Hip Hop has exploded in India over the past few years. Divine is India’s gully boy Eminem, Prabh Deep is making classics, and several other artists are making big waves. Hip Hop’s first label, Def Jam, has taken notice and is expanding its reach into the world’s second-most populous nation.

On February 23, Universal Music Group announced that they were launching Def Jam India, a new branch of the iconic music label in India and South Asia. Def Jam India’s goal will be to follow in the footsteps of Def Jam Recordings and find the most cutting-edge Hip Hop and push it to the forefront of the scene.

The first two MCs signed to Def Jam India will be flagship artists Dino James and Fotty Seven. Both artists have been building their fan bases over the years with a steady stream of popular hits between them. Dino James' first single will be 'Lost,' while Fotty Seven will put out 'Banjo,' Both songs will be available by the end of the month on Def Jam India.

In a press release, Tunji Balogun, Chairman and CEO of Def Jam Recordings said, "We're excited to welcome Def Jam India to the worldwide Def Jam family, following our recent launches in the UK, Europe, Africa, and Asia. Hip-hop reflects the pulse of global youth culture and chronicles new stories and voices in real-time. Def Jam India will provide audiences worldwide the opportunity to discover and experience Indian hip-hop culture at its finest and introduce the next generation of cutting-edge artists emerging from the region."