Yogi B returns to Tamil cinema after seven years, with the song he has written and rapped for in Ajith’s Vivegam. “A couple of decades ago, nobody would have understood rap, but today, big record labels and music directors approach us,” says the Malaysia-based hip-hop singer. The song, Surviva, has broken quite a few records since its release.
“It’s a mix of Electronic Dance Music (EDM) and hip-hop, a popular trend in Hollywood. Anirudh’s music will make fans get really hooked to it. It’s my first collaboration with him,” he says.
“I was told that the lyrics should reflect Thala’s real life persona, and I wrote it accordingly He’s a man who has withstood failures. The lyrics are about him, and how he has survived his struggles with grace.”
Yogi B also thinks that today, it is easier for musicians to put their work out there. “Artists get a lot of exposure and freedom to experiment through digital platforms including YouTube. This helps us reach across to crowds that don’t know about the rap scene in India. Rapping isn’t just about the lyrics or sound; it has got everything to do with positive energy levels. Within hip-hop comes not just rap, but also other forms of self-expression,” he explains.
It was by the end of last year when Yogi B first got a call from Anirudh. It meant a lot as he’s a big fan of the composer. “Anirudh is a bundle of talent and I have listened to his music. He has also sung one verse in this song,” he adds. Yogi couldn’t get to meet Ajith in person but was told the actor liked the track.
Surviva was released on Saavn, the music streaming portal, with the song getting played over 5,00,000 times in over 24 hours, according to a statement from Sony Music.
Up next, Yogi B’s working on his album, Mantrahood. “I am not referring to the mantra in a religious context. I can promise you it will sound original, authentic and promising. I don’t like to be predictable,” he smiles .
