The Mumbai-based rapper Naezy (who has a few million views on YouTube) is living the big life after Zoya Akhtar made Gully Boy a film based on his life and that of fellow rapper Divine. The film starring Ranveer Singh and Alia Bhatt has has enjoyed a sensational reception.
Naezy was recently spotted, earphones firmly in place, in Visakhapatnam watching the T20 India vs Australia game as a part of Pepsi’s campaign ‘Har Ghoonth Mein Swag’. He even awarded Australian bowler Jason Behrendorff the ‘Swagstar of the Match’ award.
He joked about how post Gully Boy , “I’m invited to such events to give awards.” On a more serious note he hoped that Gully Boy would encourage people to rap in their regional language. “Now they know it’s possible to make a living out of it,” he added.
Straight outta Kurla
In early the 2010s, Naezy was known as Naved Shaikh. Naved had just started to get acquainted with hip-hop. One of the first hip-hop songs he learnt was Temperature by Sean Paul. His fascination with hip-hop turned into passion after his rap covers became an instant hit in college. Naved began to dress like rappers in oversized shirts, sneakers and chains. The word around his block was ‘Naved is crazy.’ That’s how he picked his rapper name Naezy. In 2014, his début track ‘Aafat’ got viral and the rest is history.
Naezy shifted From mainstream hip-hop to old-school style rap. This has played a crucial part in shaping the content of his verses. His description of the strees of Mumbai is racy and snappy much like the fast local from Virar to Churchgate! “This is a new era of hip-hop in India. Rappers in India now dare to share their personal stories and political thoughts,” he said. He is convinced hip-hop in India will play a crucial role in spreading awareness. ‘Haq Hai’ , a track he released two years ago, is by far his most political track yet. Some of his favorite rappers like Nas, Biggie and Kendrick Lamer.
Naezy got the opportunity of a life time while recording ‘NY Se Mumbai’ with Nas and Ranveer for Gully Boy . “I grew up listening to Nas. Performing with him has been the most surreal moment of my life,” he said. The song has verses in Hindi by Naezy and in English by Raveer and Nas. Naezy added, “This collaboration proved to me that the spirit of hip-hop transcends cultural barriers.”
Back in the day he used a tea-strainer (to create low frequency thumps) and his smartphone to record tracks. Today he uses an iPad to create his music.“ The internet has broken the barrier between upcoming artists and the audience. One no longer needs to sign a label to reach out to millions.” Two weeks ago he released his latest track ‘Bombay 70’ which already has over a million views on YouTube.
