DIVINE’s ‘Walking on Water‘: A Continued Exploration of authenticity in Indian Hip-Hop
Divine, a cornerstone of the Indian hip-hop scene, returns with his fifth studio album, Walking on Water. This release isn’t about solidifying a legacy – he’s already done that. Instead, it’s a compelling presentation of an artist continually pushing boundaries and seeking genuine expression. The album presents a mixed bag, showcasing both innovative strides and moments that feel slightly off-key, but ultimately reveals a rapper deeply invested in artistic evolution.
Navigating Familiar and New Territories
The album opens with tracks that explore familiar romantic themes, but with varying success. “You & I” initially charms,but ultimately feels forced,lacking the effortless appeal of previous work like “Chal Bombay.” It suggests divine might be overthinking the approach. “Doordarshan,” preceding it,unfortunately fades into the background,offering little sonic or lyrical novelty.
However, Divine truly shines when collaborating with other prominent artists. ”Late Knights,” featuring gurinder Gill, and “Saucy” with Riar Saab, seamlessly integrate Punjabi influences, leveraging the strengths of each performer. These collaborations feel organic and elevate the overall sound. Moreover, “ABCD,” alongside MC Altaf and Sammohit, powerfully reaffirms the enduring energy of the Gully Gang collective, with each verse complementing the others beautifully.
Moments of Brilliance and Raw Emotion
“tequila Dance” stands out as a high point,a vibrant celebration of camaraderie and musical synergy. Contrasting this upbeat energy, “Drama” offers a deeply personal and vulnerable moment, a raw exploration of ambition and self-belief. These tracks demonstrate Divine’s versatility and willingness to explore diverse emotional landscapes.
The pairing with Phenom on ”Homicide” is notably effective. Unlike the more subdued “Doordarshan,” this track crackles with palpable tension and menace. Divine’s storytelling is sharp and gripping, keeping you on the edge of your seat throughout.
A Search for Authenticity, Not Relevancy
Five albums in, it’s clear Divine isn’t motivated by chasing trends or maintaining relevance. You won’t find contrived gimmicks here, a refreshing contrast to some contemporaries. rather, Walking on Water feels like a genuine artistic pursuit.
This album isn’t about performing miracles; it’s about marking milestones. It’s a testament to an artist who prioritizes authenticity above all else. As long as that remains his guiding principle, Divine will continue to shape the future of Indian hip-hop, one thoughtfully crafted album at a time.
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This album is a compelling listen for anyone interested in the evolution of Indian hip-hop and the artistic journey of one of its most important figures. It’s a reminder that true artistry lies not in flawless execution,but in the courage to explore,experiment,and remain true to yourself.
