~ Global rap artist Badshah, along with Squad Bosses Ikka, Dee MC, Dino James, and EPR are set to bring the next generation of rap stars to the Indian audiences ~

~ The third season of the rap reality television show will air, starting October 21, Saturday and Sunday at 7:00 pm on MTV and JioCinema ~

16th October, 2023; Mumbai, India:

Building on the mega-success of MTV Hustle 2.0, India’s leading youth entertainment channel, MTV from Viacom18, announces the highly anticipated return of its iconic desi hip-hop reality show. POCO MTV Hustle 03 REPRESENT, co-powered by GOVO Soundbars, T-Series, Wildstone, and Appy Fizz, the latest season will bring unprecedented, fresh rap sounds from all corners of India. The show is set to premiere on October 21, and air every Saturday and Sunday at 7:00 pm on MTV and JioCinema.

Desi hip-hop has found its own voice and following in recent years. The new season acknowledges its growing presence across India, representing its youth, people, and ideologies. As the show has emerged to be the definitive stage for fresh rap talent, ‘India Ab Tumhari Baari’ is the season’s clarion call, urging young India to proudly celebrate the representation of their hood, culture, music, passion, stories, beliefs, issues and even identity. This season is poised to reinforce MTV as a culture catalyst for young India.

Leading the charge once again will be none other than the trailblazing rap supremo and global rap artist Badshah. To hone talent and create industry-ready professionals, eminent Indian rap powerhouses Ikka, Dee MC, Dino James, and EPR will assume the role of Squad Bosses. This time, the stakes will be higher for them, and not just the contestants. Packed with meticulously designed cutting-edge graphics and acoustics, the new season’s performances will have a concert-like vibe, amplifying the excitement and vigour three-fold for fans. Musically inclusive, the songs will also feature regional, folk, Bollywood influences and unplugged versions. Fans can also access their favourite performances on multiple platforms including KaanPhod Music.

The grand success of the previous season, which featured 100+ chartbusters and viral hits, has given an impetus for the latest one to transform into an equalizer bringing underground rap talent with varying degrees of experience, forte and prowess – all on the same stage. Intensifying the competition, the pan-India talent pool will be challenged through different episode themes, to diversify their skill-set, musicality and performances across rap genres like chill hop, lo-fi, trap, jazz, and more.

Anshul Ailawadi, Head – Youth, Music, and English entertainment, Viacom18, said, “MTV has always been a co-creator in India’s evolving youth story. The stage of MTV Hustle has truly pioneered the desi hip-hop revolution, with a powerful cultural impact across the sub-continent. The new season will represent India’s youth in the truest sense. We’re proud to bring this sonic revolution, across multiple platforms for our audience.”

On this exciting partnership, Himanshu Tandon, Country Head, POCO India, said, “Rap is more than just music; it's a powerful expression of the youth's unyielding spirit. POCO has always been the brand for those who dare to be different, who embrace challenges, and who set new trends. Our association with MTV Hustle 03 REPRESENT is a testament to our commitment to understanding and empowering the vibrant energy of the young generation. Through this collaboration, we're not just sponsoring a show; we're becoming a part of a cultural movement that resonates deeply with the millennial and Gen Z audience. POCO is thrilled to amplify the voices of India's rap sensations and contribute to the growth of an art form that speaks volumes about the passion and resilience of our youth.”

Recently the IP was in the news for its ground-breaking global partnership with T-Series. In a first-of-its-kind initiative by a non-fiction IP in India, this partnership provides exclusive music rights for worldwide distribution. Amplifying the vision of building industry-ready rap professionals, the show is committed to empowering artist journeys at a global scale.

For the exciting third season of Hustle 03, JioCinema has planned a range of exciting and engaging interactivities for its viewers. A Fantasy League has been designed that will allow audiences to make their own squad and win points for predicting which contestants will get Radio hit, highest squad scores and who would be eliminated. The person that wins will stand a chance to watch the show live. Adding to the entertainment is a fun a watch and win contest where viewers will be asked one question during the Sunday episode that will allow viewers to win exciting prizes daily. Everyone is aware of the popular meme culture, keeping this in mind, the audience will be given templates from the iconic show on which they can create their own memes. The immersive interactivities above is sure to make this season of Hustle on JioCinema an engaging experience.

Get ready to witness the rise of the next generation of hip-hop stars as they REPRESENT India like never before with POCO MTV Hustle 03 REPRESENT, starting October 21, every Saturday and Sunday, at 7:00 pm on MTV and JioCinema!

About MTV:

MTV, the world’s premier youth brand, is a dynamic and vibrant blend of music and pop culture. With a global reach of more than half-billion households, MTV is a cultural home to the Gen-Z, music fans and artists. MTV engages over 50 MN+ young audiences across various social media platforms, making it one of the most influential youth brands in India. As a creative powerhouse, MTV’s repertoire of flagship properties includes Roadies, Splitsvilla, Hustle, Unplugged and Supermodel of the Year, & couple of new-age show formats like Anything for Love, Ex or Next, while showcasing innovative formats along with some of the most engaging cause-led initiatives like MTV Memory Karaoke, MTV Cancel Covid, MTV Trash Talk, MTV Baar Bra Dekho etc., that drive the youth towards positive change. As the universe of the young, MTV Insights Studio also brings out the most extensive biennial study into the mindset and behaviour of India’s youth through the MTV Youth Study. MTV has also forayed into digital-first initiatives like Fully Faltoo - a platform for all-around entertainment that showcases short and long-format content across myriad genres, and KaanPhod Music - the ultimate music content destination across all digital and audio streaming platforms. The brand has been at the forefront of tech-first creative innovations like India’s first virtual AI rapper BotHard for its tentpole property MTV Hustle 2.0. MTV also has its own branded content arm, called the MTV Brand Studio, for advertisers exploring edgy and quirky branded content, which, in the past has collaborated with brands like Hyundai, HP, Airbnb, Nescafe, LinkedIn and many more. The Consumer Products of MTV are available to its fans through unique and strategic brand licensing tie-ups. The latest addition to the ecosystem is the licensing of the Roadies franchise into Café Roadies in Noida, Club Roadies in Jaipur, along with Roadies Koffeehouz and Club Roadies in Chandigarh. For information about MTV in India, visit https://www.mtvindia.com/

About Viacom18 Media Pvt Ltd:

Viacom18 Media Pvt. Ltd. is one of India’s fastest growing entertainment networks and a house of iconic brands that offers multi-platform, multi-generational and multicultural brand experiences. Viacom18 defines entertainment in India by touching the lives of people through its properties on air, online, on ground, in cinemas and merchandise. Its portfolio of 38 channels across general entertainment, movies, sports, youth, music and kid’s genres delights the consumers across the country with its eclectic mix of programming. JioCinema, Viacom18’s OTT platform, is one of India’s leading streaming services and most popular destination for live sports. Viacom18 Studios has successfully produced and distributed iconic Hindi films and clutter-breaking regional films for over 13 years in India.