‘Heavy, message-laden music can be limiting’: Rapper Kr$na on addressing socio-political issues in his music

Krishna Kaul, known by his stage name Kr$na, is one of the OGs of the Indian rap scene. The Delhi munda spent a significant portion of his childhood in South London, an experience that significantly influenced his approach to hip-hop music.

Having entered the industry during the mid-2000s, he acknowledges the challenges Indian rappers faced due to the dominance of Bollywood music. But post Gully Boy, where he was featured briefly, Kr$na believes “there’s more room for different types of music”.

This is just one of the hurdles he has faced, with a more prominent one being a legal battle over the alleged plagiarism of his 2017 song ‘Dekh Kaun Aaya Wapas’, which he highlights is a “persistent challenge” in the Indian music industry.

His first music video, ‘Kaisa Mera Desh’, released in 2010, dealt with themes of anti-corruption and catapulted him to overnight fame. The song garnered a million views after its release.

Over time, the rapper has come to recognise the need for ‘balance’ when conveying socio-political messages.

Rap appears to be ingrained in Kr$na’s DNA, as he began pursuing it as a hobby at the young age of 14. Since then, there has been no looking back, with the musician collaborating with some of the biggest names in the desi hip-hop scene — from Badshah to Raftaar to Ikka. Despite his success, he asserts that he’s just getting started.

In an interview with indianexpress.com, the rapper discusses the evolution of Indian hip-hop, his approach to handling criticism, his songwriting process and how his personal experiences shape the double entendre lyrics for which he is known. Excerpts:

Q: Tell us about the moment in your life that directly influenced your approach to music and shaped your artistic identity.

Kr$na: In 2010, a pivotal moment reshaped my entire perspective about music and laid the foundation for my artistic journey. Up until then, I had viewed my passion for rap and hip-hop as a mere hobby, something I wished I could pursue but doubted its potential. It all changed with the release of my song ‘Jaisa Mera Desh’. Overnight, the track became a sensation. It was in every newspaper.

This unexpected success felt like my dream had some future, making me realise that there was genuine potential for rap and hip-hop in the Indian music industry. Inspired by this breakthrough, I began to approach music with a socio-political lens and eventually explored more. While my journey has evolved and I’ve explored various facets of my art over the years, that specific moment in 2010 remains the tipping point that set the course for my musical identity.

 

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Q: In a competitive industry, what sets you apart as a rapper? What are some qualities you’d like to learn from the younger generation of musicians?

Kr$na: I believe what distinguishes me as a rapper is the balance I strike in my music. I bring a unique blend of lyrics and technical aspects of rap, ensuring that it remains relatable to a wide audience. I believe this balance sets me apart, offering a depth of expression without overwhelming listeners with complexity.

Reflecting on the younger generation of musicians, one quality that I admire is their hunger. While I believe I still possess that drive, it’s inevitable that the perspective evolves with time. There’s a distinct energy and relentless passion that comes with being 21 and, I strive to maintain that enthusiasm and hunger for pushing creative boundaries in my own way.

Q: What is your songwriting process?

Kr$na: My songwriting process is quite versatile, influenced by the mood and time. Sometimes, I start with a beat — if it strikes me in a unique way, I start crafting lyrics to complement it. Other times, I may have ideas already jotted down in my notes, whether it’s a punchline or a potential hook. In those cases, I actively search for the right music.

Regardless of the approach, personal experiences are at the core of my lyrics, especially in hip hop. I believe that, ultimately, what you write reflects how you feel and what’s happening in your surroundings. It’s a genuine expression of the society and conditions that surround us, making it a vital aspect of my creative process.

 

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Q: As an artist, how do you handle criticism and how has it influenced your growth and development?

Kr$na: After spending many years in the industry, dealing with criticism has become a habit. Everyone has their opinions and it’s important not to get too caught up in it. Dwelling on every negative comment can make it tough to navigate the industry, as there will always be naysayers. Taking criticism with a pinch of salt is crucial.

I’m open to constructive criticism and use it to acknowledge and improve. However, I’ve also realised that sometimes, criticism is just disguised hate, especially when people might not appreciate others doing well.

Q: Looking ahead, what creative projects or collaborations are you excited about?

Kr$na: I’ve got some exciting collaborations in the pipeline, although I can’t reveal the details just yet. I’m eager to work with bigger artists, and I’m also exploring opportunities outside of our country. I believe that if I continue on the current path, there’s a lot of potential for growth from this point onwards.

 

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Q: In what ways do you think the Indian hip-hop scene has evolved since the time you joined?

Kr$na: Since I started in the Indian hip-hop scene, there’s been a big change. Now, there’s more room for different types of music — it’s not just about Bollywood anymore. The scene has evolved a lot and today, rap and hip hop are huge in our country. You can actually make a living from it now. This shift is giving young people an alternative to Bollywood music, and it looks like Indian hip hop will keep growing and offering more opportunities for artists.

Q: Are there specific social or cultural issues in India that you feel compelled to address through your music?

Kr$na: Earlier in my career, around 2010-11 under the name Prozpekt, I was deeply engaged in creating socio-political music, addressing pertinent issues. However, over time, I’ve recognised the balance is needed in rap. While music can serve as a powerful tool to convey socio-political and cultural messages, it’s essential to acknowledge that listeners turn to music to seek an escape. Heavy, message-laden music can be limiting, and I’ve found that maintaining a balance is crucial.

In my current work, you will notice that I address social and cultural issues in a more subtle manner. It’s a conscious decision to avoid exclusively focusing on a single issue, allowing my music to resonate with a broader audience.

 

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Q: What challenges have you faced as an artist, particularly within the context of the Indian music industry?

Kr$na: As an artist, navigating the Indian music industry has presented its set of challenges, particularly when compared to its counterparts in the Western and Eastern worlds. One prevalent issue is the persistent challenge of copyright concerns. The existing framework is not foolproof and addressing these issues is crucial for the growth of the industry.

Moreover, there’s a gap in the protection of artists’ rights and the distribution of royalties. The current system needs optimisation to support artists adequately. In the rapidly evolving landscape, where social media and platforms like YouTube have become essential for artists’ exposure, the traditional dependence on record labels is diminishing. It’s essential for the Indian music industry to adapt and provide essential resources for artists.

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