Brodha V

Brodha V, also known as Vighnesh Shivanand, is an Indian hip-hop artist, lyricist, rapper, and music producer. Born in Kanchipuram, Tamil Nadu, he started rapping at the age of 18 and gained recognition through online rap battles on Orkut. His unique style blends rap with Indian classical music, creating a distinct sound. Brodha V has released singles like “Aathma Raama” and “After Party,” and he’s collaborated with other artists in the Indian film industry, including Anirudh Ravichander and Vishal Dadlani. His talent and versatility have made him a notable figure in the Indian hip-hop scene.

More about his music style

Brodha V’s music style is a captivating fusion of Indian classical music and hip-hop. He seamlessly blends rhythmic rap verses with traditional melodies, creating a unique sound that resonates with listeners. His lyrics often touch on personal experiences, social issues, and cultural themes, making his music relatable and thought-provoking. Whether it’s his energetic tracks or soulful compositions, Brodha V’s artistic versatility shines through, making him a standout figure in the Indian hip-hop scene.

What are some of his most popular collaborations?

Brodha V, the talented Indian hip-hop artist, has collaborated with several notable musicians in the industry. Here are some of his most popular collaborations:

Raftaar: Brodha V’s collaboration with Delhi-based rapper Raftaar gained him fame in mainstream Hindi media in 2019.

KRSNA: In 2022, Brodha V dropped a new single titled “Forever,” featuring KRSNA, another prominent rapper from Delhi.

Jordindian: Brodha V worked with Jordindian on tracks like “Vainko” and "Basti Bounce".

Additionally, his solo hits like “Aathma Raama” and “Aigiri Nandini” have also contributed to his popularity in the Indian hip-hop scene

What inspired Brodha V to pursue hip-hop?

Brodha V’s journey into hip-hop was sparked by the iconic Tamil song “Pettai Rap” from the film “Kadhalan.” Composed by A. R. Rahman, it introduced him to the genre. His inspirations include '90s East Coast rappers like Eminem, Rakim, Nas, Big Pun, Wu-Tang Clan, and Jay-Z. Life experiences, encounters, and a burning passion for music continue to drive his creative journey.

What challenges did he face in his early career?

Brodha V encountered several challenges during the early stages of his rap career. Here are some key points:

Online Rap Battles on Orkut: Brodha V gained initial recognition by actively participating in “text battles” on Orkut, a social media network. He engaged in these battles to develop his personal style and build a presence in the hip-hop community.

Formation of Machas With Attitude (MWA): In 2008, Brodha V co-founded MWA with Smokey the Ghost and Big Nikk. They collaborated with Raghu Dixit and contributed to the rap portions in the song “Dheaon Dheaon” from the movie “Mujhse Fraaandship Karoge.” This experience helped them gain further recognition.

Radio City Freedom Award and Chennai Express: The trio (MWA) won the Radio City Freedom Award in 2013. Vishal Dadlani noticed their talent and invited them to work on the film “Chennai Express.” Their collaboration resulted in the track “Ready Steady Po,” which brought them additional acclaim in the music industry.

Solo Career and Mixtape: As a solo artist, Brodha V released his mixtape titled “Death Punch” in 2011. His single “On My Own” received praise for its lyrical complexity and Indian essence. Subsequently, he released hit singles like “Aathma Raama” and “After Party” in 2012 and 2013, respectively.

Sony Music India Signing and Creative Differences: In 2013, Brodha V signed with Sony Music India and released the single “Aigiri Nandini.” However, creative differences led him to part ways with the label in 2015.

Despite these challenges, Brodha V’s perseverance and talent have solidified his position as a respected figure in the Indian hip-hop scene.