The Desi Hip Hop (DHH) scene is ablaze with controversy as popular hip-hop analyst and YouTuber Rohan Cariappa finds himself in the crosshairs of MTV Hustle. Known for his candid takes on rap battles, lyrical analysis, and critiques of the Indian hip-hop industry, Cariappa recently criticized MTV Hustle for alleged favoritism and bias in its judgments.
What Happened?
Rohan Cariappa’s critiques of MTV Hustle, in which he accused the show of prioritizing certain contestants over others, gained significant traction among hip-hop enthusiasts. His videos called out what he described as favoritism, lack of transparency, and a misrepresentation of real hip-hop culture. However, this did not sit well with MTV Hustle’s team.
In response, MTV Hustle issued 50+ copyright strikes on Cariappa’s YouTube channel, effectively leading to its termination on December 7. This aggressive legal action has outraged the DHH community, which sees the move as an attempt to suppress criticism.
Encore ABJ’s Revelation
Adding fuel to the fire, Encore ABJ, one-half of the renowned rap duo Seedhe Maut, revealed that MTV Hustle is now considering a defamation case against Rohan Cariappa unless he issues a public apology. This revelation has further escalated tensions, with many seeing it as a direct attack on free speech and the hip-hop ethos of speaking truth to power.

Community Backlash
The DHH community has responded with fury:
Boycott Campaign: Fans, artists, and creators have taken to Twitter and Instagram, calling for a boycott of MTV Hustle under hashtags like #BoycottMTVHustle and #rohancariappa
Public Outrage: Prominent figures in the hip-hop scene have condemned MTV’s actions, calling them heavy-handed and dismissive of the culture’s core values.
Support for Rohan Cariappa: Many have lauded Cariappa for his honesty and willingness to challenge the status quo, even at the cost of his platform.
Implications for MTV Hustle
MTV Hustle, often credited for bringing hip-hop to the mainstream in India, now faces a credibility crisis. While the show enjoys a loyal fanbase, its handling of criticism and this ongoing controversy may tarnish its reputation among true hip-hop enthusiasts.

What’s Next?
Rohan Cariappa’s channel is set for termination on December 7 unless the strikes are withdrawn. Meanwhile, the DHH community’s collective outrage continues to grow, with fans and creators demanding accountability from MTV Hustle.
This incident highlights the growing divide between commercial platforms and grassroots hip-hop movements, raising questions about freedom of speech, fair critique, and the future of Indian hip-hop culture. Whether MTV Hustle chooses to engage with the criticism constructively or continues its legal route remains to be seen. For now, the battle lines are drawn.