Interview: My fans identify me as quintessentially ‘Bangalore’ and I thrive on that, says Rapper Brodha V

But throughout this period, the Bangalore-based rapper maintained his unique identity and style and has come out on top.

Vighnesh is known for giving a classical and Carnatic twist to rap and is known for songs Aaraam, Aathma Raama and Vainko.

His stylish approach to the music, and urban sensibilities, blended with the deft use of local dialect makes his music decidedly ‘Bangalore’ even though his fan base is spread out all over the country.

As the rapper drops his latest single, Forever, in collaboration with Delhi-based rapper KR$NA, South First catches up with him about his craft, the themes he tackles and how he preserves his identity in the times of social media:

Q. What are some of the themes that your new song Forever highlights? And tell us about your collaboration with KR$NA.

Brodha V collaborates with KR$NA for their new album Forever. (BrodhaV/Facebook)

A. The KR$NA collaboration has been a long time coming. Fans had been consistently requesting for us to come together for a while. We noticed the anticipation and kind of bounced off that energy and thought, ‘Let’s give them what they are waiting for.’

We wanted the song to be reflective of our personalities and our journeys. I think more than themes the song is more message-driven – we had a very clear-cut message. The song is a commentary on the hip-hop landscape in India right now.

Having said that, the song focuses on our journey and our hustle, how we have to rise above our circumstances and become who we are. It is a calm ultimatum to whoever gets in our way that we aren’t afraid of them and they don’t affect us.

Q. With your previous release, Bujjima, you tackled the subject of toxic relationships. What prompted you to pick that subject?

A. Bujjima is very different from what I have done in the past, both lyrically and concept-wise. Bujjima happened because I figured that this is something we all go through, it’s almost a rite of passage to have at least one toxic relationship and grow out of it.

I think the ongoing Johnny Depp and Amber Heard case at that time was a contributing factor as well because it really got me thinking. The appeal of the subject is the fact that it is something everybody can relate to.

The packaging of the song of course makes for great entertainment which made Bujjima such a huge success. It has to be one of the most fun songs of my career.

Q. Is your personal life a subject for your music? Does that influence the writing?

A. I don’t believe I am unique to this. We always draw from our personal experiences to write our music, giving it a personal touch always makes it more relatable and resonates with our audiences and gives them an insight into our life, our struggles and our journey. It is this very thread that connects us to our fans.

My music is essentially a trajectory of my life and my personal and professional growth. Of course, we tend to exaggerate a few things for impact.

But as a writer, when I am writing, there are multiple things that inspire me, sometimes it’s a combination of my life and experiences I draw from stories I hear around me, so definitely yes life and what happens every day influences my writing and how much of myself I put into my music.

Q. Is it a challenge to maintain your own identity and style?

Brodha V2 (BrodhaV/Facebook)

A. I think every artist is unique in their own way, everyone has their own distinct style. Sometimes there is this immense pressure to fit into a ‘mould’ or to appeal to a commercial audience and that definitely challenges my identity as an artist.

But I am comfortable with where I am and I believe in my work and my fans. I make sure to never let that get to me and get in the way of who I am as an artist and the kind of music I make.

I think it’s really hard to cling to your identity in today’s time where styles change to cater to an audience. There is a slight leaning toward algorithms that affects how artists present themselves to the masses.

But I think that is what sets me apart from other artists. I understand the difference between growth and evolution as opposed to completely changing your image to fit into a mould so people will like you more.

I will continue evolving and experimenting and a lot of new music can be expected, but I am sure I will still retain my originality. The fact that people can recognise a Brodha V song without trying too hard only cements that further.

Q. You have always been very “Bangalore” in your music and lyrics. Has that been a conscious decision? Or something that happened organically?

A. I am a ‘Bangalore boy’ through and through. I love my city and I have an audience here. My fans identify me as quintessentially Bangalore and I thrive on that. Bangalore is where it all started and it has now become a part of my larger identity and I think that is going to be with me always.

I am super proud of being able to represent the city because rappers from the south deserve a lot more representation. and Bangalore is growing.

The ecospace of up-and-coming artists is only growing and it makes me so happy that I was able to start that for us. Perhaps it started out as something very organic because that is who I am, but I do make a conscious effort to retain that and never forget my roots and where it all started.