Rapper Yung Raja effortlessly infuses Tamil into his music

His hit singles that combine Tamil and English lyrics, which he pens himself, have gone on to make him one of the most promising, upcoming rap artistes of Singapore.Recently in India for a music festival, he caught up with us in this candid interview about his family, music and Rajinikanth.

My father is from Arantangi and my mother from Nachiyar Koil. They got married and moved to Thanjavur for 15 years before moving to Singapore, which is my mother’s favourite country. My father was the physics professor at Raja Serfoji College for 18 years. Thanjavur is one of my favourite cities. 

  Oh yes, I have always felt the strong urge to speak in Tamil whenever an opportunity presents itself. I have always felt proud for being fluent in such a beautifully complex language. When I chose to rap full-time, the mixture of Tamil and English came so naturally that it wasn’t even a question. Including Tamil in my craft is one of my proudest choices ever.

I love vendekka and kathirikkai a lot. I always have my rice with paruppu podi and sundakka vathal and a little lemon urgai on the side. I enjoy a full thaali set at least once a week with my parents. South Indian cuisine is one of my most favourite in the world.

YES! My goodness, that’s my Thalaivar you’re talking about. I watched Petta four times and 2.0 twice. Petta was such a treat for a die-hard fan like me and I can’t wait for his next film! If I ever meet Rajinikanth I will weep for hours in happiness.

I have always been a super fan of hip-hop music. All my life, I’ve envied the freedom rap and hip-hop holds when it comes to artistic expression. My acting days brought me joy, but music brought fulfillment into my life. I felt free - I felt my creative energy bursting with life and live shows on stage made me feel like I’m on top of the world. That’s when I witnessed my life’s very first major turning point!

  Oh yes. Everything has changed inside out. Music has given me the ability to feel the beauty of being true to oneself. I celebrate life every day consciously thinking about all the things I’m thankful for. Every moment is filled with gratitude for something. I really feel like a whole new me. Hip-hop is the best thing that has happened to me withoutan iota of a doubt.

I might be putting out an EP sometime, but since I got signed to MadeYouFamous, we have made so many songs that we love. I think what is coming next is something I’ve been most excited for — my second single. It’s going to be magical! Stay tuned for it.