PREMIERE: Nika D x Ikka - Bombay Moves (Official Video)
Bad Medic Records announces the latest chapter in its revolutionary ‘Trading Roots’ campaign with the release of the new single ‘Bombay Moves’. A dynamic collaboration between two standout talents redefining genre boundaries, British grime pioneer Nika D and the trailblazing Indian rapper Ikka.
‘Bombay Moves’ masterfully blends UK grime and drill with classical Indian instrumentation, samples, and percussion, showcasing powerful lyrics in both English and Indian dialects, set against an icy, hard-hitting production.
‘Trading Roots’ features UK rapper Nika D delving into his Indian heritage through collaborations with leading MCs from India’s burgeoning rap scene. Following the success of his 2023 collaboration ‘Burn’ with Mumbai’s MC Altaf and Karan Kanchan, Nika D has now teamed up with Delhi-based rap superstar Ikka.
Accompanied by a visually stunning video shot in the heart of Mumbai, ‘Bombay Moves’ captures both the city’s vibrant and gritty landscapes. The catchy hook, “UK to India, trading roots… Nika D, Ikka, we making moves,” captures how this rap-fusion anthem is set to push the boundaries of multi-continental collaboration.
Bad Medic Records and label founder Nika D continues to break new ground with ‘Trading Roots,’ bringing together diverse musical talents as part of this ambitious project.
Nika D on Bombay Moves: “With this track I set out to fuse my grime roots with classical Indian elements - something that sounded both energetic, authentic and symbolic. It needed to be cohesive with my career as part of Virus Syndicate but with a fresh perspective and flavours.
“Choosing an Indian rapper who could hold his own was also essential, so bringing in a serious talent like Ikka was a big moment for the track - with his legacy and pioneering approach to the Indian scene. I’m super hyped with how it’s turned out. Bombay Moves is a representation of the boundaries we’re breaking with this Trading Roots project.”
Nika D on the Trading Roots project: “After years of travelling to India with my Dad to visit family, I was always trying to find something that I could connect with. Then when my Dad passed away, I felt compelled to seek this out further. Then when I came across GULLY GANG and the Mumbai Hip Hop scene it was the catalyst for me, which then inspired this whole Trading Roots project.
“I’m hoping to create something that’s both groundbreaking and thought provoking - all through the universal language of music. It’s symbolic of the history and colonialism which ties our two countries together, but reconnecting this in a positive way that’s of its time.”
One of the pioneers of UK grime and bass music, Nika D carved his name as the lead MC for global sensation, Virus Syndicate. 50 million streams, sold out headline tours and a global #SICKGANG fanbase later - including appearances at Glastonbury, Lost Lands and Sonar festivals, featured tracks on EA Sports, HBO and Netflix, and top 10 releases in UK, USA and Australia - Nik is now taking his solo career to the next level. Under Nika D, it’s all about re-connecting his love and passion for what got him started in Manchester’s underground grime scene. No compromises. With rapid flow, lyrical wordplay and an unrelenting work-rate, the rapper has showcased his talent across the spectrum of urban and bass music projects - as well as exploring his heritage as an MC of Indian origin.
Ankit Singh Patyal, better known as IKKA is an Indian singer and rapper known for bollywood hits such as the title track of ‘Badri Ki Dulhaniya’, ‘Oh ho ho ho’ with Sukhbir, ‘Paani Wala Dance’, ‘Chamma Chamma’, ‘Kamariya’ from the movie Mitro alongside Darshan Rawal and others. He has also lent his voice to the recent which has topped all the charts ‘Dilbar Dilbar’ with Neha Kakkar and Dhvani Bhanushali. Apart from bollywood music, this talented maestro has released hits such as ‘Half Window Down’, ‘Angaar’, ‘Level Up’, and many more.