Rapper-lyricist Ankit Singh Patyal aka IKKA, who made his Bollywood debut with In Da Club, speaks with SHALINI SAKSENA about his latest track, collaborating with Divine and how he became a rapper
What is your new debut album ‘I’ about?
The album is titled ‘I’ because this is my story — all about my journey. There are nine tracks here and all of them are about my life, my experiences and journey till now. Some of the tracks are dark and some are about what I have achieved. Those who want to know about me, should definitely listen to this.
How did you get your name Ikka?
Actually, my name is Ankit. I told my father when I was young why he had to keep a name that is so common; when I was in school there were six kids in my class by the same name. I told my father why not Shah Rukh or Hrithik? He told me that this was the name I would have to live with in this life, at least. But he shortened it to Akki and from there, when you look at it, backwards, it reads Ikka.
You have also released a new track Angaar. Tell us about that?
The track is about how we have struggled so much and there is so much talent in us — that we have achieved things ad we have grown and improved as artists. The uniqueness is that it features Raftaar and music given by Sez on The Beat. Raftaar and I have known each other for sometime but we lost touch due to a misunderstanding but that got cleared and 10 years later, now, did this track.
How did you end up collaborating with Divine?
It was during the lockdown. And Divine and I would keep with each other regularly over Insta. Over one such chat, he asked me to share a vibe if I had any and why not do it together. I was doing an album at that time and agreed. I had two-three songs ready and told him to choose whichever one he liked and get back. He loved Level Up and he sent his verse in five days and the song was ready.
How did you get interested in music?
I had no interest in music; I was more interested in playing video games and reading comics. I loved to draw and was creative. One day, a friend got a cassette of Eminem — Lose Yourself. While I didn’t understand most of it, I loved it. The song has a vibe to it. I explored hip-hop and listened to many artists and loved this style, dress sense and music. I was totally enamoured with it and my love for music took root.
How did you end up being a rapper?
I just fell into it. I started with listening to hip-hop and just went with the flow. My friends were those who rapped. It became my life as well. I watched documentaries about the history of rap and lives of rappers all over the world. It felt so real to me and I get influenced by things that are real. Hip-hop was so different for me.
You are a singer-songwriter, rapper, lyricist, composer and producer. How do you do all this?
I have had the opportunity to work with some of the best artists — Guru Randhawa, Diljit Dosanjh, Yo Yo Honey Singh — right at the beginning of my career. These people are the best in what they do. Some gave me a sense of music, another taught me production, yet another taught me how to write. I like to observe things and learn and things fell into place.
Has the rap scene saturated in India?
Not at all. People have just started to listen to rap. Labels have started promoting it now. More and more people are drawn to hip-hop. I see great things for this genre since there is still better things to come.
What next?
I am working on my next album. I have a few collaborations and Bollywood projects as well.