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MC Altaf’s debut album Halaat delivers a raw, unfiltered narrative of life in the streets of Dharavi. Released under Gully Gang, the eight-track album features collaborations with heavyweights like DIVINE, Sammohit, and Malhan Wala 59.
Explore MC Altaf’s debut album Halaat, a gritty reflection of life in Dharavi.
Mumbai’s rap sensation MC Altaf has unleashed his highly awaited debut album, Halaat, a gritty and unapologetic reflection of life in the streets of Dharavi, Asia’s largest slum. Released under the Gully Gang banner on September 20, 2024, the eight-track album offers an unfiltered narrative of struggle, survival, and triumph. Known for his razor-sharp lyricism and cutting social commentary, MC Altaf takes listeners on a raw journey from the alleys of Dharavi to the forefront of Indian hip-hop. Collaborating with heavyweights like DIVINE, Sammohit, Loka, and Malhan Wala 59, Halaat solidifies Altaf’s standing as one of the genre’s most authentic and influential voices.
Each track on Halaat is a masterclass in storytelling, layered with gritty beats and introspective verses. From the deeply personal tracks like “Humdard” and “Hood Poetry” that dive into family struggles to the defiant anthem of perseverance “Chuke Dekh” featuring DIVINE, the album showcases Altaf’s growth as an artist while staying true to his roots. More than just music, Halaat is a statement, a reflection of the grit, resilience, and reality of life in the streets.
In an exclusive interview with News18 Showsha, MC Altaf shared the creative journey behind Halaat, discussing his inspirations, the evolution of his sound, and his role as a prominent voice in Indian hip-hop. From his early days in Dharavi to collaborating with the industry’s top names, Altaf opens up about how this album represents not just his personal story but the larger narrative of India’s growing hip-hop scene, and how he plans to continue pushing the genre’s boundaries.
Here are the excerpts:
Q: Halaat is an album that deeply reflects your journey. Could you share the inspiration behind the album’s concept and title?
MC Altaf: The title Halaat literally translates to “situation” or “condition.” I wanted the album to reflect my current state, my halaat. It could be good, bad, or somewhere in between, but the idea was to communicate my reality as honestly as possible. Through every track, I’m showing my truest self. This is my story, my struggles, and my triumphs, all told through my pen. I didn’t hold back anything because I wanted to make sure that people understand where I’m coming from and the journey that got me here.
Q: In Halaat, you dive deep into the realities of street life. How do you balance storytelling with the need for musical appeal in a commercial landscape?
MC Altaf: For me, it’s not a matter of choosing one over the other. I think Indian audiences have matured enough to appreciate lyrical depth in rap music. You look at someone like DIVINE and his song “359 AM,” which is one of his biggest tracks despite it being a free verse without a traditional hook. That shows that people are paying attention to the lyrics and the stories being told.
For my music, as long as the lyrics are authentic and the compositions are strong, it will resonate with listeners. However, I also recognize the importance of expanding beyond the core hip-hop audience, which is why I have tracks like “Chhod Bhai” and “Suspicious” that incorporate a more commercial soundscape. It’s all about striking a balance and staying true to your roots while evolving with the music industry.
Q: Each track on Halaat seems to tell a unique story. Which song is the most personal to you, and why?
MC Altaf: The entire album is personal, but if I had to pick one, it would be the title track, “Halaat.” That song captures me at my most raw and real on the mic. It’s a deep dive into my experiences, my mindset, and the challenges I’ve faced. I’ve put my heart into it, and it reflects my journey in a way that’s unapologetically honest.
Q: Your album title translates to “condition” or “state of being.” What specific “conditions” or states of mind did you explore while creating this album, both personally and creatively?
MC Altaf: I went through a spectrum of emotions while creating this album. On one hand, I had already made a name for myself in the scene, but on the other, it had been over two years since I released my most popular track, “Soch.” There was this contrast between the success of my singles and EPs and the fact that I had yet to drop a full-length album. This push and pull created a lot of tension, but I think it’s in that space of conflicting emotions where true art emerges. I wanted Halaat to reflect all of these states—hope, struggle, frustration, and triumph.
Q: You collaborated with some big names like DIVINE, Sammohit, and Malhan Wala 59 on this album. How did these collaborations come about, and what was the creative process like?
MC Altaf: Working with DIVINE has always been a dream for me. He’s been an idol and a mentor, and his support has played a huge role in my career. With Sammohit, it’s different; he’s like a brother to me. We did the Robin Hood EP together, which remains one of my proudest projects. As for Malhan Wala 59, we’ve recently started jamming together, and I think he’s a powerhouse talent. His style adds a new flavor to the album. There’s also Loka, who has been a longtime friend; his energy is contagious, and it brings something special to the music.
When it comes to the creative process, each artist brought their own vibe and perspective to the table, which made the collaborations unique. We didn’t overthink it; we just focused on the music and let the ideas flow.
Q: Tracks like “Chuke Dekh” and “Hood Poetry” stand out for their rawness and honesty. How do you approach songwriting for such deeply personal narratives?
MC Altaf: Writing authentic and personal lyrics comes naturally to me. I don’t have to force it or put in extra effort to create something real. It’s just who I am. Growing up in Dharavi, I was surrounded by harsh realities and difficult circumstances, so when I write, those experiences naturally come out in my music. It’s important for me to stay true to my roots and tell stories that resonate not just with me, but with others who have faced similar struggles.
Q: In tracks like “Chuke Dekh,” you invite listeners into the scars of struggle. How do you think Indian hip-hop can continue to be a voice for the marginalized, and how do you see yourself contributing to that?
MC Altaf: Hip-hop has always been the voice of the marginalized. It began in communities that were overlooked and oppressed, and when it came to India, it continued in that tradition. I believe it’s one of the most democratized art forms because it doesn’t require expensive equipment or formal training—you just need a story and the will to tell it. For me, I’m just another voice in this larger movement. I want to continue pushing for change, shedding light on the struggles that people face, and empowering others to share their stories.
Q: In Halaat, you reflect on your struggles and victories. How does this album differ from your previous work, like your EP Robin Hood?
MC Altaf: Robin Hood was a bit different because it was less autobiographical and more focused on the vibe and energy. It was emotionally driven, but it didn’t have the same level of narrative that Halaat has. With Halaat, it’s about my life, my experiences, and the different situations I’ve found myself in. It’s more introspective and raw, with a greater emphasis on storytelling. It’s a deeper look into who I am and what I’ve been through.
Q: You’ve described this album as “real as it gets.” What do you want listeners to take away from your stories and experiences?
MC Altaf: I want listeners to find inspiration in my story. I’ve been through a lot, and I know there are millions of people out there who can relate to what I’m saying. The young, the hungry, and the driven—these are the people I want to reach. I want them to know that no matter how tough life gets, you can overcome those challenges and achieve your dreams. Halaat is not just my story; it’s a testament to the resilience and grit of anyone who’s ever had to fight for what they want.
Q: Growing up in Dharavi, how has your environment shaped your music and lyrical themes?
MC Altaf: Dharavi is a place that teaches you about struggle and resilience from a young age. It’s a place where you see both the harshness of life and the determination to rise above it. I’ve witnessed things that have shaped my outlook on life and given me the inspiration to keep pushing forward. My music is a reflection of that environment—raw, real, and unfiltered. I’m grateful to my hood because it has given me countless stories and experiences to draw from.
Q: Dharavi is often depicted as a symbol of struggle but also resilience. How do you hope Halaat redefines perceptions of Dharavi, especially for people outside of it?
MC Altaf: I want Halaat to show the true essence of Dharavi. It’s not just a place of struggle; it’s a place full of heart, ambition, and resilience. When I rap, “Main aata hu Mumbai ke sabse badhe dil Dharavi se,” I’m talking about the spirit of the people here. We may face difficult conditions, but we never give up. We hustle, we fight, and we keep moving forward. I hope the album helps people see Dharavi not just as a slum, but as a community of strong, driven individuals.
Q: Your album speaks to the resilience of street life. How do you balance authenticity while also navigating mainstream success?
MC Altaf: I think mainstream success is increasingly becoming a byproduct of authenticity. You look at artists like DIVINE, who started off rapping about his struggles and now mixes flex rap with those stories. It doesn’t mean he’s not being authentic; it just means he’s celebrating how far he’s come. I feel the same way. As long as you’re being true to yourself and your experiences, that’s authenticity. The audience can tell when you’re real, and that’s what ultimately resonates with them.
Q: You’ve experimented with autotune and trap beats in this album. How did you ensure that these modern elements didn’t compromise the raw, street authenticity your fans have come to expect?
MC Altaf: For me, the use of autotune or trap beats is just another tool to express my emotions and ideas. It’s a way of updating the sound without compromising on the essence of what I’m trying to convey. My lyrics will always represent the rawness and authenticity that my fans expect from me. Even if the soundscape evolves from boom bap to trap or afrobeat, the heart of the music remains the same. It’s all about making sure the message stays true, no matter how it’s presented. I think the fans can feel when it’s genuine, and that’s what matters the most.
Q: What was the biggest challenge you faced while creating this album, whether personally or artistically?
MC Altaf: The entire process of making Halaat was a long journey. I don’t see challenges as obstacles, but rather as questions that need to be answered as part of the creative process. There were times when I had to dig deep, both lyrically and emotionally, to find parts of myself that I had lost touch with. There’s a certain vulnerability that comes with being this honest in your music, and that’s not always easy to confront. But those moments of struggle are also where the growth happens, and that’s what makes the final product worth it.
Q: In the album, you reference your days of selling newspapers to fund your passion for music. What kept you going during those tough times?
MC Altaf: For anyone who’s truly passionate about their dreams, they will understand when I say that the dream itself is the fuel. No matter how bad the situation was, I always believed in my music and trusted that there was a higher purpose behind everything I was doing. My belief in my dream, and my unwavering faith in God, kept me going. There were days when it felt impossible, but I always held on to the hope that things would get better as long as I kept pushing forward.
Q: You’ve often used satire and social commentary in your lyrics. How do you see your role as both an artist and a voice for change?
MC Altaf: Growing up in Dharavi exposed me to the harsh realities of life from a young age. When I sit down to write, it’s not just my voice that comes through; it’s the voice of my community, my environment, and the people around me. It’s like my hood speaks through me. The satire and social commentary are just a reflection of what I’ve experienced and observed. I see my role as shedding light on the issues that others might ignore or not understand, and I hope that my music can spark conversations that lead to change.
Q: You’ve been part of the Gully Gang, an important collective in the Indian hip-hop revolution. How do you think the Indian hip-hop scene has evolved over the years, and where do you see it headed?
MC Altaf: The Indian hip-hop scene has grown immensely. We’ve seen artists like DIVINE and Hanumankind create a bridge for Indian hip-hop to reach international audiences, and that’s a big step forward. Gully Gang has played a significant role in this evolution by providing a platform for independent voices and pushing the boundaries of what Indian hip-hop can be.
I think the future is bright. More artists are finding their unique voices, and the audience is becoming more receptive to different styles and stories. I predict that we’ll see more Indian hip-hop artists breaking into the global scene. Gully Gang will continue to be at the forefront, representing the culture and pushing the movement forward.
Q: With Halaat now out, what’s next for MC Altaf? Are there any upcoming projects or collaborations you’re excited about?
MC Altaf: There’s a lot in the pipeline. I’m working on a deluxe version of Halaat, which will feature more tracks and some exciting collaborations. I’m planning to add more features and extend the tracklist to give the fans even more to vibe with. There are also some unexpected collaborations on the way—some with artists that people wouldn’t expect me to work with, and I’m looking forward to exploring different sounds and styles.
I’m also working on expanding my presence beyond India. I want to take my music to a global audience and represent the Indian hip-hop scene on international stages. There’s so much more to come, and I’m just getting started.
Q: How important is it for you to keep evolving your sound while staying true to your roots?
MC Altaf: It’s very important. As an artist, you need to keep evolving; otherwise, you risk becoming stagnant. But at the same time, you should never forget where you came from. For me, staying true to my roots doesn’t mean I can’t experiment with new sounds or styles. It just means that the core message of my music should always reflect who I am and where I come from.
Dharavi will always be a part of my identity, and that’s something that I carry with me in everything I do. Whether I’m using boom bap beats, trap elements, or something else entirely, the spirit of my hood and the stories of my journey will always be present in my music.
Q: What do you hope to achieve through your music, especially with an album as personal as Halaat?
MC Altaf: My goal has always been to inspire others and to create something that leaves a lasting impact. With Halaat, I hope that people can listen to my story and see themselves in it. I want to remind people that they’re not alone in their struggles, and that there’s always hope even in the darkest of times. Music has the power to heal, motivate, and bring about change, and I want to use that power to make a positive difference. If Halaat can inspire even one person to keep pushing forward, then I’ve done my job.
Q: The album features a mix of gritty street narratives, introspective tracks, and more commercially appealing songs. How did you ensure that this diverse approach would still create a cohesive album?
MC Altaf: It all comes down to the underlying theme of the album. Each track may have a different style or sound, but they’re all connected by the same thread—my experiences, my reality, my halaat. That’s what ties everything together. The diversity in the music reflects the diversity in my journey. I’ve had moments of struggle, moments of joy, and moments where I just wanted to have fun and celebrate life. The album reflects all of that, and I think it’s that range of emotions that gives it its strength.
Q: How do you see the relationship between hip-hop and social change, especially in a country like India?
MC Altaf: Hip-hop has always been about social change. It started as a voice for the marginalized and the oppressed, and it continues to be that. In a country like India, where there are so many social issues, hip-hop can be a powerful tool for raising awareness and sparking dialogue. Artists have the platform to talk about what’s happening on the streets, in the slums, and in the lives of everyday people. It’s an opportunity to give a voice to those who are often ignored.
For me, being a part of that movement is about more than just making music. It’s about using my voice to bring attention to issues that matter and to empower others to do the same. If we can inspire even a small change through our music, then that’s a step in the right direction.
