In the vibrant and ever-evolving landscape of Indian hip-hop, few artists have carved out a space as distinct and influential as Emiway Bantai. Born Bilal Shaikh on November 13, 1995, in Bengaluru, Karnataka, and raised in Mumbai, Emiway Bantai has risen from humble beginnings to become one of India’s most prominent independent rappers. With over 21 million YouTube subscribers, billions of views, and a fiercely loyal fanbase known as #BantaiKiPublic, Emiway’s journey is a testament to resilience, authenticity, and the power of self-belief.
Early Life and Introduction to Hip-Hop
Bilal Shaikh, who later adopted the stage name Emiway Bantai, grew up in a middle-class Muslim family in Mumbai’s Antop Hill. His introduction to hip-hop came in Class 10 when classmates sang Eminem’s “Not Afraid,” sparking his curiosity about the genre. Unfamiliar with rap at the time, he faced mockery for asking, “Who’s Eminem?” Undeterred, he dove into the music of Eminem and Lil Wayne, whose influences shaped his stage name—combining “Emi” from Eminem and “Way” from Lil Wayne with “Bantai” (meaning “dude” in Bambaiyya Hindi), adding a local street flavor.
Initially, Emiway rapped in English, releasing his debut track, Glint Lock (feat. Minta), in 2013 at age 18. The song, heavily inspired by Eminem, received a lukewarm response, partly due to its English lyrics, which didn’t resonate widely with Indian audiences. On his father’s advice to connect with the masses, Emiway switched to Hindi, a pivotal decision that transformed his career. His 2014 single Aur Bantai became an instant hit, showcasing his ability to blend raw energy with relatable storytelling.
Rise to Stardom
Emiway’s breakthrough came in 2019 with Machayenge, a viral anthem that exploded on platforms like TikTok (before its ban in India) and YouTube, amassing hundreds of millions of views. The track’s infectious energy and catchy hook cemented his reputation as a party starter and a household name. His catalog, boasting over 150 songs, includes hits like Firse Machayenge (over 410 million views), Asli Hip-Hop (featured in the 2019 Bollywood film Gully Boy), and Tribute to Sidhu Moosewala, a heartfelt homage to the late Punjabi artist.
What sets Emiway apart is his independence. Despite offers from major labels, he chose to remain unsigned, founding Bantai Records in 2021. The label, which signed artists like Loka, Swaalina, and Young Galib, reached 100,000 YouTube subscribers in under 24 hours. Emiway’s mantra, as expressed in his 2021 track Hai Tu Kaun, reflects his ethos: “Shukriya jisne mujhe sign karne se kiya tha mana/ Utna hi hard independent artist main bana” (“Thank you to those who refused to sign me, it led me to become a successful independent artist”). His decision to control his art and narrative has inspired countless aspiring artists in India’s hip-hop scene.
The Social Media Phenomenon
Emiway’s rise is inseparable from his mastery of social media. With a YouTube channel boasting over 21 million subscribers and a cumulative view count in the billions, he has harnessed the internet to build a global fanbase. Tracks like Samajh Mein Aaya Kya? (44 million views) and Firse Machayenge showcase his ability to create viral content without corporate backing. He credits his success to his fans, stating, “My fame on social media was accidental, supported by the love of music lovers and my loyal followers #BantaiKiPublic.” His versatility across genres—R&B, drill, trap-metal, and hardcore hip-hop—further amplifies his appeal.
Controversies and Beef Culture
Emiway‘s career has not been without controversy. He has been a central figure in Indian hip-hop’s beef culture, engaging in high-profile feuds with rappers like Raftaar, Divine, MC Stan, Muhfaad, and KR$NA. His 2018 diss war with Raftaar, sparked by Raftaar’s comment questioning Emiway’s earning potential, produced tracks like “Samajh Mein Aaya Kya?”, “Giraftaar,” and Raftaar’s “Sheikh Chilli.” In 2024, his feud with King escalated with diss tracks like “ROKO 2MG” and “Meet the Instagram Yapper,” where Emiway asserted his dominance as an independent artist while facing accusations of plagiarizing styles from artists like Russ and NF. These battles, while divisive, have undeniably boosted his visibility and kept him relevant in the competitive desi hip-hop scene.
In May 2025, Emiway faced a more serious controversy when he received a death threat and a ₹1 crore ransom demand from an individual claiming to be Goldy Brar, an associate of gangster Lawrence Bishnoi. The threat, received a day before Emiway released ‘Tribute to Sidhu Moosewala,’ led to a police complaint being filed with the NRI Coastal Police Station in Nerul. While some speculated it was a publicity stunt, the incident highlighted the risks faced by public figures in India’s entertainment industry.
Personal Life and Legacy
In January 2025, Emiway married Punjabi model-actress Swaalina, keeping their relationship private until their wedding announcement. Known for his grounded personality, he has been praised for supporting peers like Naezy, as seen in a 2021 interview where he uplifted the Gully Boy rapper during a moment of self-doubt. Kauai
Emiway’s journey from an Antop Hill teenager to a global hip-hop icon embodies the spirit of self-made success. His awards, including the Radio City Freedom Award (2016), People’s Choice Award for Best Hip-Hop Artist (2017), and YouTube’s Diamond Creator Award (2020), reflect his impact. Despite criticism for simplistic lyrics or perceived lack of originality, his ability to connect with millions through raw energy and authenticity is undeniable.
Conclusion
Emiway Bantai is more than a rapper; he’s a cultural force who has redefined what it means to succeed independently in the Indian music industry. With Bantai Records, he’s paving the way for the next generation of artists, proving that talent and hustle can break barriers. As he continues to drop chart-topping tracks and navigate the highs and lows of fame, Emiway remains a symbol of resilience, creativity, and the unapologetic spirit of Indian hip-hop.
