In India’s evolving music and entertainment landscape, MTV Hustle has emerged as a pioneering platform giving voice and spotlight to underground rap and hip-hop talent. Launched in 2019 on MTV India, the show invites emerging rappers from across the country to compete through lyrical battles, themed perform ()ances, and mentor-driven challenges. Over its seasons, MTV Hustle has not just crowned winners, but also propelled fresh voices into mainstream recognition, bridging the gap between street rap culture and popular media. In this article, we’ll explore the show’s format, list the winners, runners-up, judges and hosts across seasons:
Show Format
The concept of MTV Hustle builds around the competitive, raw energy of rap culture in India. Its format includes:
- Open Auditions & Selections: Aspiring rappers audition in front of judges to earn a place in the competition.
- Mentorship / Squad Bosses: From season 2 onward, the show includes “Squad Bosses” or mentors (established rappers) who guide, coach, and mentor selected contestants.
- Challenges & Themed Rounds: Contestants face weekly tasks — solo rap battles, hooks, collaborations, thematic constraints (language, style), beat selection, and lyrical improvisations.
- Eliminations by Voting / Judgement: Based on performance, judge feedback, mentor inputs, and sometimes public voting, contestants are eliminated gradually until finalists remain.
- Finale and Winner Announcement: In the final episode, the strongest performers battle it out; a winner is declared (and sometimes additional titles like “OG Hustler” or “Best in Squad” are awarded).
- Hosts and Judges: A host anchors the narrative, brings contestants to stage, and interacts with judges. Judges (and mentors) critique performances, push growth, and sometimes shape trajectories.
- Evolving Format: Over seasons, the show has introduced squad bosses, dual hosts, return of former contestants, guest performances, and twists to keep the energy fresh.
MTV Hustle Winners, Runners-up, Judges, Hosts for All Seasons
Here is a consolidated table, as per publicly available information, summarizing key data for the seasons of MTV Hustle:
| Season | Year / Broadcast | Winner | Runner-up | Host(s) | Judges / Mentors / Squad Bosses |
| Season 1 | 2019 | M-Zee Bella | EPR | Gaelyn Mendonca | Judges: Raftaar, Nucleya, Raja Kumari |
| Season 2 | 2022 | MC Square | Paradox | Krissann Barretto | Judge: Badshah; Squad Bosses: EPR Iyer, Dino James, Dee MC, King Rocco |
| Season 3 | 2023 | Uday (Uday Pandhi) | Bassick | Wicked Sunny, Super Mannik | Judge: Badshah; Squad Bosses: EPR Iyer, Dino James, Dee MC, Ikka |
| Season 4 | 2024 | Lashcurry | Naam Sujal | MC Talha, MC Jizzy (Jasmeet Singh Bhatia) | Judges: Raftaar, Ikka; Squad Bosses: EPR Iyer, Dino James, Dee MC, Raga |
Notes / clarifications:
- In MTV Hustle, the concept of “judge” often overlaps with mentor or squad boss roles; some judges also act as squad bosses or guiding figures.
- Some seasons have dual hosts or co-hosts.
- The label “OG Hustler” is sometimes used for an additional performer recognized in the finale (e.g. in Season 4, Siyaahi earned OG Hustler title)
MTV Hustle Season 1 (2019)
MTV Hustle debuted on 10 August 2019. In this inaugural season, rappers auditioned before judges Raftaar, Nucleya, and Raja Kumari, with Gaelyn Mendonca anchoring the show as host. Contestants battled through lyrical challenges, rap duels, hooks, and freestyle rounds. Ultimately, M-Zee Bella (Deepak Singh) from Ludhiana was crowned the winner, praised for his poetic and emotive style, while EPR (Santhanam Srinivasan Iyer) finished as the runner-up. The season set the tone for Indian rap reality, blending street authenticity with mainstream exposure.
MTV Hustle Season 2 (2022)
After a gap, MTV Hustle returned in September 2022 with evolved structure. The flagship change: introduction of Squad Bosses—EPR Iyer, Dino James, Dee MC, and King Rocco—who mentored contestants, and the sole judge was Badshah. Krissann Barretto took the hosting baton. In a tense finale, MC Square (Abhishek Baisla) clinched victory, while Paradox secured second place. The mentorship model added strategic elements to competition, allowing nuance beyond raw performance.
MTV Hustle Season 3 (2023)
The third season, known as MTV Hustle 03 Represent, premiered 21 October 2023. Hosts Wicked Sunny and Super Mannik led the show. Badshah returned as judge, supported by squad bosses EPR Iyer, Dino James, Dee MC, and Ikka. Contestants had to navigate thematic constraints and squad dynamics. In the finale, Uday (Uday Pandhi) emerged victorious, showcasing versatility and stage presence. Bassick claimed the runner-up spot. This edition amplified mentorship’s role, audience engagement, and experimentation in rap styles.
MTV Hustle Season 4 (2024)
Season 4 (titled Hip Hop Don’t Stop) premiered on 19 October 2024. New hosts MC Talha and MC Jizzy (Jasmeet Singh Bhatia) took charge. Judges Raftaar and Ikka led the panel, with squad bosses EPR Iyer, Dino James, Dee MC, and newcomer Raga. The finale held on 22 December 2024 concluded with Lashcurry being crowned winner, and Naam Sujal as runner-up. Additionally, Siyaahi earned the OG Hustler title. In this season, the show experimented with “Janta Chunegi Judge” (public choosing judges), surprise challenges, and high stakes performances.