Mumbai-based Rapper Naezy, who rose to fame with the film Gully Boy has collaborated with producer Rākhis for latest track titled Kasa Kai in an attempt to check in on their fans and spread a dash of positivity during these trying times.
In a candid conversation with The Free Press Journal, Naezy speaks about his idea behind the new song, life post Gully Boy and the pressure to stay relevant.
The song Kasa Kai is Naezy gives an ode to his beloved city Mumbai. The idea behind this upbeat track is to dispel negativity and through music, bring in some positive vibes in the lives of the listeners.
Talking about it, Naezy says, “This song is close to my heart, it speaks about my emotions and the message is loaded with what I feel for this city and its hip-hop scene. I have expressed myself with an open heart. I connected the story of my life with the ups and downs this city has seen in the last two years or so. The song teaches you to embrace positivity and shun negativity. I have also questioned boundaries of religion, community and country. It’s a layered song and that’s the reason it’s special for me.”
For those unversed, Naezy and his co-rapper Divine were inspirations behind the Zoya Akhtar directorial Gully Boy (2019) starring Ranveer Singh, Alia Bhatt, Siddhant Chaturvedi, and Kalki Koechlin.
Sharing on how has life been post the film, Naezy states that nothing much has changed since its release.
He says, “I was an artist, I’m still one. My life problems persisted and after the film they have only increased. I got opportunities, money, and fame, but it also added bulk to my worries. However, a lot of people know me now. I have been able to reach a bigger audience, and create an identity in the entertainment industry. I have a responsibility, especially towards the youth that look up to me, which is why I am more conscious of the steps I take in life. I keep a check on my moves to see if I am going in the right direction.”
Elaborating on the rap scene in Mumbai, the 28-year-old maintains that a lot of people have garnered fame because of Gully Boy. “Everyone is playing on the next level and hip hop has evolved from underground to mainstream. It has made a place, an industry within itself.”
When asked how he keeps himself grounded despite the pressure to stay relevant, the rap sensation concludes, “I do face the pressure because I am a bit old school and have a traditional approach towards hip hop. I think of my past, my previous life when I had no money or fame. Although it is a fruit of my hard work but Allah has given me everything, so I express deep gratitude for it.”
