The music industry is abuzz as the renowned rapper, record producer, and singer-songwriter Badshah unveils his latest musical masterpiece, ‘Ek Tha Raja’ (translated as ‘once there was a king’). This highly anticipated album marks Badshah’s third studio release, signifying not only his illustrious 12+ years in the music industry but also his relentless dedication to pushing creative boundaries.
At an exclusive album launch event, graciously hosted by Spotify, Badshah treated his devoted fanbase to an unforgettable evening, sharing captivating anecdotes and insights from the making of the album. Joining him on stage were several esteemed collaborators, including Raftaar x Aastha, featuring on the track “Like A Snake”, Fotty Seven x Raga, lending their talents to “Alag Hai“, and Seedhe Maut, who joined forces with Badshah on “Bajenge”.
In a historic move last week, Badshah released a captivating introduction video for ‘Ek Tha Raja’, featuring an unexpected and iconic voiceover by none other than Bollywood legend Shah Rukh Khan. This surprise appearance has ignited fervent anticipation among fans and marked a significant moment for the Desi Hip Hop community.
Badshah, revered as one of India’s most influential musical exports, boasts a staggering fan following, surpassing 25 million followers on Spotify alone. Additionally, he ranks among the top 10 most followed Indian artists on the platform globally, experiencing a remarkable >30% year-on-year growth in listenership on Spotify in 2024. With fans spanning across the globe, including regions such as the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Germany, France, and beyond, Badshah’s influence knows no bounds.
‘Ek Tha Raja’ features collaborations with over 15 esteemed acts from the Indian music scene, including Arijit Singh, Karan Aujla, Nora Fatehi, DIVINE, MC Stan, and Raftaar, among others. This collaborative effort transcends musical genres and geographical boundaries, solidifying Badshah’s status as a global music icon. The album follows the resounding success of Badshah’s 2023 EP ‘3:00 AM Sessions’ and his 2018 album ‘O.N.E. Original Never Ends’.
Kicking off the album is the electrifying track ‘Daaku’, with its music video shot against the picturesque backdrop of Russia, amassing over 25 million views. Following suit is the fiery second music video ‘God Damn’ featuring Karan Aujla, set to release alongside the album today.
Reflecting on his latest endeavor, Badshah shares, “‘Ek Tha Raja’ embodies years of passion, dedication, and artistic exploration. Each track serves as a testament to the power of collaboration and community-building, showcasing the boundless potential of music to transcend barriers.”
Released via Universal Music India, ‘Ek Tha Raja’ promises a captivating journey filled with diverse emotions, rhythms, and beats. More than just a collection of songs, the album stands as a cultural phenomenon, celebrating diversity, community, and the ever-evolving spirit of Indian music. Positioned as Badshah’s grand gesture to his devoted fanbase, ‘Ek Tha Raja’ aims to exceed all expectations and marks the dawn of a new era in music, where the king reigns supreme. Badshah is set to embark on a series of arena shows across the US, Singapore, and Canada throughout the summer.
Album Tracklist:
- God Damn – Badshah & Karan Aujla
- O’Sajna – Badshah, DIVINE & Nikhita Gandhi
- Like A Snake – Badshah, Raftaar & Aastha Gill
- Bajenge – Badshah & Seedhe Maut
- Hola Atcha Boy – Badshah, Kr$na & Prajina
- Surma – Badshah
- Red And Blue – Badshah & Shai
- Drinks On Me – Badshah & MC Stan
- Soulmate – Badshah & Arijit Singh
- Body On Me – Badshah & Nora Fatehi
- AMG – Badshah & Mehar Vaani
- Naraaz – Badshah, Dino James & Ikka
- Kalashnikova – Badshah & Draganov
- Alag Hai – Badshah, Fotty Seven & Raga
- Daaku – Badshah, Sharvi Yadav & Hiten
- G-Yaan – Badshah
