Rapper Naved Shaikh, popularly known as Naezy recently launched his new song 'Mallika'. It has received a positive reception from music lovers. The hip-hop song reflects the artist's effort to portray the feelings of men who struggle to express their love.
Post the release of the song, we had a conversation with Naezy where he spoke about the inspiration behind making 'Mallika', his opinion on the current hip-hop scenario in the country, his future projects and a lot more. Here are the excerpts from the interview:
Your songs come with messages be it 'Khamakha', 'Jeeta Haara', 'Mere Bhantai', or 'Kon Hard'. What is the message you want to spread through 'Mallika'?
Through 'Mallika', I want to spread the message that we should respect women and not demean or trivialise sentiments like love and attraction. We should approach love with sensitivity, dignity, and grace, in a cultured way, within the boundaries of our traditions without creating a mess or hurting each other. My message to every boy and man who's trying to approach a woman is to be generous, loyal, humble, and respectful. The song teaches them the way love should be expressed.
What's the inspiration behind making the song?
The inspiration came from a person I felt attracted to. I explored a part of my heart and soul and this song emerged. I found out that when you transcend your ego, you become better at expressing love and also grow into a better person. This song conveys my feelings and my journey but anyone who wants love in their life can relate to it.
What is your opinion on the current hip-hop scenario?
Hip-hop is taking a rather different route these days and I think it's very important to spread some positivity in the space. The hip-hop trend has been developing significantly in India and it's becoming a very challenging and competitive space for the rappers. It's very tough to survive in this environment and only those who have something different to offer and are really good will survive.
You've seen the worst in life, battled poverty, gone through struggles, and today you have made a place for yourself. How do you look back at your journey?
It's been a very tough, hard journey but I have learnt a lot from it. I grew stronger and rose above my circumstances. Regardless of where I came from, I became the person that I am today. I've seen a lot, suffered a lot, struggled a lot, and faced many things, but I never stopped. I always took motivation from hardships and I wrote about them in my songs. I will continue to express my feelings and keep hustling and grinding hard to reach my destination.
Your songs are on socio-political issues. Do you have some kind of fear that it may cause a threat to your life as well?
I am very fearless and even created a song called 'Fearless'. So I am not afraid to put my perspective in front of the world because the issues I'm talking about are real. My purpose is to let people know the truth through my music. I am trying to awaken people and so my voice is fearless. I am not going to stop. I am going to keep talking about things that are not right without hurting or harming anyone. I am an artist and want to keep creating my art.
In the future what issues do you want to touch upon with your songs?
I want to write about issues like feminism, poverty, child labour and many others that need to be addressed for society to be more equitable. As citizens, we must become more conscientious and responsible. I'm going to nurture these thoughts and through my music, hopefully, will be able to light a spark in the minds of the youth.
