Hyderabad, July 14 -- Hyderabad's growing hip-hop scene has found a new representative on the national stage. Rapper KNSS, whose real name is Mohammad Kaif Suri, has entered Raftaar and KR$NA's rap talent hunt show Legacy, carrying the city's language, humour and street culture with him.

Introducing himself before the judges, KNSS made it clear that he was not representing Hyderabad only in name. "I represent South Side, Telangana, Hyderabad, 51 to 119, Deccan hip-hop," he said before launching into his track Line Busy.

The performance was packed with Dakhni phrases, playful relationship references and the everyday humour Hyderabadis instantly recognise. With lines such as "Meku call nakko karo" forming the hook, KNSS did not change his...