For 26-year-old Singaporean-Indian
rapper Yung Raja
, hip-hop as an art form is going through exciting times
especially in the Asian market. “The trend has changed forever- hip-hop is now
a leading genre,” he told Opoyi in an interview.

“Compared to a few years ago, hip-hop hadn’t been localised yet. People were
still figuring out if it’s something we can adapt and make our own. But in
recent years, Hip-hop in Asia has become the biggest thing ever. I believe
we’re witnessing history in the making right now and is definitely one of the most
exciting times for hip-hop as a culture,” added Raja.

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He also says that “with every new rapper that comes out of Asia, mixing their own flavour, language and culture, we move a step closer to breaking down the negative stereotypes that have been attached to hip-hop for decades…”

“…and shine a light on the truth of what hip-hop stands for as an art form – love, unity, culture, celebration. These are just some of the many positive messages hip-hop touches on. I feel that it’s just a matter of time before everyone sees that,” he said.

Raja recently made his debut into the US territory with the release of his brand new single ‘Mami’, alongside label Alamo Records, a home to some of the hottest hip-hop acts such as Lil Durk and Smokepurpp. He is also the first Singaporean artiste to appear on the NME 100 List 2021.

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He found viral success in Asia after releasing a string of singles including ‘Mustafa’, ‘Mad Blessings’ and ‘The Dance Song’ — which received commendation by the likes of Lupe Fiasco and M.I.A. Raja went on to amass over 5 million streams, a record deal with Def Jam South East Asia and a whirlwind run that saw him play shows across the continent and a stint in India recording for the famous Kollywood industry. 

Yung says that he wishes to “always inspire people to move towards their dreams, regardless  of being “an artist or not” and added that he is “always aspiring towards greater impact and presence in my community and country!”

He is also known for his tasteful unification of Western and Tamil culture in your lyrics. So when asked that as an experienced artiste, how important is it to have your originality intact without getting influenced by your surroundings, he says that “one of the greatest aspects of being an artiste is not the ability to influence others, but the ability to stay uninfluenced by others.”

“I ground myself with family and friends and I’m always in touch with everything that makes me, ME. It’s the reason why I’m able to do what I do and if I lose that, it’s the same as losing everything. Never lose grip on what makes you YOU!,” he said.

Also, his journey in the west has been amazing and that too without any godfather.

“I have had the privilege of being mentored by many well-respected and accomplished individuals in the past 4 years. I’ve learned the importance of teamwork, patience, the power of an optimistic outlook and also practicing gratitude. He who travels the fastest travels alone, he who travels the furthest travels together,” he said.

Raja, however, is not completely focusing on the west.

“We’re focusing both on the west and of course motherland India. We’ve partnered up with Third Culture India and we’re very excited to be working with them. India’s where my family’s from and I’ll never stop trying to bring things full circle,” he sums up.

His father, Rajid Ahamed, is a recognised poet in the Tamil diasporic community in Singapore and also taught Maths and Science as a college professor for 17 years in Chennai.