Jyoti Negi’s story doesn’t fit the usual mold. It never did. From the start, her journey was one of determination, grit, and an unwavering love for music. “Rap is poetry in motion,” she says, her face lighting up as she explains how each rhyme holds layers of meaning. For Jyoti, music isn’t a career path — it’s her way of connecting with the world, each beat reflecting her struggles and dreams. She’s a voice of resilience, fueled by both personal struggles and an uncompromising passion for expression. Her journey began long before she picked up a pen at 13. It’s a journey where she's overcome physical and societal obstacles, found strength through music, and reshaped the Indian rap scene along the way.

She’s quick to credit her influences. “Eminem taught me flow and speed,” she says. Then there’s Raftaar, who showed her how to play with words in Hindi. “Milind Gaba, though, taught me melody,” she shares. Her voice carries a lighter, softer tone than most Indian rappers, but she doesn’t see that as a setback. In fact, it’s her unique sound.

When she started writing lyrics at 13, it was a means of finding her voice — literally and figuratively. “Back then, the rhymes were simple,” she recalls. It was just a teenager trying to find her place. But her lyrics have evolved alongside her experiences, becoming more complex and layered. “Now, I write about everything,” she says, listing heartbreak, societal issues, and commercial tracks among the many themes she explores. “I want my songs to feel relatable, but I also want them to speak for those who can’t speak for themselves.” It’s this duality — a blend of personal introspection and social commentary — that sets her apart.

Growing up with scoliosis and a genetic locomotive disability, Jyoti faced the kind of hardships that would have silenced most. Access to education was limited and society’s expectations of her were even more so. “In the beginning, I felt like I couldn’t do anything,” she admits. Self-hatred and isolation were common feelings. But music flipped the script. “It changed my life completely,” she says. Music offered a new sense of identity and purpose. “My wheelchair doesn’t define me,” she states firmly. “My lyrics do.”

One of Jyoti’s defining moments came when she was told she’d never make it in the industry because of her physical appearance. “They said I’d always have to work behind the scenes,” she recalls. But she refused to be confined. With her music and her presence, she shattered stereotypes, proving that talent, not glamor, is what matters. “It was a proud moment,” she says of her first on-camera appearance. “I showed them that it’s about what you bring to the table, not how you look while doing it.”

The Indian rap scene has seen some big shifts over the years. “When I started, people didn’t even know about rap culture,” she says.  But now, the genre is thriving, with regional voices gaining attention and hip-hop events becoming common. Jyoti sees this shift as a step toward making the industry more diverse and inclusive. “I want to be part of this change,” she asserts. She frequently collaborates with younger rappers, attends local cyphers, and even organizes events to promote togetherness within the community. “I want to create a sense of unity,” she explains.

When asked who she’d love to work with, Jyoti’s answer is instant: Talha Anjum. “I love his style of writing and how he modernizes old poetry,” she says. Anjum’s ability to blend the old with the new resonates deeply, as it aligns with her own approach to music — combining personal stories with broader cultural themes. “I think we could create something raw and meaningful together,” she muses. 

Jyoti’s story is built on resilience, raw expression, and the kind of determination that doesn’t let up. She has no illusions about the road ahead, but she’s also not about to be limited by what’s behind her. Her words say it best: “I’ll prove I can do it all, knowing I’ve stayed true to myself and still made it.”

Follow Jyoti here.

If you enjoyed reading this, here's more from Homegrown:

‘Maati’ Is A New Project Highlighting The Magic of India’s Diverse Musical Traditions

Bhai Bhai Soundsystem Is A Collective Reshaping Electronic Music In Dhaka

The Reign Of Kalmi: The Producer Behind 'Big Dawgs' Is Showing Us How To "Make Good Music"