“Yours Truly” is the highly anticipated mixtape by Indian rapper Krishna Kaul, known professionally as KR$NA, released on May 22, 2025, under the labels Mass Appeal India and Kalamkaar. This 15-track project marks a pivotal moment in KR$NA’s career, showcasing his evolution as a rapper and his ability to collaborate with both national and international artists. The mixtape is celebrated as a landmark release in the Desi hip-hop scene, blending raw lyricism, personal storytelling, and a global sound while staying true to its Indian roots.
Key Points
- “Yours Truly” is a 15-track mixtape by Indian rapper KR$NA, released on May 22, 2025.
- It features collaborations with artists like Raftaar, Badshah, Aitch, Seedhe Maut, Yashraj, and Awich.
- Released under Mass Appeal India and Kalamkaar, it blends raw lyricism and personal storytelling.
- The mixtape is described as a landmark in Desi hip-hop, with a global yet rooted sound.
Artist Background
KR$NA, born on October 4, 1987, in New Delhi, India, to a Kashmiri Pandit family, is a pioneering figure in Indian hip-hop. He began rapping at age 14 while living in South London, initially under the stage name Prozpekt. His early success came with the 2010 music video for “Kaisa Mera Desh,” which became the first Indian hip-hop song on YouTube, earning a number 2 ranking among India’s most-watched music videos overnight (Wikipedia – KRSNA). Known for his lyrical depth, technical skills, and involvement in Desi hip-hop beefs, KR$NA has been a key figure in the genre’s growth, even appearing briefly in the 2019 Bollywood film Gully Boy as himself.
Release Context
The announcement of “Yours Truly” coincided with a significant event in Indian hip-hop: American rapper Nas’s debut performance in India at the “Mass Appeal Presents: The World Reunion-A Charity Concert” in Mumbai on April 19, 2025 (Wikipedia – KRSNA). This alignment highlights the growing global influence of Indian hip-hop and sets the stage for KR$NA’s mixtape as a bridge between local and international audiences. The release under Mass Appeal India, a subsidiary of the American label co-owned by Nas, further emphasises its global aspirations.
Tracklist and Collaborations
“Yours Truly” comprises 15 tracks, including four skits titled “VOTP SKIT,” which add a narrative layer to the project. The mixtape features an impressive lineup of collaborators, including Indian hip-hop heavyweights Raftaar, Badshah, Seedhe Maut, and Yashraj, as well as international artists Aitch (UK) and Awich (Japan). Below is the complete tracklist with featured artists:
(Album – Yours Truly)
Production and Musical Style
The mixtape is produced by a talented roster including Bharg, Hurricane, Karan Kanchan, Lambo Drive, lejJA Beats, M16, NEVERSOBER, Phenom, and Sana. Notably, KR$NA himself contributed to the production, showcasing his versatility as both a rapper and producer. The title track, “Yours Truly,” is produced by Bharg and focuses on KR$NA’s journey, reflecting on the ups and downs of his life and career.
“Yours Truly” is characterized by a blend of aggressive flows and emotional verses, balancing KR$NA’s solo performances with powerful guest appearances. The mixtape delivers a layered, cinematic sound that appeals to both Indian and global audiences. It combines raw lyricism with personal storytelling, addressing themes of ambition, resilience, and identity while maintaining a rooted connection to Desi hip-hop culture.
Significance in Desi Hip-Hop
“Yours Truly” is described as a landmark release in Desi hip-hop, reinforcing KR$NA’s position at the forefront of the genre. The inclusion of international artists like Aitch and Awich signals an ambition to expand Indian hip-hop’s global reach, while collaborations with local stalwarts like Raftaar and Badshah ground the project in its cultural origins. Early fan reactions, such as an X post describing the mixtape as “futuristic, flawless, and pure fire” with “unique flows, cinematic sound, and unmatched presence”, suggest strong initial reception, though comprehensive reviews are still emerging due to the recent release.
Availability and Promotion
The mixtape is available on major streaming platforms, including Spotify, where fans can access all 15 tracks. Visualizers for tracks like “Nothing To Prove,” “Buss Down,” and “KKBN” are available on KR$NA’s YouTube channel, enhancing the listening experience with visual elements created by The Indian Doodler and CG Daw. The release was subtly announced with minimal promotion, allowing the music to speak for itself.
Conclusion
“Yours Truly” represents a bold step forward for KR$NA and Indian hip-hop, blending personal introspection with global ambition. With its diverse collaborations, top-tier production, and a sound that resonates across borders, the mixtape solidifies KR$NA’s legacy as a trailblazer in the Desi hip-hop scene. As the genre continues to gain international recognition, “Yours Truly” stands as a testament to KR$NA’s ability to innovate while honoring his roots.
Key Citations:
