Emiway Bantai

Emiway Bantai, born Bilal Shaikh on November 13, 1995, in Bengaluru, Karnataka, is a highly influential figure in the Indian hip-hop scene. Raised in a middle-class Muslim family, Emiway was initially focused on academics but found his true passion in music, especially after discovering Eminem’s work. This led him to pursue rap, and he adopted his stage name by blending “Emi” from Eminem and “Way” from Lil Wayne, while adding “Bantai” as his own personal twist.

His musical career began in 2014 with his first Hindi rap track, “Aur Bantai,” which quickly gained traction. Emiway’s big break came in 2017 with the release of “#Sadak,” a collaboration with rapper Raftaar. This led to a public feud, with Emiway responding with diss tracks like “Samajh Mein Aaya Kya?” and “Giraftaar,” which solidified his status as an up-and-coming star in the Indian rap scene.

In 2019, Emiway expanded his reach by making a cameo in Zoya Akhtar’s critically acclaimed film Gully Boy, where he also contributed to the popular track “Asli Hip-Hop.” His YouTube channel, which boasts over 21 million subscribers, continues to grow as he releases hit tracks that resonate with a large fan base. From his humble beginnings to his rise as one of the most recognized faces in Indian hip-hop, Emiway Bantai’s journey reflects his unwavering dedication to his craft and his impact on the music industry.