King (rapper) explained

King
Birth Name:Arpan Kumar Chandel
Birth Place:Uttar Pradesh, India
Occupation:Singer, Songwriter, Rapper
Genre:Rap, Indie, Pop, Hip hop
Instrument:Vocals, guitar
Years Active:2015-Present
Module:
Embed:yes
Channels:King
Years Active:2015–Present
Subscribers:6.7 million
Views:1.9 billion
Stats Update:25 August 2024

Arpan Kumar Chandel, professionally known as King, is an Indian singer songwriter, rapper and music producer.[1] He is known for blending Indian melodies with international influences.[2] [3]

Many of King's tracks were inspired by musical dynamics of 1900s and early 2000s.[4] He was among the finalists in MTV Hustle 2019. "Ghumshudaa" (2019), "Tu Aake Dekhle" (2020), "Oops" (2022) and "Maan Meri Jaan" (2022) are some of his best known works.[5] [6] "Maan Meri Jaan" became the most streamed song of 2023 on Spotify India, Apple Music India and other music streaming platforms.[7] [8]

In 2024, King became the first Indian pop artist to walk on the red carpet at the 77th Cannes Film Festival.[9] He featured in the Forbes India 30 Under 30 List of 2024.[10] He is signed on by Warner Music India.[11]

Early life

Arpan was born in 1997 in Uttar Pradesh, India.[12] He did his schooling at a government school and later attended New Delhi's Vinay Marg Navyug Secondary School.

For higher studies, he got admission in Dayal Singh College to pursue Bachelor of Arts via the sports quota. During the college, for four years, he played football in the national under-20 team. Despite his good performance in sports, due to the lack of interest in class, he dropped out out of college in order to pursue a career in rapping.

After college, he joined a govt. job and did the job for half a decade. But he was always attracted towards making music and worked towards his dream by making songs while still at his job.[13]

Career

King posted his rap videos on various social media profiles while he was still in school. He started his YouTube channel 'King Rocco' in 2012 and uploaded his first 'Boombass' video in 2015. In an interview with NME, he said that he used to listen to the Backstreet Boys and Vengaboys. While growing up he used to listen to Beyonce, Justin Timberlake, Timbaland, Lil Wayne and other artists.[14]

In 2019 he began his professional career by competing in the maiden season of the rap reality show 'MTV Hustle#Season 1' judged by Raftaar, Raja Kumari and Nucleya. He positioned himself among the top five finalists. In 2020, he released his first album The Carnival. "Tu Aake Dekhle" from it became a sleeper hit. It turned out to be the first big hit track in his career and earned him recognition.[15]

In 2021, he released his second album The Gorilla Bounce. His 2022 album "The Champagne Talk" proved to be the breakthrough album for him. "Oops" and "Maan Meri Jaan" became smash hits.[16] The later became the most streamed song on Spotify India in 2023.[17] He released multiple versions of "Maan Meri Jaan" with artists from different language backgrounds including a Hindi-English version "Afterlife" in collab with Nick Jonas.[18] [19]

In an interview with Pinkvilla, he cited that the initial songs of his career were inspired from his own life.[20] He collaborated with many artists including Gucci Mane and Julia Michaels in his 2023 album New Life.[21] "Crown", "Good Trip" and "Sarkaare" received critical acclaim.[22] "Good Trip" was featured on Grammy's Recording Academy.[23]

He collaborated with a dozen MCs including MC Stan, Ikka and Raftaar in his 2024 LP Monopoly Moves. With Jason Derulo, he released "Bumpa" in 2024.[24] He was part of the Brut squad at Cannes 2024.[25] He has performed live shows across the country in Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Lucknow, Ahmedabad, Indore, Gurugram, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Pune, Dehradun and others.[26] [27] He has also performed at international venues including UK, US, Canada, Dubai, Bangladesh, Abu Dhabi and others.[28] [29]

Albums (LPs)

YearAlbumTrackCo-artist(s) Ref.
2018CircumstancesI'm Back-
Circumstances
Clearly by Now
She Know
That's My Word
Beat
Gastronamics
Red Dirt State
Skit
Snitches N Cops
The Division
2019Mashhoor Chapter 1Maahaul-[30]
Fantasy
Umar 73
Akeli Awara Azad
Ghumshudaa
I Know You
Going Bas
Outta My MindNateboi
2020The CarnivalShe Don't Give Arowspan="12"-[31]
Thoda Samjha Karo
Dracula
90s
MAFIIA
"TalLet The Eyes Talk
IICONIC
Tu Aake Dekhle
2021The Gorilla BouncePICASSO[32]
BLANKO
SALOOT
Godfather
CasanovaRahul Sathu
Desi Dan Bilzerian-
Koo KooAesap, Jaz
ShaameinHarjas Harjaayi
Main Bas Kehti Nahi-
ERA
Tera Hua Na Main KabhiHIGHBORN
2022Champagne TalkNa Ja Tu-[33]
OOPS
Broken Dreams
Maan Meri Jaan
Dejalo
Pablo
Champagne Talk
Me & Me
2023NEW LIFEAafat[34]
RunawayJulia Michaels
Tu Jaana Na Piya-
Good Trip
Sarkaare
Tum Saath Rehnaa
Legends
We Are the OnesGucci Mane
High HukkuNikhita Gandhi
No Loss-
CROWNNatania
Legends (B Side) -
2024MONOPOLY MOVESGOAT SHITKarma[35]
STILL THE SAMEAbhijay Sharma
WAY BIGGER-
BAWE MAIN CHECKRaga
MISFIT-
KODAKSeedhe Maut
SAZAMC Heam
PYAAR HUMARA-
F*CK WHAT THEY SAYMC Stan
WARCRYRaftaar
MASHINEYIkka
SUPREME LEADERTalha Yunus
SUITS & STREETSYashraj, Gravity
CAN'T AFFORDSikander Kahlon
TERE HO KEBella
DELULU DANCE-

EPs

YearAlbumTrack Co-artist(s)Ref.
2018TalismannDur Kyun-
FLEX
Main Ho Gaya Tera
Hennessy
Talismann
2022KhwabeedaBaazi[36]
Ektarfa
Sinner
2023Shayad Woh SuneLaapata[37]
Hum Tumse
Teri Ho Na Saki

Singles and collabs

YearTrackCo-artist(s) Ref.
2015Boombass-
2016Zinnda
2017Hitman
Promise
2018Chorus
Hauley
Taaliyaan
2020Jaane De YaaraRahul Sathu[38]
2021Ishq SamundarArjun Kanungo[39]
Dhoondein SitareAastha Gill[40]
2022IlzaamArjun Kanungo[41]
OOPS (feat. Masked Wolf) Masked Wolf[42]
Naya Nazariya-[43]
2023Beqadar PiyaSunidhi Chauhan, Salim Sulaiman
Maan Meri Jaan (African Version) Rayvanny[44]
Maan Meri Jaan (Afterlife) Nick Jonas[45]
Sona Re-[46]
2024Rang Barse x Yaaron Wali BaatKaran Kanchan, Shiv-Hari[47]
AawaraKSHMR, Zaeden[48]
BumpaJason Derulo[49]

Film songs

YearSongFilmComposerLyricistCo-artist(s) Ref.
2022Sahi GalatDrishyam 2Devi Sri PrasadAmitabh Bhattacharya-[50]
2023Mere Sawaal KaShehzadaPritamShloke Lal[51]
Baap Aa Gaya HaiRana NaiduKaran KanchanKing, Roll RidaRoll Rida[52]

External links

Notes and References

  1. News: Arpan Chandel (King) . . 29 August 2024.
  2. News: Nick. Levine. King: "I want to show that Indian sounds can blend with any sound in the world" . NME. 28 October 2023. 26 August 2024. en.
  3. News: Bhanuj. Kappal. GQ Hype: Hail to the King . . 3 July 2023 . 22 August 2024. en.
  4. Web site: Hirwani . Peony . COVER STORY: They Don't Call Him King for No Reason . Rolling Stone India . 22 August 2024 . en . 3 April 2024.
  5. News: Ahead Of Vh1 Supersonic 2024, A Look At Singer-Rapper King's Best Tracks From 'Maan Meri Jaan' To 'Tu Aake Dekhle' . Outlook India. en. 2 February 2024. 22 August 2024.
  6. News: Singer-Rapper King: I never sit with people I have to pretend with . Hindustan Times. en. 19 December 2023. 26 August 2024. Singer-rapper King, known for songs such as Maan Meri Jaan and Tu Aake Dekh Le, has been on an India tour..
  7. News: The. Hindu Bureau. Spotify Wrapped India 2023: Arijit Singh takes top spot for fourth consecutive year; 'Maan Meri Jaan' most-streamed song . The Hindu. 30 November 2023 . en. 22 August 2024.
  8. News: Shilpa. Dubey. The Men We Love: KING . Femina. 15 March 2024 . en. 22 August 2024.
  9. News: Rapper King becomes first Indian pop star to walk the Cannes red carpet. Radio Mirchi. en. 22 August 2024.
  10. News: Forbes India 30 Under 30 2023: Meet our young achievers and gamechangers . Forbes India. 30 January 2023. 22 August 2024. en.
  11. News: Tagat. Anurag. Spotify Wrapped: KING, Sidhu Moose Wala and Arijit Singh Dominate 2023 Charts . Rolling Stone India. 29 November 2023. 23 August 2024. KING‘s 2022 hit “Maan Meri Jaan” has the highest streams in India on Spotify (over 275 million plays)..
  12. News: King. Also known as King Rocco, the man born Arpan Kumar in 1997 made his first waves in India's hip-hop community with a self released pair of confrontational early singles, "Zinnda" and "Hitman". . Apple Music. 26 August 2024.
  13. News: Maan Meri Jaan Fame King's Journey From A Delhi Government School To His Collaboration With Nick Jonas Is Truly Inspiring. Koimoi. 10 March 2023. 22 August 2024.
  14. News: Nick. Levine. I used to listen to Backstreet Boys and Vengaboys. NME. 28 October 2023. 26 August 2024. en.
  15. News: King's 'Kodak' song out now . 5 July 2024 . . 26 August 2024. King rose to fame after his superhit song Tu Aake Dekhle..
  16. Web site: Javaid. Arfa. 12 December 2023 . Kesariya, Maan Meri Jaan make it to Google's top 'Hum to Search' songs in 2023, check others on the list . 25 August 2024 . . en.
  17. Web site: Mukherjee. Anindita. 29 December 2023 . Arijit Singh tops most-streamed artist on Spotify Wrapped 2023. See full list . 25 August 2024 . . en. The most-streamed song of 2023 on the platform is 'Maan Meri Jaan' by King and Saurabh Lokhande..
  18. Web site: 21 April 2023 . Nick Jonas croons in Hindi, drops 'Maan Meri Jaan' song video with King. . 25 August 2024 . . en.
  19. Web site: Sharma. Devansh. 18 November 2023 . King interview: 'Maan Meri Jaan Afterlife with Nick Jonas opened my music to the whole world'. 25 August 2024 . . en.
  20. Web site: Batra. Gautam. 20 February 2024 . EXCLUSIVE: King talks about whether his songs are inspired by his personal life . 22 August 2024 . . en.
  21. Web site: MR Mishra. Vinay. 23 October 2023 . King on collaborating with Gucci Mane: A phenomenal moment for me (Exclusive) . 25 August 2024 . . en.
  22. Web site: Chakraborty. Rohini. 29 August 2023 . Rapper KING drops Crown and levitates in the video to the new track. 25 August 2024 . . en.
  23. Web site: Mariah. D.. 7 December 2023 . Indian music garners global acclaim: Grammy's Recording Academy features King's song 'Good Trip' . 25 August 2024 . . en.
  24. Web site: 26 April 2024 . Singer King collaborates with Jason Derulo for his next party song 'Bumpa'. 26 August 2024 . . en.
  25. Web site: 20 May 2024 . Rapper King mocks his own accent after video of him at Cannes goes viral: 'Jab aati nahi to accent hi nikalta hai' . 26 August 2024 . . en. Rapper King was a part of the Brut Squad at Cannes 2024..
  26. News: Deep. Saxena. Singer-rapper King rules hearts of music lovers in Lucknow. Hindustan Times. 16 December 2023. 22 August 2024. en.
  27. News: Mallick. Gyanisha. King's Delhi Concert with his popular tracks keep the night young and energetic. India Today. 4 December 2023. 25 August 2024. en.
  28. News: Tagat. Anurag. KING Announces 11-City India Tour Ahead of 'New Life' Album Launch . Rolling Stone India. 14 September 2023. 22 August 2024. en.
  29. News: 'Maan Meri Jaan' Singer-Rapper King To Perform At Wireless Festival Alongside Global Hip-Hop Stars . ABP Live. 12 January 2023. 29 August 2024. en.
  30. News: Indian rapper 'King' perform live at the Calcutta Boating Club . www.telegraphindia.com. 10 January 2023. 28 August 2024. Famous for chartbusters like 'Tu aake dekhle', 'Maan meri jaan' and 'Ghumshudaa', King made his fans dance to his beats.
  31. News: Shah. Masumi. Rap music is a huge ecosystem in India now: King . Times of India. 20 August 2024. 22 August 2024. From his early days at MTV Hustle to producing hits like Maan Meri Jaan and Tu Aake Dekhle and coming up with albums like The Carnival to his latest Monopoly Moves, King has come a long way..
  32. News: Singh Sisodia. Upendra. Listen To King Rocco's New Album, "The Gorilla Bounce" . Siachen Studios. 25 May 2021. 23 August 2024.
  33. News: Rapper King Chuffed With The Response To His Album 'Champagne Talk' . Outlook India. 16 November 2022. 23 August 2024.
  34. News: Ray. Sanjana. King's New Life, Ankur Tewari's Akela: Top 10 Indian albums of 2023 . GQ India. 14 December 2023. 23 August 2024.
  35. News: News Network. Bollywood Hungama. KING set to embark on Monopoly Moves Album Listening Party Tour across 8 Indian cities . Bollywood Hungama. 11 July 2024. 23 August 2024.
  36. News: King's cinematic EP 'Khwabeeda' to feature a collection of short stories . Times of India. 13 May 2022. 23 August 2024.
  37. News: Vaigankar. Shukrta. Rapper King's latest track 'Teri Ho Na Saki' from his extended playlist 'Shayad Woh Sune' is out now! . Business UpTurn. 15 July 2023. 23 August 2024.
  38. News: KING's New Track Jaane De Yaara Brings The Heat . Urban Asian. 15 October 2020. 26 August 2024.
  39. News: Arjun Kanungo releases 3 tracks from debut studio album 'Industry' . Times of India. 16 June 2022. 26 August 2024. The tracks include the official Indian rendition of Vaultboy's number one international hit 'Everything Sucks', 'Foto' featuring Rashmeet Kaur and 'Ishq Samundar' featuring KING..
  40. News: Murthy. Neeraja. 'Dhoondein Sitaare' will resonate with everyone, say Aastha Gill and King . The Hindu. 28 December 2021. 26 August 2024.
  41. News: Watch New Hindi Trending Song Music Video - 'Ilzaam' Sung By Arjun Kanungo, King . Times of India. 7 April 2022. 26 August 2024.
  42. News: Warner Music India Signs Indian Breakout Artist King . PR Newswire. 15 December 2022. 23 August 2024 . en. He even released a remix for his groovy track "OOPS," featuring Masked Wolf of the viral chartbuster "Astronaut in the Ocean" fame..
  43. News: Popular Hindi Video Song 'Naya Nazariya' Sung By King . Times of India. 25 April 2023. 25 August 2024.
  44. News: Milimo. Dennis. Rayvanny teams up with India's King for a new tune 'Maan Meri Jaan' . Classic FM. 1 March 2023. 23 August 2024.
  45. News: Banerjee. Diya. Hip hop artist, 'King' collabs with Nick Jonas for 'Maan Meri Jaan' (Afterlife) . Radio Mirchi. 23 August 2024.
  46. News: Tagat. Anurag. KKING Flexes a Diverse Catalog at 'New Life' Tour Kickoff in Bengaluru . Rolling Stone India. 29 October 2023. 26 August 2024. Whether it was moshpits or sing-alongs, KING balanced it all with songs across his catalog, traversing synthwave, jazz, rock, tropical house vibes and a tip of the hat to Bollywood/Indipop with his version of “O Mere Sona Re Sona” from 1957’s Teesri Manzil .
  47. News: Get ready to groove as The House of McDowell's Soda showers festive cheer with classic remix of Rang Barse . Radio and Music. 19 March 2024. 26 August 2024.
  48. News: American DJ KSHMR collaborates with Indian pop stars King & Zaeden on new track 'Aawara' . CNBC TV18. 22 March 2024. 25 August 2024.
  49. News: King joins force with global pop star Jason Derulo for a summer anthem Bumpa. Hindustan Times. 26 April 2024. 23 August 2024.
  50. News: King lent his voice to the 'Mere Sawaal Ka' track from the Kartik Aryan and Kriti Sanon film 'Shehzada' . Koimoi. 10 March 2023. 27 August 2024.
  51. News: Drishyam 2: King On His Bollywood Debut With Rap Song 'Sahi Galat', "I Have Always Believed In Hard Work…". Koimoi. 17 November 2022. 23 August 2024.
  52. News: Rana Naidu New Song: 'Baap Aa Gaya' By King And RollRida Shows The World Of 'Fixer' Rana Daggubati. ABP Live. 16 March 2023. 23 August 2024.

This article is licensed under the GNU Free Documentation License. It uses material from the Wikipedia article "King (rapper)".

Except where otherwise indicated, Everything.Explained.Today is © Copyright 2009-2025, A B Cryer, All Rights Reserved. Cookie policy.