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 the 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. Ahead of the premiere of Hustle 5 – Apna Homeground, OG Squad Boss EPR connected with students, fans and the media across Kolkata, celebrating the city he proudly calls his ‘Homeground’.
Leading this exciting new chapter is Badshah, returning as Rap Supremo to guide India’s next generation of rap talent once again. 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.
As part of the city engagement, EPR visited The Bhawanipur Education Society College, where he interacted with students and judged a rap battle featuring young, emerging talent. Celebrating the city’s rich cultural heritage, he also spent time at the iconic College Street, visiting the legendary Indian Coffee House and Dasgupta & Co., an iconic heritage bookstore, while exploring its timeless literary charm. The visit concluded with a media interaction at Conversation Room, where EPR spoke about the upcoming season and shared his thoughts on the ever-evolving Indian hip-hop movement. The visit celebrated the city that has played an integral role in shaping EPR’s artistic journey.
Speaking about the visit, EPR said, “Kolkata has always been my Homeground. This city has shaped the way I think, write and express myself, and every street here carries memories that continue to inspire my music. Interacting with students, spending time at College Street and connecting with the media here made this experience truly special. I hope this season encourages every aspiring artist to embrace where they come from and believe in the power of their own story.”
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!
