What has been the most exciting and rewarding experience you’ve had in your music career so far?
Great shows indeed! I particularly enjoyed performing for the G5A Foundation. During that event, I incorporated poetry readings between my rap songs. Despite the audience not being intoxicated or overly hyped, they attentively listened, and I truly felt heard. It was an intense experience. Additionally, Surf Turf and 50 Years of Hip Hop were also standout performances.
Who are some of your biggest musical influences, and how have they shaped your sound?
I admire the lyrics of artists like Erykah Badu, Lauryn Hill, and Kendrick Lamar. Their ability to craft meaningful and thought-provoking lyrics resonates with me deeply. Sonically, I find myself influenced by the sound of gangster rap.
What message do you hope to convey through your music?
It’s fascinating how my influences vary depending on the song. Sometimes, I delve into themes of love and sensuality, while other times I aim to disrupt the system with my lyrics. At times, my music explores spirituality and the concept of God, while on other occasions; it delves into themes of pain and struggle.
If you could collaborate with any artist in the world, who would it be and why?
The Dreamville group resonates with me because I aspire to be part of something big. My dream projects involve collaborating with many artists, all going hard on the beat.
Can you tell us about the journey from your debut on Found Out to joining Def Jam India?
It was great and just a nice transition. A lot bigger and pressure’s on, but that’s the fun of it all.
Your debut EP “Ko-Lab” was critically acclaimed. How did that experience shape your approach to music?
Ko-lab was diverse in its sound, so I believe that experiment worked well. It was like a small portfolio showcasing various tastes of what I aim to develop individually. It gave me confidence to continue experimenting while striving to remain authentic.
“Kannil Pettole” gained you recognition in the South. What was it like collaborating with Tovino Thomas?
It was a truly wonderful experience working on the song, and it brings me joy to know that people still love it to this day. Unfortunately, I never had the opportunity to meet Tovino Thomas. However, working with Muhsin Parari and Vishnu Vijayan was fantastic!
“London Dry” showcases a confident and assertive style. What inspired this shift in your sound?
I my sound have just gotten stronger and this is the current state of it, which is great because I’m excited to see what more develops!
What are your aspirations for the future of your music career?
I aspire to collaborate with both international and Indian artists, immersing myself in diverse perspectives and learning opportunities to grow as much as possible as an artist. Additionally, I have a keen interest in exploring more opportunities in the realm of movies.
Do you have any upcoming projects you can share?
I have a few features dropping very soon, and I’m excited because each group brings a different sound, allowing me to explore how I can complement them individually. My closest release is a song called INDOVISION, collaboration with a few male rappers. I’m particularly excited about my part in it because it features one of my most favorite verses!
As a female rapper in a male-dominated industry, what challenges have you faced, and how have you overcome them?
It’s not always overt, but sometimes I sense a subtle underestimation of skill compared to male rappers. Nevertheless, I’m continually striving to overcome these perceptions. However, I remain optimistic because when India embraces its female rappers, the potential is immense. With time, I believe things will evolve positively, Inshallah.
What advice would you give to aspiring musicians, especially young women who want to enter the rap scene?
Please enter so we have more of us! Honestly, just be confident, focus on developing your craft, and remember ‘nolite te bastardes carborundorum.’
#RAPIDFIRE
- What’s the most outrageous rhyme you’ve ever written that didn’t cut?
Wait for my INDOVISION verse intro. - If you could rap battle anyone (living or dead), who would it be and why?
I can’t rap battle well haha. I’m a better writer, therefore, no one. - What’s your go-to karaoke song (and do you sing karaoke)?
Yes, it’s my favorite thing in the world, and I love getting everyone to sing Adele or Queen as loud as possible. - What’s one surprising fact about yourself that most people don’t know?
I come from a planter family, and we sell coffee from our farm. It’s called Adisarai Organics. You can look us up online. - If you could have any superpower for one day, what would it be and how would you use it?
If money rained down, I’d collect it to focus on creating bigger, badder projects and expand into all art forms without worrying about budget constraints.