Hip hop artist KRSNA talks to Trisha Mukherjee about his album Sell Out and the potential of this genre in India
lil Wayne, Snoop Dog and Eminem have made hip hop one of the largest selling music genres in the world. It usually has had a perpetual presence on the billboard charts, but it is yet to make a mark in India. Indian rapper KRSNA (Krishna) seeks to paint a completely new picture of this genre with album Sell Out.
“Hip hop has the ability to draw listeners if they start paying attention to the lyrics. Most people discount it as a genre meant for night clubs and parties, but it is much more than that,” says KRSNA, who grew up listening to hip hop, that eventually became a passion.
The album is an excellent amalgamation of underground rap and hard traditional hip hop, put together with new production styles. “While some songs are a little personal, others are more radio-friendly. It starts with a sort of monologue, a track that I flex my rhymes over,” he says.
Regarding the uncanny name of the album, he says, “When I told people that I was signed to a major label and that I would be making more commercially viable music, I was taken aback by their opinion that I have sold myself out. That’s where the idea of naming the album Sell Out came from. The title track, which has the same name, explains my point of view on this. It is my answer to everyone who thinks being a successful musician is equivalent to selling out.”
Hip hop music comprises four elements, emceeing, graffiti, b’boying and deejaying,, and has its roots in the sub-culture of South Bronx and Harlem in the United States, which in turn stems from the block parties of the Ghetto brothers. “Rap music started from socio-political roots and is till date a direct reflection of the society and artistes’ thoughts,” says KRSNA while adding, “Rap is an inspiring art form. It allows you to push boundaries and say things other genres wouldn’t usually permit. Here, the main instruments are your voice and your ability to put feelings into your words.”
The artiste has been writing songs for more than 10 years and recording music actively for the past eight years. “It has been a journey full of ups and downs so I take one step at a time. I like working to a plan and sticking to it, which is why I am here today,” he says.
Through his album, KRSNA hopes success in hip hop music can be a reality as with any genre of music. “Rap music is a potent form of music, which is often undermined by the degrading lyrics to make it fit in Bollywood. It is making a comeback and the future looks good. I would love to see it figure in the top three genres in India in the future,” he says.
