The lyrical elite weaving Carnatic threads into hip-hop tapestry - Brodha V

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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.


#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. 


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.



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.



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