MTV Hustle Winners List of All Seasons

Since its debut in 2019, “MTV Hustle” has emerged as India’s premier rap and hip-hop reality television show, providing a platform for aspiring rappers to showcase their talent and gain national recognition. Airing on MTV India, the show has been instrumental in bringing the underground hip-hop culture to the mainstream, highlighting the diverse linguistic and cultural facets of Indian rap.

The Show Theme and Format

“MTV Hustle” is designed to discover and nurture rap talent from across the country. Contestants participate in a series of performances, presenting original compositions that often reflect personal stories, social issues, and cultural narratives. The show features a panel of judges—renowned figures in the Indian music industry—who evaluate the contestants based on lyrical content, flow, stage presence, and overall impact. In later seasons, the introduction of ‘Squad Bosses’—mentors assigned to groups of contestants—added a layer of mentorship, guiding participants to refine their skills and performances.

List of Seasons, Winners, Runners-up, Judges, Hosts, and Duration

Season	Duration	Winner	Runner-up	Judges	Hosts
1	Aug 10, 2019 – Oct 13, 2019	M-Zee Bella	EPR	Raftaar, Nucleya, Raja Kumari	Gaelyn Mendonca
2	Sep 3, 2022 – Nov 6, 2022	MC Square	Paradox	Badshah; Squad Bosses: EPR, Dino James, Dee MC, King Rocco	Krissann Barretto
3	Oct 21, 2023 – Dec 24, 2023	Uday Pandhi	Bassick	Badshah; Squad Bosses: EPR, Dino James, Dee MC, Ikka Singh	Wicked Sunny, Super Mannik
4	Oct 19, 2024 – Dec 22, 2024	Lashcurry	Naam Sujal	Raftaar, Ikka Singh; Squad Bosses: EPR, Dino James, Dee MC, Raga	Jasmeet Singh Bhatia, Talha Siddiqui

MTV Hustle Season 1 (2019):

The inaugural season of “MTV Hustle” premiered on August 10, 2019, introducing the Indian audience to a competitive rap format. Judged by Raftaar, Nucleya, and Raja Kumari, and hosted by Gaelyn Mendonca, the season featured contestants from diverse backgrounds. M-Zee Bella, hailing from Ludhiana, emerged as the winner, captivating audiences with his poignant lyrics and emotive performances. EPR secured the runner-up position, known for his socially conscious rap themes.

MTV Hustle Season 2 (2022):

After a hiatus, the show returned with its second season on September 3, 2022. This season introduced ‘Squad Bosses’—EPR, Dino James, Dee MC, and King Rocco—who mentored the contestants, while Badshah served as the main judge. Hosted by Krissann Barretto, the season concluded with MC Square from Faridabad winning the title, impressing with his storytelling and stage presence. Paradox was the runner-up, noted for his clever wordplay and energetic performances.

MTV Hustle Season 3 (2023):

Premiering on October 21, 2023, the third season continued the mentorship format with Badshah as the judge and EPR, Dino James, Dee MC, and Ikka Singh as Squad Bosses. Hosted by Wicked Sunny and Super Mannik, the season showcased intense competition. Delhi’s Uday Pandhi clinched the winner’s title, demonstrating versatility and a strong stage presence. Bassick from Jhansi secured the runner-up spot, impressing with his regional flair and lyrical depth.

MTV Hustle Season 4 (2024):

The fourth season, titled “Hustle 4: Hip Hop Don’t Stop,” aired from October 19 to December 22, 2024. Judged by Raftaar and Ikka Singh, with Squad Bosses EPR, Dino James, Dee MC, and Raga, the season was hosted by Jasmeet Singh Bhatia and Talha Siddiqui. Lashcurry, mentored by Raga, emerged as the winner, captivating audiences with his lyrical finesse and dynamic performances. Naam Sujal was the runner-up, known for his compelling storytelling and stage charisma.

Conclusion

“MTV Hustle” has significantly contributed to the mainstream recognition of Indian hip-hop, providing a platform for emerging rappers to showcase their talent and share their narratives. Each season has unearthed unique voices that reflect the diverse cultural landscape of India, enriching the country’s music scene. As the show continues to evolve, it remains a testament to the growing popularity and acceptance of hip-hop in India, inspiring a new generation of artists to express themselves through this powerful medium.