Touring the gritty underbelly of Ahmedabad, India to the sounds of swaggering synth and G-funk, the 25-year-old rapper’s debut makes an auteur’s plea for authenticity in a transactional world.

Imagine a youthful Bobby DeNiro fused with the lyrical prowess of Shawn Carter, infused with a touch of Thaltej charm, and there you have Dhanji. His debut LP, Ruab, released in 2023 with influences from motown and funk, is arguably one of the most innovative projects of the year, showcasing the talent and foresight of this 25-year-old rapper.

Among avid listeners of Indian hip-hop, Dhanji's 'RUAB' has been as awaited as any work by the long-standing heavyweights of the genre – a feat that's especially impressive for an artist releasing his debut album and one not emerging from the recognised hip-hop hubs like Mumbai or New Delhi.