Raftaar and Kr$na’s new show, Legacy: Is it really by the culture?

Photo by Chase Fade on Unsplash

I was anticipating the release of Legacy: a new rap reality show by Raftaar and Kr$na for so long. The first episode on Kalamkaar’s YouTube channel premiered on 10th July, 2026, from 7:30 PM onwards. While the show excites me about the format and winner deal, there are a few things that are questionable. PS: The production is good, if not the best; I am more concerned about the process of choosing contestants.

Desi Hip Hop kisi ke baap ki jageer nahi — Raftaar (CHILL RAAMIX)

The show claims to find “the next voice of Indian Hip Hop” and “the one artist capable of carrying the Desi Hip Hop legacy forward” as per their official website. But who defines the legacy? Is it just Raftaar and Kr$na? Even if your answer is yes, here is my biggest problem with the show.

Are we really finding the next voice?

The show claims to have done “a rigorous, country-wide search for the most authentic voices,” but when the contestants unreveal themselves across Episode 1 and Episode 2 of the show, this claim seems to fade far away from reality.

When a show like Legacy airs once in a while, we have hopes of seeing real underground, lesser-known artists who are exceptionally good but are unable to find a platform to showcase their art to the masses. And when already well-known artists and voices take up the stage, the authenticity of the show naturally starts to get questioned.

The bias

We are seeing artists:

• Who have collaborated with big DHH names and organisations/labels.
• Who are already known in DHH circles and have the backing from the DHH community.
• Who have previously won a decently known rap competition or a reality show or have been seen in one.
• Whose songs have already gone viral on Instagram.

I am not against any artist or questioning their skill level. I am just trying to point out what the expectations are for a show like this and what it should bring to the table.

While I am aware how difficult it is for a lesser-known artist to make money doing rap, a show like this should really bring out the people who really need a platform like this and not the ones who are already out there with a large number of Instagram followers, Spotify listeners, and YouTube views.

The lack of judgement

We have all seen Raftaar’s judgement on another rap reality show before. How he doesn’t miss technicalities like a single fumble, loss of breath, average writing, and average performance, to name a few! But on Legacy, he somehow manages to approve mediocrity. First, the selection process, and second, the judgment, both seem to have taken a toll on this show.

At some points, it feels better than the other rap reality show, but at the same time it disappoints at many levels due to the obvious flaws. On a side note, I am waiting to see how the next season of the other rap reality show goes, which might also air soon.

Verdict

While Legacy remains on my watchlist and I am going to watch it till the end because it’s one of a kind show in a while, the obvious flaws can not be overlooked. I will keep writing about what I feel about the show. Stay tuned, and let’s see how the next episodes go!