NepHop Unity: Girish Khatiwada talks about Controversies in Nepali HipHop

Girish Khatiwda's Message to all Nepali Hip-Hop Artists and Fans

Namaste to all my NepHop family. Girish Khatiwada here. Today, I want to talk about something that’s been creating a buzz in the Nepali hip-hop scene and address some questions surrounding one of my latest tracks, Habibi. But more importantly, I want to use this moment to talk about unity in NepHop and how, together, we can take this culture to even greater heights. Nepali hip-hop is more than just music—it’s a movement, a lifestyle, and a powerful voice for the people.

THE CONTROVERSY: 

First, let’s talk about the line that’s been making some noise: RUN, RUN, RUN, tero bau ayo Son - feedback napachne, kamjor tero man. Some fans and forums are speculating that I aimed this line at a specific contestant from NepHop Ko Shreepech, particularly RZE. Let me make this crystal clear—that line was never directed at anyone. It was just a fun line, something we rappers do to create a vibe and energy in our music. Period. It’s not aimed at any individual or incident, but rather, it’s part of the art of rap—delivering sharp, engaging lyrics that matches the rhythm.

I respect all the artists who participated in the show, including RZE. The feedback I gave during the show was always meant to help every artist grow, not to bring anyone down. As a judge, my role was to guide, and I stand by every critique I made with the pure intention of improvement. And as for diss tracks? I see them as part of hip-hop’s tradition, but my focus has always been on building, not breaking. Diss tracks can be a creative outlet, but let’s not forget the bigger picture—uplifting the culture.

A MESSAGE FOR UNITY: 

Nepali hip-hop has come so far, but I believe we can go even further. To do that, we need unity, not division. Let’s remind ourselves why we’re here: for the love of the culture, the music, and the messages we share with the world. Hip-hop has the power to educate, inspire, and unite. It’s not just about who’s the best or who’s trending; it’s about creating a legacy that future generations can look up to.

Let’s create songs that vibe together, conscious songs to educate, and political songs to speak truth to power. Let’s make party anthems that bring people together. That’s the real essence of NepHop—diverse voices coming together to create something bigger than ourselves. The beauty of hip-hop lies in its diversity, and NepHop is no different. We can be competitive without being divisive, and we can challenge each other without tearing anyone down. That’s how we grow.

As rappers, we share the same industry. We’ll cross paths at events, conferences, and even work together on collaborations. Division and fights only harm us. Instead, let’s embrace the vibe and the opportunities hip-hop offers. This culture is about expression, not suppression. It’s about art, and art is beautiful.

TO THE FANS: 

To all the fans and forums: I appreciate the passion you have for Nepali hip-hop. But let’s use that energy positively. Instead of creating unnecessary conflicts or stirring drama, let’s celebrate the diversity of talent in our scene. Constructive criticism is welcome, but let’s not bring negativity into a culture that’s meant to uplift us. Let’s talk about the beats that hit, the lyrics that touch our hearts, and the flows that inspire us to move. When we focus on the positives, we fuel the growth of the scene and encourage more artists to rise.

I understand the excitement when gossip and trending topics take over, especially when you’re young and everything feels like news. But let’s grow beyond that. Let’s use our reasoning. Schools didn’t teach us to be robots solving equations like calculators; they taught us to think critically and reason. So, let’s reason this out: negativity divides, positivity unites. And unity is what we need to flourish.

I also want to thank you for supporting Habibi. The love and feedback it’s received show how much potential our community has to amplify NepHop to the next level. Your support means everything. So, let’s keep it positive, supportive, and focused on the art.

TO THE ARTISTS:

To all my fellow artists: Keep pushing boundaries, keep experimenting, and most importantly, support each other. There’s room for all of us in this game. When one artist grows, it brings attention to the entire scene. Remember, hip-hop started as a way to express ourselves, to share our stories, and to stand up for what we believe in. Let’s continue that tradition. And let’s not forget to collaborate, because collaboration is what makes a culture thrive.

As artists, we all have our own torch of light. lets use this light together to brighten up the whole scene - the entire movement. Every beat we drop, every lyric we write, and every stage we step on adds to the legacy of NepHop. So, let’s make sure our contribution is something we can all be proud of. Let’s work together to make NepHop a force to be reckoned with, not just in Nepal but on a global scale.

THE IMPORTANCE OF UNITY: 

Unity is not just a word; it’s a mindset. It’s understanding that we’re stronger together. Look at the biggest hip-hop movements globally—they thrived because artists supported each other. They built bridges, not walls. NepHop can do the same. We can compete in a healthy way, where the goal is mutual growth and inspiration, not division.

Hip-hop is a great form of art. It allows us to express, create, and connect. But if we let fights and ego take over, we lose sight of what truly matters—the music, the message, and the movement. Let’s remember why we started. Let’s make NepHop a space where every artist feels valued, where every fan feels connected, and where every critic feels inspired.

A GUARDIAN’S ROLE: 

As someone who’s been in this game for decades, I see it as my responsibility to nurture and guide this culture. Nepali hip-hop has the potential to be a global force. But for that, we need collaboration, respect, and a shared vision. I’m here to make music that entertains, inspires, and brings people together. And I invite you all to join me in this mission.

My journey in hip-hop has taught me one thing: that our true power lies in our unity. When we stand together, we can overcome any challenge, create timeless art, and inspire change. That’s what NepHop is all about. It’s more than just music—it’s a movement, and it’s up to all of us to keep that movement alive.

CLOSING: 

So, to all my NepHop lovers out there: Let’s stay united. Let’s focus on the art, the culture, and the message. And let’s promise to uplift, not tear down. Together, we can make NepHop unstoppable. Let’s be the generation that takes Nepali hip-hop to new heights, that builds bridges instead of walls, and that leaves a legacy for future artists to follow."

Thank you for reading this blog. You can watch the video video below. And if you agree with this message, drop a comment below or at the YouTube comment section by watching the video. Share this blog or video, and let’s spread positivity across the Nepali hip-hop community. And if you haven’t yet, go check out Habibi! I will post the video below the message so you can watch it. Its a good track - full of vibe. Let’s vibe together. Girish Khatiwada, signing out. 

Watch the video where I address this issue below.