Jyoti Negi Is A Homegrown Rapper Turning Personal Adversity Into Art

Jyoti Negi’s story doesn’t fit the usual mold. It never did. From the start, her journey was one of determination, grit, and an unwavering love for music. “Rap is poetry in motion,” she says, her face lighting up as she explains how each rhyme holds layers of meaning. For Jyoti, music isn’t a career path — it’s her way of connecting with the world, each beat reflecting her struggles and dreams. She’s a voice of resilience, fueled by both personal struggles and an uncompromising passion for expression. Her journey began long before she picked up a pen at 13. It’s a journey where she’s overcome physical and societal obstacles, found strength through music, and reshaped the Indian rap scene along the way. She’s quick to credit her influences. “Eminem taught me flow and speed,” she says. Then there’s Raftaar, who showed her how to play with words in Hindi. “Milind Gaba, though, taught me melody,” she shares. Her voice carries a lighter, softer tone than most Indian rappers, but she doesn’t see that as a setback. In fact, it’s her unique sound. When she started writing lyrics at 13, it was a means of finding her voice — literally and...