Raftaar’s second EP, Hard Drive Volume 2, feels like an ode to his journey through hip-hop and the inspiration he’s drawn from global and Desi legends. The concept art—Raftaar seated on a throne of hard drives in a dimly lit cave, with the Mount Rushmore of legends behind him—symbolizes his respect for the pillars of rap. The engraved faces of Bohemia, The Game, DMX, Eminem, and Lupe Fiasco anchor the EP as a testament to Raftaar’s influences.
This EP is a celebration of lyrical versatility, with each track showcasing Raftaar sparring with his featured artists in their unique stylistic pockets. The bars are sharp, playful, and introspective, demonstrating his mastery of wordplay.
Tracklist & Highlights
- Mera Parichay (ft. Sikander Kahlon)
The intro track reintroduces Raftaar to the game after a long hiatus. With Sikander Kahlon adding his Punjabi swag, the track is bold and reflective.
“?????? ?? beat ??? ???? real case
??????? ?? ???-???? ?? ???? ???? ???”
Raftaar addresses rumours around his divorce case, his rise in the industry, and his no-nonsense attitude toward naysayers. Sikander also takes a dig at Manj Musik, who once mentored and signed him in 2015–2016. Raftaar used to work with Manj as well, but their relationship has since soured. Manj signed the entire KKG trio (Punjabi rappers Sikander Kahlon, Kaka Sady, and Rob C). Rumors in the hip-hop community suggest that Manj’s deal was shady and exploited KKG, leading to Sikander and Kaka Sady distancing themselves from him. Rob C, however, continues to work with Manj and has been seen badmouthing Raftaar. According to sources, Rob C is no longer part of KKG.
- Dehshat Ho (ft. Yashraj)
This track showcases Raftaar’s collaboration finesse alongside Yashraj’s rapid-fire delivery. Yashraj’s verse brims with literary brilliance:
“Raag Du Mai Rap Kare Bhimsen Joshi Mai / Hosh Nahi Khoya Khelu Tic Tac Toe.”
Raftaar counters with hard-hitting bars that elevate Yashraj’s metaphors, entering Yashraj’s pockets to deliver a masterpiece.
“They not like Yash, They Na-la-yak” - Rap-Ta (Prod. Phenom)
While the hook of “Rap-Ta” might feel repetitive at times, Raftaar keeps the hip-hop ethos alive with playful and clever rhymes. Here, Raftaar flexes about owning a home in Mumbai’s most expensive area. He also takes a jab at Honey Singh:
“Khareeda pyaar jis PR pe tu ud ra,
Nashe ne ghar tode phir bhi na sudhra.” - Real Shit (Prod. Sez on the Beat)
A gritty track with Sez’s haunting beats, it gives Raftaar a raw canvas to address industry politics and his journey.
Raftaar plays two roles: a new-school rapper mimicking American styles and his real self criticizing this approach. He explains how imitating African-American rappers and using slurs like the N-word is inappropriate. In the end, he advises rappers to remain authentic. - Munde Hood De (ft. Karma)
Karma joins Raftaar for a fiery anthem celebrating the streets and their hustle. Their chemistry is magnetic, making this a fan-favorite. - Baawe (ft. Badshah)
Raftaar and Badshah go head-to-head in a playful yet pointed track about wealth and legacy:
“Naye paise wale bande, pushtaini baawe.”
Raftaar also addresses Honey Singh’s flex culture, referencing the Rolls Royce and how the costs of imported cars in India differ from Dubai, where Honey recently purchased one.
“Jaise chele, vaisa khana, inki gang pedigree,
apani oyo vaali baby hamen client kehati thi,
meri armoury men alfaazon ki bhaari weaponry,
hamase verse liyaa, homies tere hamase better nahin”
Here raftaar is taking shots at – Leo, Alfaaz, Homie dilliwala (who have been writing for honey singh) along with Honey singh. - Advice (ft. Deep Kalsi)
This laid-back track with Deep Kalsi features soulful vocals and Raftaar’s Punjabi munda flow, delivering life advice wrapped in catchy wordplay. - Banjo Bounce (ft. EPR)
EPR’s experimental style shines as he uses his voice as percussion, creating a polyrhythmic vibe. Raftaar matches EPR’s energy, resulting in a sonic delight:
“Illmatic the skills matter Tu pa K na tha, (Raftaar)
Kolkata kalol, Ami Jcole product.” (EPR)
Like in “DAB,” Raftaar demonstrates lyrical acrobatics, spitting an entire verse starting with “S,” while EPR mirrors him with “P.” - Me and My Broski (ft. Ikka)
The final track is a celebration of brotherhood, with Ikka and Raftaar reminiscing about their journey and successes. Raftaar recalls moments like getting a rakhi tied by Golu’s sister, being rejected from performing in a club, and later turning it around by performing in another. The nostalgia and camaraderie make it a heartfelt closer.
Themes and Takeaways
Hard Drive Volume 2 feels personal yet universal, blending old-school grit, Desi swag, and global inspiration. Each feature complements Raftaar’s vision, adding unique flavors to the mix.
The absence of Pakistani rappers like Faris Shafi (featured in the previous volume) is noticeable. Still, this project isn’t just music—it’s a declaration: Raftaar, the game-changer, is here to stay.
