Rapper Naezy grabbed the spotlight in Club Boudoir (the newest nightclub in town on Shakespeare Point building) as the most popular act of the night. Accompanied by Ritviz, the duo got the energy level real high with their styles of desi hip-hop, trap and electronic music. Tracks like Aafat!, Asal hustle and Police wala were the crowd favourites. “Calcutta’s desi hip- hop fans are unique and I wish I could have spent more time here to explore the culture and, of course, the cuisine!” said the Meri gully mein rapper after his gig at the pre-party of NH7 Weekender Shillong, in association with t2.
But Naezy — once known as Naved Shaikh — had a lot more to tell t2 before the gig!
What: Club Boudoir in Calcutta is the second international outlet of the nightclub in Dubai by the same name
Where: 40 Shakespeare Sarani, third floor of Shakespeare Point building, diagonally opposite Nocturne
Timing: 10am to midnight
Have you ever been to Calcutta before?
I’ve been here once; it’s a beautiful city. I’ve been told to check out the yellow taxis, trams and rosogollas.
Any Bengal- or Calcutta-related issue you want to rap about?
I think the issues I cover are common issues which take place everywhere, including Calcutta. And if I feel there’s a need to rap about a specific Calcutta-related issue I would love to do that.
Let’s get down to music. So when did you discover the rapper in you?
I think I was 14 when I first heard a rap song. I soon started memorising different artistes’ lyrics and performing it for my friends, and they said it was amazing. I found rap lyrics interesting and very relatable. I like to play with words, I like sharing stories and I love music. Eminem’s Lose Yourself, Kendrick Lamar’s Alright and Tupac Shakur’s Changes have always inspired me.
How big a change was it, moving from a chawl to a flat in Kurla?
My life has taught me a lot and when you’re growing up in a chawl it’s never easy, you see things, you do things and you learn. I think I’ve been getting along well with people and they’ve been really supportive. I’m ready to fit in anywhere.
How have your rapping talents been received among friends?
They were not surprised because they knew I could do weird things. If they like something they say it, if not they won’t hesitate. They are very honest. They are proud of what I do and keep telling everyone that look this guy is our friend.
Was your family supportive?
Initially my family was against it because nobody knew what hip-hop was. They would quickly change the channel whenever they saw rappers dancing with beer bottles and half-naked women. People from my community would come and tell them that if you don’t stop him right away, he would do the same. I’ve always tried explaining that what I’m doing is different from others and it’s for the betterment of our society, for a social change. I’ve decoded my lyrics to my parents and some of my family members now understand what I’m trying to do.
Moving from Naved Shaikh to Naezy means....
Naezy is the alter ego of Naved. When I was thinking of a stage name, many names came to mind but I wanted to keep it simple and a name which registers, so I settled with Naved+Crazy= Naezy.
Mere gully mein with Divine. How did you come across him?
I’ve been digging his music since he started doing his thing. He is different from other rappers and he speaks for the streets.
Yo Yo Honey Singh. What’s your take on his music?
I think he is a complete different artiste. He makes commercial stuff and he works hard for it and he knows how to sell songs.
QUICK FIX
The first song you wrote: It was about women empowerment and I had announced some severe punishments for the molesters in that song which was made for a college function.
Your rap/hip-hop idols: Kendrick Lamar, Nas, Big L, Tupac.
Favourite artiste on the Indian music scene: Nucleya because his music is authentic and he brings the streets into his music.
Five things in your wardrobe: A snapback, sweatshirt, kurtas, jacket, jeans.
Mathures Paul
KALA COOL
Text: Pramita Ghosh and Bulbul Rajagopal
Pictures: Arnab Mondal
