Multi-platinum rapper DIVINE has become the first Indian artist to be featured on New York Times Square’s Spotify billboard.
He released his first album Punya Paap on 4 December, which quickly garnered streams by the millions on multiple music-streaming platforms since its release.
The 11-track album features collaborations with artistes such as hip-hop veteran Nas, Grammy-winning Brooklyn-based singer-songwriter Cocoa Sarai, British Drill rapper Dutchavelli, Grammy-winning producer iLL Wayno, London-based dancehall artiste Stylo G and Indian-American singer-songwriter Lisa Mishra.
As of 12 December, Divine has become the first Indian artist to be featured on the Spotify Times Square Billboard for the album.
Reflecting on the achievement, Divine said: “Releasing an album is always an important milestone for any artiste. I’m grateful to my fans above all who’ve waited patiently since my previous album ‘Mirchi’ secured a spot on the YouTube Top 100 Global Songs recently, a first for me with regards to a global charting.
“And now that we’ve made it to the iconic Times Square. This is a sign that the story of hip-hop in India is no longer confined to a nascent perspective, but it’s burgeoning and we are headed for exciting times. Life is good and I’m grateful,” he added.
The artist took to social media to share a post which captured the dazzling display in the heart of New York. He said on Instagram: “Andheri East Mumbai se Times Square New York!!! 🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾 Zindagi meri shehnai…sapne dekhte rehneka. @spotifyindia @gullygangindia #punyapaap @massappealindia #Indianhiphopiswinning.” – @vivianakadivine.
Take a look at the original post here.
By extension, Chaitanya Kataria, Co-Founder of Gully Gang Entertainment said, “It’s great to see that Vivian’s growth as an artist is evolving with every releases and Punya Paap reflects his aptitude of being able to consistently deliver chart topping hits and also underground hip-hop bangers.
“We’re thankful to our partners in believing in the vision and working with us to take the Indian hip-hop brand global. For Divine & Gully Gang fans, the next year has a lot more in store from Punya Paap and beyond!”
