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The doors of the Mumbai local slide open at Borivali station. DJ Dhiraaj boards, clutching his mixer. A handful of commuters look on, puzzled but intrigued. They have no idea that for the next 40 minutes, they’re going to become part of a moving music video, as the train transforms into a stage for a live hip-hop set.
For Crab Culture, a platform known for unconventional DJ sets, the Mumbai local was the perfect choice. With a penchant for capturing something raw and real, there’s no better setting to reveal what truly lies behind the glitz and glamour of the Sleepless City. Dhiraaj adjusts his gear, setting up with his crew on a row of seats where passengers stare out at the city whizzing by. In no time, the beat drops, filling the metal carriages with rhythm, while the train rocks gently along its tracks.
As the train pulls away from Borivali, the first notes of “BACKR00MS” by Playboy Carti (ft. Travis Scott) resonate through the cabin. Dhiraaj leans into the mix, letting the bass shake the narrow aisles. The rhythm of the rails blend with the beat, creating an impromptu collaboration between the soundscape of Mumbai’s local train and the thumping pulse of hip-hop. Commuters sway, some skeptically, others visibly charmed by the unexpected concert. One man nods to the beat, tapping his fingers against the window, as if the train and the track had synced up just for him.
The set unfolds track by track, each song adding its own energy. “Magan” by Rawal, Bharg, and Encore ABJ bring a burst of DHH, while “It Was a Good Day” by Ice Cube slows things down, providing a moment of soulful reflection. Crab Culture’s cameras move through the crowd, capturing the surprise, laughter, and even the occasional head-bob.
Stations blur by: Malad, Goregaon, Vile Parle. Each stop brings new faces, more curious eyes, and the gradual realization that something special is happening. Dhiraaj keeps the vibe alive with every transition, weaving Bollywood into the mix with tracks like “Right Here Right Now”, blending the familiar with the global.
And then, just when the train felt like it had hit its own beat, Crab Culture surprises everyone with J. Cole’s “No Role Modelz”. The iconic track pulses through the cabin, creating an oddly cinematic moment as the train clatters, with the city’s skyline stretching out beyond the windows.
As they neared Bandra, Dhiraaj brought out one final track, “Kohinoor” by DIVINE — a tribute to Mumbai’s own hip-hop king. The bass thumps as passengers, by now fully in on the experience, tap their feet, some even clapping along. A few cheer when the beat drops, their voices echoing down the train, uniting strangers in the universal language of music.
As the train pulls into Bandra, the set ends with applause, laughter, and a few appreciative nods from the regulars who had watched it all unfold. This set wasn’t just about hip-hop. It was about Mumbai, about the lifeline that carries the dreams, stories, and spirit of the city. Crab Culture has given Mumbai’s lifeline a soundtrack.
Watch the full set on YouTube to experience the ride, song by song, from Borivali to Bandra.
