Photo: Ahmer
Kashmir’s influential Hip-Hop emcee and songwriter Ahmer Javed, oftentimes referred to as just Ahmer, has announced his shocking retirement from rap music. A pioneer of Koshur Hip-Hop, who further spearheads the Koshur Nizam rap movement in Kashmir, Ahmer has confirmed that his next project will be his “last” body of work.
“This next mixtape will be my last project. Final. This is it. Gonna do it for the love, the music I fell in love with, for better,” Ahmer wrote in an affecting note. “Some good music on the way. Bangers n all, who knows,” the “Azli” rapper further said.
Amidst announcing his retirement, which certainly marks the end of an era for Kashmir’s nascent yet historic rap scene, Ahmer shared a cautious piece of advice for underground rappers on the come-up.
“To all the budding rappers and those who look up to me: find love, it’s out there. trust no one, take care of your family and those who care for you, no one will be there but them, and whatever you do, do it for you, and for better. Keep your circle tight. Think, don’t be influenced, don’t be blind,” Ahmer wrote.
Ahmer’s retirement arrives amidst a slew of hard-hitting rap records by the Kashmiri artist. Most recently, the unapologetic rapper linked up with Straight Outta Srinagar affiliate Tufail Nazir on “Bilya”.
Earlier this year, Ahmer reportedly split from Azadi Records after releasing numerous top-notch Hip-Hop and Drill bangers with the label.
The “Azli” emcee’s departure from the Mumbai-based label is the third big exit in Indian rap music. Earlier this year, Karma “parted ways” with Raftaar‘s Kalamkaar rap label too.
Most recently, Indian emcee and record producer Prabhdeep confirmed his departure from the highly coveted rap record label too.
Ever since going independent, Ahmer continued to drop hard-hitting rap records with Straight Outta Srinagar. In May, the emcees teamed up on the Xplicit-produced single “Evil Eye” amidst high anticipation.
Look out for Ahmer’s last mixtape this year.
Read more: Karma Signs Exclusively to New Record Label Rep. Shubh
Listen to Ahmer’s hard-hitting LP ‘Little Kid, Big Dreams’ via Spotify.
