By SRTeam Since its debut in August 2019, MTV Hustle has redefined India’s hip-hop landscape. By providing an electrifying stage for underground talent, the show has galvanized rap culture, introducing fierce lyrical battles, sharp storytelling, and unforgettable performances. Over four intense seasons, MTV Hustle has not only crowned new champions—but cultivated a vibrant community of artists pushing the boundaries of desi hip-hop. Each season brought fresh talent, new judges, and evolving formats, making the journey as compelling as the victories themselves.
MTV Hustle Show Theme & Format
MTV Hustle is India’s first rap reality show, blending competitive energy with cultural authenticity. Judges—ranging from Raftaar, Nucleya, Raja Kumari in Season 1, to Badshah, EPR, Dino James, Dee MC, and Ikka Singh in later seasons—mentor contestants through squad-based battles. The show emphasizes lyrical finesse, freestyle flow, stage presence, and storytelling, culminating each week in high-stakes elimination rounds. Contestants compete for grand prizes including cash, record deals, and national exposure, solidifying MTV Hustle as the definitive launchpad for India’s next-gen rap talent.
🏆 Winners & Runners‑up by Season
| Season | Year | Winner (Stage Name) | Winner (Real Name*) | Runner-up | Judges | Host(s) |
| 1 | 2019 | M‑Zee Bella | Deepak Singh | EPR | Raftaar, Nucleya, Raja Kumari | Gaelyn Mendonca |
| 2 | 2022 | MC Square | Abhishek Bainsla | Paradox | Badshah; Bosses: Dino James, Dee MC, EPR, King Rocco | Krissann Barretto |
| 3 | 2023 | Uday Pandhi (Uday) | Uday Pandhi | Bassick | Badshah; EPR, Dino James, Dee MC, Ikka Singh | Super Manikk, Wicked Sunny |
| 4 | 2024 | Lashcurry | Vinayak Lashkari | Naam Sujal | Raftaar, Ikka; Bosses: EPR, Dino James, Dee MC, Raga | Jizzy & Talha Siddiqui |
*Full real names not always widely publicized.
MTV Hustle Season 1 (2019)
The inaugural season premiered on 10 August 2019, featuring Gaelyn Mendonca as host and a judging panel of Raftaar, Nucleya, and Raja Kumari. It introduced raw talent like M‑Zee Bella, EPR, King Rocco, and more. The show emphasized poetic storytelling and foundational rap elements. After 20 intense episodes, Deepak “M‑Zee Bella” Singh from Ludhiana deeply resonated with audiences through his emotional lyricism, clinching the trophy. His runner-up, EPR, also gained a strong fan base. M‑Zee Bella’s win helped establish the blueprint for truth‑driven, street‑flavored Indian hip-hop—a legacy still influencing later seasons.
MTV Hustle Season 2 (2022)
Season 2—branded “Hustle 2.0”—aired December 2022. Badshah replaced the original judges and oversaw squads led by Dino James, Dee MC, EPR, and King Rocco. Abhishek “MC Square” Bainsla from Faridabad took the top spot, admired by Badshah for his narrative style. Paradox finished second. The season spotlighted squad dynamics, expanding rap diversity. MC Square’s win marked a new era of listeners valuing cohesive storytelling and performance, highlighting how the show balanced individuality with mentorship-driven growth.
MTV Hustle Season 3 (2023)
Airing through late 2023, Season 3 continued with Badshah and existing crew; Ikka Singh joined as a squad boss. Hosted by Super Manikk and Wicked Sunny, the season introduced Uday “Uday Pandhi” Pandhi, who at 19 became the youngest winner. Bassick took runner-up. Uday’s sharp lyricism, versatile flow, and consistent performances across 20 episodes won over judges and audiences. This season emphasized youth energy, technical skill, and creative expansion—fuelling interest in rap among younger listeners and reinforcing MTV Hustle’s role as a growth incubator for emerging artists.
MTV Hustle Season 4 (2024)
Season 4—titled Hip Hop Don’t Stop—premiered 19 October 2024. The panel reunited Raftaar and Ikka, with squad bosses EPR, Dino James, Dee MC, and newcomer Raga guiding contestants. Hosted by Jizzy and Talha Siddiqui, the finale featured high energy from six finalists. Vinayak “Lashcurry” Lashkari won on 22 December 2024, with Naam Sujal as runner-up and Dharmik in third place. Lashcurry’s structured rhymes and squad synergy set him apart. The season reaffirmed MTV Hustle’s tradition: mentor-driven growth, public voting clout, and deeply competitive artistry within a squad framework.
Conclusion
MTV Hustle has grown into India’s premier rap platform, consistently delivering new voices and expanding the scene’s depth. From M‑Zee Bella’s heartfelt lyricism in Season 1, to Lashcurry’s polished dominance in Season 4, each winner has shaped the show’s evolving identity. More importantly, the show propelled numerous finalists into music careers—what started as a stage has become a movement. With its blend of competitive fire, mentorship, and public engagement, MTV Hustle continues to champion desi hip-hop, and with each season, stakes—and standards—get higher. The blueprint is clear: talent thrives when given the right platform, and MTV Hustle remains that decisive launchpad.