MTV Hustle 5: Release Date, Time & Everything You Need to Know About the Rap and Hip-Hop Reality Show

MTV Hustle is India’s leading rap and hip-hop reality show, where underground and emerging artists battle it out to become the country’s next big hip-hop sensation. Since its debut on August 10, 2019, on MTV India, the show has evolved into a cultural phenomenon, playing a key role in shaping and promoting the Desi Hip-Hop (DHH) scene while launching several new talents into the spotlight. 

MTV Hustle Season 5 is all set to premiere on August 8, 2026, bringing back the electrifying energy of India’s biggest rap reality show. The series will air every Saturday and Sunday at 7:00 PM IST, ensuring weekend entertainment packed with intense rap battles and standout performances. Fans can catch the show on MTV India, while it will also be available for streaming exclusively on JioHotstar, making it easy to watch anytime, anywhere. 

The promotional film stands out with its powerful AI vs. human creativity theme. It begins with a slick, AI-generated version of Badshah ներկայաց as a “perfect” Rap Supremo capable of producing flawless hooks and verses through prompts. However, the real Badshah soon takes over, shutting down his digital clone with a striking punchline: “Prompt se toh nahi ho paega! Hustle 5 guys, let’s keep it real.” The message is clear, while AI can imitate style, it cannot replicate the raw emotion, lived experiences, and authenticity that define true hip-hop. 

Rapper Badshah is all set to return as the lead judge and Rap Supremo for MTV Hustle Season 5. Premiering on August 8, 2026, the show will air every Saturday and Sunday at 7 PM on MTV and stream on JioHotstar. Joining him this season is a power-packed panel and mentor lineup featuring Raftaar as judge, along with squad bosses Ikka, Dino James, Dee MC, and EPR, promising a dynamic mix of expertise, mentorship, and high-energy performances. 

MTV Hustle Season 4: Hip Hop Don’t Stop crowned Indore-based rapper Lashcurry as its winner during the grand finale on December 22, 2024. A standout member of the Raga Ragers squad mentored by Raga, Lashcurry impressed audiences with his consistency and lyrical strength throughout the season. Naam Sujal emerged as the runner-up, while Siyaahi earned the coveted “OG Hustler” title for his exceptional writing skills.