WION exclusive: Rapper Karma: Raftaar is more than a mentor, our brotherhood's ever growing

An introverted rapper Karma found solace in music, so, he started writing rap songs. From humble beginnings to now being a well-known rapper in Mumbai's booming rap-and-hip-hop scene, the young musician has come a long way.

In this exclusive interview with WION, Karma talks about life struggles inspiring art, his rapport with Raftaar and talks about the 'superpowers' he has. Excerpts:

WION: Tell us about your music journey and what influenced your choice to become a rapper.

Music journey has been great. I started writing songs in 2011, used to upload videos on YouTube and now , its my fourth year of being a signed artist and thankfully things are good. I used to be a very introvert guy, and I found that music was my medium to express my thoughts out. Hip-hop is a very expressive art form and music gave me the superpowers to convey my message as it is out to the people.

WION: Tell us about your latest album 'M. Y. P'-Made you proud' and its key inspirations.

'M.Y.P - MADE YOU PROUD', is my debut album, and a very special project to me.
It's a tribute from my side to my late father and everybody else who supported and believed in me from day one. I took my time to complete the project, The goal was to showcase versatility and that's what I was able to achieve. The features on the album, the producers, the music videos, made it a project full of colours and full of different vibe.

WION: How did you cope with the loss of your father at such a young age and how did that influence your choices?

It was very sudden and I was 22 at the time, responsibilities came and I was a new guy instantly. This is not something to cope I guess, you just try your best to live alongside the fact that a major part of your life is gone.

WION: Did stammering ever pose as a shortcoming for you professionally and how did you make it an advantage for you?

Stammering can be a big problem if you want to succeed with an artform like Rap.
This need proper diction, flows and everything else. The fun part is that I never stammer while rapping thus its was never a problem professionally.

WION: Tell us about your mentor Raftaar and some unique experiences you have shared with him.

Its always good to have the best people around. Raftaar is more than a mentor, he and I share a very unique bond. The brotherhood grows deeper every time we meet. It's always a good experience working with him. Studio sessions are fun and informative.

WION: What is your view on the current hip hop scene in India and how do you see yourself in this scene, in what capacity?

Hip-hop scene in India is blooming right now and It's really good to see that.Current hip hop scene is very vast, everyone is making different sounds and everybody is grabbing a different kind of audience. The good part about my music is that it's a common man voice. Everybody relate to it and that is a huge advantage to an artist because in the end you want your music to be receptive by Mass.