Agsy Shouts Out Misogyny in DHH; Calls for Equal Respect

Seven years after first appearing on the reality‑show Hustle, rapper Agsy has returned as a Squad Boss, ready to mentor the next wave of talent. The 28‑year‑old, known for tracks such as “Khal” and “VAN GOGH,” says she has watched Desi hip‑hop (DHH) grow into a bigger part of India’s music conversation, but the expansion has not translated into a level playing field for women.

Agsy points out that misogyny remains a pervasive problem in DHH. She explains that female rappers are expected to work twice as hard yet still struggle to earn the same respect as their male counterparts. “A male rapper can often be allowed to make mistakes, experiment or take time to find his sound, while a woman can find herself being judged much more quickly, not just for the music, but for her appearance, personality and the way she chooses to conduct herself,” she says.

She stresses that the issue is not a lack of female talent but the expectations placed on women. “In any community, scrutiny is seen. Every action is noticed. That’s why you have to work twice as hard and still not be as respected as the men out there,” she explains, adding that the pressure extends to the way women must establish their credibility. “It shouldn’t be that a female rapper has to prove herself ten times before people say, ‘Okay, she’s good,’” Agsy says.

Agsy believes that being a woman in DHH should not dictate the music she creates. She says she considers herself one of the best rappers in the country, regardless of gender, and that her lyrical content is on par with male peers. Yet she notes that male rappers’ songs often contain objectification, which has shaped a taste in the industry that marginalises women’s voices.

Her comments come amid broader scrutiny of how women are portrayed in mainstream music, with artists such as Guru Randhawa and Badshah facing backlash over lyrics and visuals deemed offensive. Agsy’s return to Hustle is seen as an opportunity to pass on technical knowledge and the confidence to stand up against these entrenched biases.