Mumbai, July 29: Every artist has a beginning. A neighbourhood that shaped them. A community that believed in them. A sound that became their identity. Hustle has been that Homeground for Indian hip-hop where raw talent meets mentorship, where culture finds its voice, and where every artist gets the chance to turn their hustle into a movement. This year, ‘Hustle 5 - Apna Homeground’ celebrates that very spirit, bringing together artists, mentors and communities that continue to shape the future of Desi hip-hop. Premiering on 8th August, the season airs every Saturday and Sunday at 7 PM on JioHotstar and MTV India.
Leading this exciting new chapter is Badshah, returning as Rap Supremo to once again guide India's next generation of rap talent. Joining him is OG Squad Boss EPR, who has been an integral part of Hustle's journey on the mentoring panel alongside MC Square, Paradox and Agsy, who return in a true full-circle moment as Squad Bosses after first making their mark as contestants on the Hustle stage. Together, they all embody the spirit of Hustle -a platform that not only discovers talent but nurtures it, builds a thriving hip-hop community and empowers artists to shape the future of the culture.
Launching the season is a powerful anthem that feels less like a title track and more like a declaration of what Hustle stands for. Set aboard a moving metro that transforms into a vibrant stage for self-expression, the anthem sees Badshah leading the Hustle express alongside EPR, MC Square, Paradox and Agsy. The anthem celebrates the pulse of India's streets, the voices emerging from every gully, and the communities that continue to shape the country's hip-hop movement. Echoing the spirit of "Gully Gully Ka Sound" and "We Back to Homeground," the film transforms everyday spaces into a celebration of culture, reminding audiences that Hustle isn't just a stage; it's the Homeground where India's next generation of artists comes to be heard.
Speaking about his return, Badshah said, “Hustle has always been a groundbreaking platform, and coming back this season truly feels like home. This season's theme, 'Apna Homeground', is a perfect tribute to the communities and experiences that build an artist from the ground up. I can’t wait to discover next big voices of the Indian hip-hop circuit.”
Reflecting on his journey, OG Squad Boss EPR added, “I’ve been with Hustle since Season 1. I’ve watched this platform grow from a bold idea into the home of Indian hip-hop. Every season the talent gets sharper, the stories get deeper, and the culture gets stronger. Coming back as a Squad Boss feels natural because mentoring is already part of how we move. I’ve lived the journey from contestant to artist, and now I get to stand with the next wave once again as the Squad Boss, helping them find their sound and keep the realness that Hustle has always protected.”
Sharing his excitement, MC Square exclaimed, "Winning Hustle Season 2 completely changed my life. Coming back as a Squad Boss is surreal because I know exactly what these contestants are feeling. I was once standing on this stage hoping for an opportunity, and today I get to mentor artists beginning that same journey. It's a full-circle moment, and I hope to help them believe in themselves and their stories."
Paradox commented, “Hustle has always been home for me. I came here as a contestant, grew as an artist and received so much love from the audience. Returning as a Squad Boss is a dream because I now get to give back to the platform that gave me so much. This season is about bringing your spark to the Homeground of hip-hop - this stage and showing the world what you’re made of. I can’t wait to see artists do exactly that.”
Agsy stated, “Walking back onto the Hustle stage as a Squad Boss is an incredibly powerful feeling because I know exactly what it means to chase a dream. I’ve been manifesting this moment since 2019, but more than that, I’ve spent over a decade working relentlessly—making art, making music and grinding every single day to earn it. This platform shaped my journey, and now I have the privilege of shaping someone else’s. I’m excited to mentor the next generation of artists, give them the support I wish I had, and make this Hustle season feel like home for every dreamer. That’s what makes this moment truly special. And as my name suggests, I’m here to bring the AAGSI energy to Hustle this season.”
Since its foundation, Hustle has become the definitive launchpad for India's hip-hop movement, discovering artists who have gone on to shape the sound of Desi Hip Hop. By championing originality, lyricism, performance and authentic storytelling, the show has given countless young artists a platform to turn their passion into purpose.
This season, that feeling comes full circle. As former contestants return as mentors and Badshah takes his place at the judges' table once again, Hustle 5 - Apna Homeground celebrates not just where hip-hop is today, but where every artist's journey begins. Because no matter how far you go, every legend starts from Apna Homeground.
Hustle 5 starts this 8th August on JioHotstar and MTV India at 7 pm every Saturday and Sunday, bringing the culture back to where it all began!
