Whether it was back in 2005 when I was first starting to develop a distinct affection for the art form, or even now, a whole 17 years later.

When I look at the artists that soundscape so much of my life that I admire, who I lean on to process trauma, to escape my day to day, to instill some fun and confidence into my life... these artists rarely, if ever, look like me.

And that is why I want to take you on a quick journey through the looking glass of an Indian lover of hip-hop, and discuss the importance of representation through the art form we all love, hip-hop.

Throughout, I will also highlight a few pivotal albums and artists along the way.