Presenting the most
famous English rapper in India : Brodha V. Brodha V is a prominent figure in
the hip-hop and Indian rap scene. In the vibrant landscape of English hip-hop
in India, Brodha V stands tall as a pioneer. Vighnesh Shivanand is the man
behind the mic and he isn't just a rapper. He is a lyrical architect weaving
intricate narratives and social commentary infused into the soulful melodies of
Carnatic music. This fusion, which was a bold experiment that bridges cultural
divides, has become Brodha V's signature sound. Known for his unique blend of traditional Indian music with contemporary
hip-hop, Brodha V has carved out a niche for himself in an industry dominated
by Bollywood music. His style of music remains captivating audiences
across all backgrounds and generations alike. His journey from a passionate teenager with a love for rap to a
celebrated artist has been nothing short of inspiring. He gained traction after
releasing his song ‘Aathma Raama’ in the year 2012.
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| #BrodhaV #India |
In this blog post, we delve into the various facets of Brodha V's life, career and impact on the music industry in India. It will try providing a comprehensive overview of his contributions and legacy. This exploration delves into the artistry and life of Brodha V. Let’s go tracing his life journey from online rap battles to becoming a prominent voice in the Indian music scene. We'll dissect his lyrical prowess, the thematic tapestry woven into his music and the cultural impact of his unique fusion style on Indians.
Real Name : Vighnesh Shivanand
Screen name : Brodha V
Born : March 27, 1990
Height : 5 foot 6 inches (5’6”)
Status : Married
Parents : Not publicised yet
Siblings : Not publicised yet
Career highlight
: Aathma Raama
He had explained
about his screen name’s origin in an interview once. According to him, he has
stated that ‘Brodha’ stands for brother and ‘V’ is an abbreviation of his real
name’s first name which is Vighnesh.
Brief background
Brodha V was born
on March the 27th of 1990 in a place called Kanchipuram, Tamil Nadu
(India). Tamil Nadu always had an environment of being a very culturally rich state
in India. Therefore, he was exposed to a variety of musical influences from a
very early age. His parents were both music enthusiasts themselves. They trained
him in Indian classical music. But they were not in favour of him making his
musical venture when he revealed it to them. They eventually played a
significant role in nurturing his love for music. As a kid, Brodha V was
particularly drawn to classical Indian music, which would later become a
foundational element or part of his unique music.
During his school
years, Brodha V's interest in music extended beyond just fandom and listening.
His fascination with rap music started off when he stumbled upon tracks by American
rap artists like Eminem and Tupac Shakur. But his inspiration for becoming a
rapper first kicked off from listening to a Tamil movie’s OST. The song was
called ‘Pettai Rap’ which was created by Mr. A R Rahman. Rahman was a big movie
music maker in the 1990s and well-known globally. Then, he began drawing
inspirations from western rap-artists like Eminem, Jay-Z, Big Pun, Nas, Pharell
Williams, Quincy Jones, Rakim, Timbaland, Tupac Shakur, Wu-Tang Clan and others
from the 90’s decade.
The lyrical depth
and storytelling aspect of rap resonated with him. And they began sparking his
ambition to pursue a career in the hip-hop/rap genre. Hence, he was inspired to
take the leap and it was the right leap. He began experimenting with composing
his own lyrics and exploring different musical styles.
His musical style
can be described as a mix from Carnatic music, Hindustani classicals, hip-hop,
Indian folk music and contemporary rap genres. Today, Brodha V is one of the
biggest and probably the top-most musicians of young India. By 2024, he is a
music veteran.
Dawn of Brodha V
Brodha V's fascination with hip-hop began when he was around
age 18. The early 2000s witnessed the growth of the social-media platform
called Orkut. Orkut was very viral back then and died out due to competition
from Facebook in the 2010s. Orkut had become a breeding ground for several online
rap battles in India. There were "text battles" between rappers on Orkut. A rap
community on Orkut was created for rappers in India. Here, Brodha V had honed
his skills. His wordplay got sharper and his flow was becoming infectious in
these rap battles. These battles served as a launchpad for many rap artists. It
made him garner recognition within the burgeoning Indian hip-hop community.
Brodha V quickly moved onto composing his own songs with such experience in his
teens.
In the early 2000s,
the Indian music audience were not very receptive to hip-hop. This kind of
negative appeal was very challenging for anyone pursuing a career in hip-hop,
rap and similar genres. Despite this, Brodha V formed a hip-hop group called 'Machas With Attitude' (MWA) in the year 2008. It was a three-member hip-hop
group consisting of himself and two of his real-life friends. The group aimed
to create music which combined the essence of Indian culture with the energetic
and expressive nature of hip-hop.
Machas With Attitude
rapidly gained a fast fan following for their innovative music and relatable
lyrics, in India. Their tracks were often infused with social commentary and
struck a chord with young listeners of the time. However, the group immediately
discovered that they had limited access to industry support, low fan base
putting out much, multiple rejections from cold calls for public performances
and very less professional recording equipment. Despite these initial
struggles, the group’s perseverance eventually paid off. They began to receive
recognition in the Indian underground music scene, which also began setting a
stage for Brodha V's solo career later on.
Challenges in the game
Like any artist,
Brodha V has faced his share of challenges and controversies throughout his
career. From navigating the competitive music industry to addressing criticisms
and setbacks, he has had to overcome various obstacles to reach where he is
today. It wasn’t easy for him in a group nor solo but his sheer skills and
dedication made it look easy. Some of his lyrics have explicit wordings.
Although they are very creative, explicit content in the public domain in India
still remains a taboo. Balancing between faith and openness meant receiving
critics. But he was able to make way through and his music remains
well-received among the Indian youth.
Some of his songs
are aggressive and might feel like diss tracks but they generally are inspiring
to anyone looking for motivation or a victory push in life. He has managed to
not enter into beef with other rappers, while it was common in India for some time.
Also, it must be noted that his bars remain unbeaten so far and that must be
why no one wants to beef with Brodha V. Anyway, he has had his share of
naysayers. People predicted that he wouldn’t last long or wouldn’t recover from
financial losses due to his career choices. He mentions of it in some of his
songs. ‘Vainko’ (for example) is one such song where he talks of these people
who said that he’d end up nowhere.
Despite industry
challenges, Brodha V's resilience and dedication have helped him maintain his
position as a leading artist in the Indian rap scene. Addressing controversies
with grace and staying true to his artistic vision have been key to his
continued success. The bars and creativity in his lyrics are of international
standards today. You will find a lot of reaction videos on his songs from
non-Indian content makers on the platform YouTube. The comic presentation in
the music videos and the roasts are entertaining for all their audience.
Lyrical mastery
Brodha V isn't just a lyrical wordsmith but he's also an
entertaining storyteller. Of course, most of his songs are in the English
language but his lyrics paint vivid pictures of the world around us. They have
weaving narratives which delve into his own life experiences, social struggles
and observations from daily events in India. Tracks like ‘Basti Bounce’
highlight the realities of underprivileged communities in the Indian society,
while ‘Vaishnava Jana Toh’ offers a contemporary interpretation of a Gandhian
bhajan. Such tracks are urging for unity and social harmony in the country.
Brodha V isn't afraid to tackle social issues that affect
everybody. Songs like ‘Vaadi Vaagai’ criticize corruption, while ‘My City’
expresses his love for his hometown Bengaluru. His commentary through his
songs is always thought-provoking, encouraging listeners to engage in the world
around them and often laced with humour. They have danceable music too. It’s
like a drive or a travel on a road, where you get to see many things out of the
windows and also enjoy being the passenger because of the fun activities inside.
As far as what makes his lyrics unique, is the use of smart
wordplay in them. In each track, he sets the bars way too high for other
rappers to conquer. It’s difficult to unwind them at first listen without
pausing. It’s unique also because his music may sound like a beef or a roast
and also a message from every one of us to our everyday challenges or haters.
His English bars are extremely intelligent and sarcastic. Because of this,
people from all over the world love to listen to his music. On the internet,
you may find content makers from many countries make react videos on his music.
Native English speakers are fans of his English usage and the burns they give
out from his songs. To understand Brodha V’s lyrical prowess fully, one has to
start listening and watching his songs immediately.
Carnatic-contemporary blend
What truly sets Brodha V apart, is his ability to seamlessly
blend elements of Carnatic music (a rich South Indian classical tradition) into
his hip-hop soundscapes. This wasn't a mere fusion but it was a reimagination. Those
who know the state of Tamil Nadu in India, understand how this state is the
richest in Carnatic culture among all other states. So, like mentioned earlier,
he was exposed to great ocean of culture, music and traditions by being born
there. Brodha V's Carnatic influences manifested in captivating melodies and
intricate rhythms. It even went on to the incorporation of Carnatic instruments
like the flute and mridangam into hip-hop.
Tracks like ‘Aathma Raama’ and ‘Aigiri Nandini’ exemplify
this masterful fusion, creating a sonic experience that's both familiar and
refreshingly unique. This innovation wasn't born out of a marketing strategy.
But it stemmed from Brodha V's own cultural background. Growing up surrounded
by Carnatic music, it’s influence seeped into his musical subconsciousness. He
saw the beauty and complexity of the genre and dared to bridge the gap between
the traditional and the contemporary. This fusion resonated with a generation
seeking a sound that spoke to their Indian identity while remaining rooted in
the global hip-hop culture.
He experimented with fusing English and Indian languages
like Hindi, Kannada, Malayalam, Sanskrit and Tamil. They were not only mega
success throughout the 2010s but also still relevant and on fire. His work in
these regards is pioneering and drew him a huge fan following across the south
of India.
Achievements
One of Brodha V's
most significant releases is the track ‘Aathma Raama’. Aathma Raama went on to
become a massive hit and solidified his place in the Indian rap scene. The
song's success opened doors for collaborations and greater opportunities for
him in the Indian music industry. Brodha V's subsequent releases such as ‘Ready
Steady Po’ and ‘Let Em Talk’ continued to receive widespread acclaim.
In addition to his
commercial success, Brodha V has also been recognized with several awards and
honours. He won the Best Hip-Hop Artist award at the Radio City Freedom Awards
and has been nominated for numerous other accolades. He has made it into
atleast 11 nominations for musical awards. His music videos, known for their
high production value and creative storytelling, have garnered millions of
views on YouTube. Thanks to a platform like YouTube, he has millions of fans
worldwide today and his work has brought recognition for Indian rap from the
global audience.
Rolling Stone India
called him an elite in the hip hop world in the year 2014. Same year, Storypick
called him as one of the best rappers in the country. In 2016, he was featured
as one of the top 10 underappreciated artists by ScoopWhoop.
Live performances
Brodha V's live
performances are known for their energy and engagement. He has performed at
numerous music festivals, college events and in concerts across India. These
live performances are actively engaged in captivating audiences with his
dynamic stage presence. His ability to connect with the crowd and deliver
powerful performances has made him a sought-after live act.
Tours have also been a significant aspect of Brodha V's career, allowing him to reach fans in different parts of the country and beyond. His performances are often accompanied by live bands, adding a rich and authentic sound to his music. The positive reception from live audiences has further solidified his reputation as a top performer in the Indian music industry.
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| Brodha V's performance in an evening concert |
Below is a list of his public performances.
- He has
performed live in college fests across the country.
- He
performed for ‘Music Matters’ festival in Singapore in the year 2018.
- He
performed in a release of the phone ‘OnePlus 6T’ for the brand OnePlus and it entered
Guinness World Record as the largest unboxing event in history.
- He
performed in Chinnaswamy Cricket Stadium for the local cricket team at it’s ‘Royal
Challengers Bangalore Unbox’ event in 2024.
Solo flight
Overall, Brodha V has remained a staunchly independent
artist throughout his vast career. While some may see this as a disadvantage,
it has given him complete creative control over his music. He hasn't shied away
from collaborating with major artists and labels for specific projects. But his
core identity remains that of an independent voice.
This independence fuels his artistic vision and allows him
to experiment with his style. Tracks like ‘Moodu’ showcase his versatility. He
goes venturing into a more contemporary pop-rap style while retaining his
signature lyrical finesse. His ability to adapt and evolve keeps his music
fresh and relevant to a constantly changing audience in India.
His debut solo mixtape ‘Deathpunch’ was released in the year
2011, which showcased his raw talent and lyrical dexterity. Its lyrics are very
complex, which enabled it to receive praises. Though limited in its reach,
Deathpunch caught the attention of music enthusiasts and fellow artists, laying
the foundation for his future success.
In 2012, Brodha V
decided to embark fully on his individual artistic vision. Driven by an
independent spirit, Brodha V embarked on creating his own music after parting
ways with Machas With Attitude. His
early solo releases showcased his ability to blend traditional Indian musical
elements with contemporary hip-hop beats. Tracks like ‘Aathma Raama’ and ‘Round
Round’ received critical acclaim for their originality and lyrical prowess.
Following their releases and popularity, Sony Music India signed him up. Two
years later in 2015, he quit partnering with them. They had a different vision
for him than what he was looking forward to achieve.
Being a solo artist
hasn’t limited him to stick to it. After walking out of Sony Music India deal,
he had also lent his skills to other areas. Some of them are listed below.
- He
inspired budding rappers to pick up hip-hop as a career; one of them being a
rapper named DIVINE.
- He
produced music for anthems and radio jingles.
- He
acted in a Bollywood movie titled ‘Gully Boy’.
- He was
a judge on MTV India’s reality show for rap genre called ‘MTV Hustle’.
- Participated
in many interviews and podcasts.
Brodha V's music
often addresses themes of identity, culture and social issues…all of them reflecting
his personal experiences and observations from the society. His unique style,
characterized by intricate wordplay and a seamless fusion of diverse musical
genres has earned him a dedicated fanbase. Most of these fans want more and
more from him. Doesn’t matter to them if he collaborates or drops solos. To be
frank, it’s been a while since he dropped any song which is disappointing for
fans.
Collaborations
Throughout his
career, Brodha V has collaborated with a diverse range of artists. These
collaborations have happened both from within India and internationally. These
collaborations have not only expanded his musical horizons but have also
contributed to the global appeal of his music. Notable collaborations include
working with Indian artists like Benny Dayal, Raghu Dixit and Vishal Dadlani.
His international were with artists such as Raftaar and Raja Kumari.
Each collaboration
brings a unique flavour to Brodha V's music, showcasing his versatility and
ability to adapt to different styles. These partnerships have also helped him
reach a broader audience, further establishing his presence in the global music
scene as a hip-hop powerhouse. Below is a list of his collaborations with
others.
- Indian movies
have songs in their storyline and he worked with music directors in producing
songs for movies.
- He collaborated
with standup comedians for a parody video on Iggy Azalea’s song ‘Fancy’.
- He
organized India’s first rap Cypher in the year 2014 at Bangalore, which was
later copied in Delhi and Mumbai.
- He
collaborated in a campaign to raise awareness Congenital Heart Defect.
- He
collaborated with an established artist named Benny Dayal in his song ‘Round
Round’.
- He
collaborated with Bangalorean YouTubers Jordindian and featured in their song ‘Vainko’
and later on again in their song ‘Basti Bounce’.
- Collaborating
with Steve Knight from Flipsyde, he released a song titled ‘All Divine’ which
had Malayalam lyrics.
- He
collaborated with Hindi rap artist KR$NA and also featured in the song ‘Forever’.
- While
being part of Machas With Attitude, they collaborated with artist Raghu Dixit
for the song ‘Dheaon Dheaon’.
- Also,
while with MWA, they collaborated with artist Vishal Dadlani for a movie titled
‘Chennai Express’ in a song called Ready Steady Po.
- He
collaborated with a Delhi-based rap artist named ‘Raftaar’ in a song titled ‘Naachne
Ka Shounq’.
- He
entered into a collaboration with Puma which wanted to promote hip-hop, rap and
underground music in India.
These various
collaborations turned out as excellent highlights to his solo career. They go
on to demonstrate how valuable other artists see Brodha V as. Such
collaboration made enjoyable contributions to the music world in India and
accelerated the growth of hip-hop/rap across the country. People began loving
them for their comedic value and entertainment. The Indian audience is looking
forward for more collaborations that include Brodha V, which is exciting!
Controversies
In the year 2018,
he had released a freestyle song called ‘Shook Ones’. It had become
controversial back then. He had called out on artists who plagiarize from the
work of other artists. He voiced against such practices in this track. Also, he
called out about the distribution of media attention for artists in India. He points
to the lack of support for artists from the media based on where they are
located. The manner in which the Indian media gives time to artists from the
north and south of India are biased. Artists from the north get major push
across the country while their counterparts have to do a lot for it. Although
the song became controversial for a while, it has died down by now.
The next year, he
released a Kannada song titled ‘Maari Kannu’. Through this song, he questions
about the ongoings in the society. Quoting several values, he asks his
listeners to introspect on them. Since the song was borrowed from a Kannada
movie from a beloved movie star of the Kannada viewers and was already popular,
it did not manage to create much controversy.
In the year 2019,
he released a song called ‘Vaishnava Jana Toh’. It is a socio-political anthem.
India is ongoing a political and religious tension since a decade now. The situation
has been very fragile and very volatile. Right after the national elections in
2019, this song had come out. The song featured the visions of Mahatma Gadhi which
urged for peace and unity among all Indians. It compels the listeners to put
aside all differences and welcome diversity. It advices people to look beyond
cultural and religious backgrounds of their fellow Indians in order to become
what Mahatma Gandhi had envisioned about India. Although well-received by fans
world over, the song did not hit much on the mainstream media in India.
However, he was able to perform the song on MTV Hustle’s finale show.
The Impact of Brodha V
Brodha V's impact on the Indian hip-hop scene is undeniable
and cannot be missed. He has inspired a generation of rappers to embrace their
cultural heritage and experiment with fusion style. His music has transcended
language barriers, finding a niche among global audiences curious about Indian
music and hip-hop's evolution in the subcontinent. Through his unique music
blending culture, faith and contemporary hip-hop, the global audience can find
certain keywords and trends of the Indian heritage. His music videos also
convey these messages using comedy, which is enjoyable to watch.
Beyond music, Brodha V has become a cultural icon. His
success story resonates with young Indians from Gen Z. It keeps on proving that
independent artists can thrive without compromising their vision. He has been a
judge on a national rap reality show called MTV Hustle. This gave a further
propelling of the genre into the mainstream spotlight.
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Brodha V's influence on the Indian music industry extends beyond his commercial success. He has played a crucial role in popularizing rap and hip-hop in a country where Bollywood music had traditionally dominated. By incorporating Indian classical music and cultural references into his songs, Brodha V has made the genre more accessible and relatable to Indian audiences.
Moreover, his
success has paved the way for other aspiring rappers in India, encouraging them
to pursue their passion despite the challenges. Today in the 2020’s decade,
there are more rappers in India. Not all of them or most of them are hitting
the mainstream but are flourishing in the underground scene. He popularized
Bangalore Cypher in the year 2014 which, in a way, has become a huge global
hit. Rap cyphers have been popping up in many cities across the country ever
since. Thanks to the platform YouTube, these Cyphers are getting publicity for
fans of rap. Talented underground artists gather for these Cyphers and language
is no barrier. Today on YouTube, one can find rap Cyphers in various languages
depending on the cities of India.
Brodha V's journey
serves as a testament to the potential of Indian hip-hop and its ability to
resonate with listeners both domestically and internationally.
Personal life
While Brodha V is
known for his music, he has managed to keep much of his personal life private.
He has occasionally shared insights into his life outside of music, including
his interests and hobbies. This balance between maintaining privacy and engaging
with fans has helped him stay grounded and focused on his artistic pursuits.
Brodha V's personal
life also reflects his commitment to his roots and culture. Despite his
success, he remains connected to his family and community, often drawing
inspiration from his upbringing and experiences.
At age 34 as of the
year 2024, Brodha V is married. His wife’s name is Nithya Ramesh. She works as
a doctor. They were married in the year 2023. They currently reside in
Bengaluru city of Karnataka state in India. The couple having children or not
is still not made public.
Philanthropy activities
Beyond his music
career, Brodha V is also known for his philanthropic efforts and social
contributions. He has been involved in various charitable activities. Today, he
is busy supporting causes of charities related to community development, education
and health. His efforts to give back to society reflect his commitment towards
making a positive impact beyond the music industry.
Brodha V's
involvement in social causes has also inspired his fans and followers to
contribute to their communities. By using his platform for good, he has
demonstrated the power of music and influence in driving social change. Some of
his messages also go out to encouraging us to do our best to the society. There
are hints of such inspirations in his lyrics and music too. A truly noble
example to emulate for the fans and rest of us.
Online presence
In today’s digital
age, social media has become a crucial tool for every artist to connect with
their audience and Brodha V is no exception. He has a strong presence on
platforms like Instagram, Twitter and YouTube. He regularly interacts with fans
and shares updates about his music and life on all these platforms. You may
name search him to find him there.
Brodha V's social
media strategy includes sharing behind-the-scenes content, engaging in live
sessions and promoting his releases. This approach has helped him build a loyal
and interactive fanbase, which is further enhancing his popularity and reach.
Future of Brodha V
As Brodha V
continues to evolve as an artist. His future prospects look very promising as
of 2024. He has hinted at upcoming projects and collaborations which is keeping
fans eagerly anticipating for his new music. His ability to adapt to changing
musical trends while staying true to his roots, ensures that he will remain a
relevant and influential figure in the industry.
Brodha V's future
goals include exploring new musical territories, collaborating with more
international artists and continuing to push the boundaries of Indian rap. His
dedication to his craft and passion for music suggest that there are many more
exciting developments to come.
Conclusion
Brodha V's journey
from a young music enthusiast to a celebrated rapper and artist is a testament
to his talent, hard work and years of perseverance. His unique mix of Indian
classical music with contemporary hip-hop has not only set him apart, but has
also contributed to the growth and recognition of Indian rap on a global scale.
Through his music,
Brodha V has addressed important social issues, inspired a new generation of
artists and made a lasting impact on the Indian music industry. As he continues
to innovate and explore new avenues, his legacy as a pioneer in Indian hip-hop
is set to endure for years to come. He once wished to feature Tamil movie star
Rajnikanth in one of his raps for a Rajnikanth movie. He also dreams of winning
a Grammy award for the Best Rap Album one day. Well, with a huge potential like
his, it might happen but it’s only about when. The best wishes go with him till
he makes it.
What was the first
song that you had heard of Brodha V? Have you ever met him in real life? Have
you ever been to his concert? Do you know him in real life? Which song of
Brodha V has influenced your life? Do you want to get into hip-hop? Do comment
your feelings and thoughts below.
Disclaimer : All the pictures in this post is licensed under Creative Commons Attribution 2.0 Generic license.
