharma contributed tracks like "Aazadi," which became a powerful protest anthem within the film's narrative.
  • Ace (Akshay Sharma): Another prominent voice from the scene, Ace contributed to the lyrical composition and performance of several tracks, further solidifying the film's authentic musical foundation.
  • Ankur Tewari: As the music supervisor and a contributing artist, Ankur Tewari also lent his voice to some tracks and played a crucial role in curating the diverse soundscape of the film.

The Role of Ranveer Singh

Ranveer Singh's commitment to his role extended beyond acting, as he underwent extensive training to embody a rapper. His decision to perform many of his character's songs himself was a critical factor in the film's success and authenticity. This allowed for:

  • Authentic Character Portrayal: His voice directly conveyed Murad's emotions, struggles, and triumphs, making the character's journey as a rapper more believable and impactful.
  • Enhanced Narrative Immersion: The audience experienced Murad's artistic evolution through Ranveer's own vocal performances, blurring the lines between actor and character.
  • Broader Appeal: Ranveer Singh's star power, combined with his credible rap performances, helped introduce the gully rap genre to a wider mainstream audience.

The Impact of the Soundtrack

The "Gully Boy" soundtrack was more than just a collection of songs; it was a cultural phenomenon that significantly elevated Indian hip-hop.

  • Mainstream Recognition: It brought underground artists and the gully rap movement into the national spotlight, giving a platform to voices that had previously been marginalized.
  • Cultural Resonator: Songs like "Apna Time Aayega" became anthems of hope and perseverance, resonating deeply with a generation aspiring for change and recognition.
  • Authentic Representation: The music genuinely reflected the socio-economic realities and artistic expressions of Mumbai's streets, providing a raw and honest portrayal.

Conclusion

The "Gully Boy" soundtrack is a testament to the power of collaborative artistry, with its core vocalists Divine, Naezy, and Ranveer Singh leading a talented ensemble of rappers and musicians. Their collective efforts not only created a memorable musical experience but also played a pivotal role in shaping the cultural narrative around Indian hip-hop, cementing its place in the mainstream.

Key Takeaways

  • Divine, Naezy, and Ranveer Singh were the core vocalists, defining the film's musical identity.
  • Ranveer Singh performed many of his character's songs, significantly enhancing authenticity and immersion.
  • The soundtrack was a collaborative effort, featuring diverse underground Indian hip-hop artists like Siddhant Chaturvedi, Dub Sharma, and Raja Kumari.
  • "Gully Boy" brought gully rap and its artists into mainstream recognition, becoming a cultural phenomenon.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who were the primary vocalists featured in the "Gully Boy" soundtrack?

The primary vocalists in the "Gully Boy" soundtrack were Divine, Naezy, and the lead actor, Ranveer Singh, who performed many of his character's songs.

Did Ranveer Singh perform his own rap songs in "Gully Boy"?

Yes, Ranveer Singh fully immersed himself in the role and performed many of his character's songs, including "Apna Time Aayega" and "Gully Boy," to lend authenticity to Murad's journey as a rapper.

Which other notable artists contributed to the "Gully Boy" music?

Beyond the core trio, the soundtrack featured contributions from artists like Siddhant Chaturvedi (as MC Sher), Mc Altaf, Raja Kumari, Dub Sharma, Ace, and Ankur Tewari, among others, enriching its diverse sound.

What was the cultural impact of the "Gully Boy" soundtrack?

The "Gully Boy" soundtrack was a cultural phenomenon that brought underground Indian hip-hop artists and the gully rap movement into mainstream recognition, with songs like "Apna Time Aayega" becoming anthems of hope.

How did Ranveer Singh's vocal contributions affect the film's authenticity?

Ranveer Singh's decision to perform his character's songs directly conveyed Murad's emotions and artistic evolution, enhancing narrative immersion and making the character's journey as a rapper more believable and impactful.