SG Highway
By Shaurya Saxena
20th Apr 2024
By Shaurya Saxena
20th Mar 2024
The underground rap legends, the makers of "4424" have come together again after 4 years to transcend the waves created back in 2020 with ‘Lost In AMD’ and raise the bar for rappers with their latest release "Amdavad Rap Life: 2 Heavy On 'Em, Vol. 2". From touring all India to constantly putting out new music, they have been nothing more than a blessing to the hip hop industry. With fans overly obsessing over for a glimpse and material about them and this new release, it was not long enough before we sat down with the boys. Still mentally occupied with the upshot and reception, they were able to spare some time out for it. Acharya who was quite relaxed and settled joined us first followed by Dhanji with his energetic perseverance and Siyaahi clearing off his schedule for this talk.
Kicking off our conversation by discussing the initial reception received of the mixtape from enthusiastic fans, we leap on to clear some fog amidst the release to be considered as a sequel to their 2020 release "Lost in AMD" or if the project alone stands out from the previous release. For them, the project rather than being a sequel to what created the waves with 4424, this tape acts as a sophomore to expound on the buildup with more artistic expression and tying everything together. With the spiritual succession attained now, Acharya shares how the making of the project commenced around 2 years ago with the creation of a few songs and deciding on the production of a new project. With the project originally being composed and heavily influenced by the sound of Fonk and Memphis, setting up the tone for what we are hearing today.
From Friendship to Stardom
This long-lasting friendship was initiated at the college level and Cypher's, from watching streams of each other online to finally linking up with each other during the COVID era leading to the creation of "Lost in AMD", there has been an enormous shift towards the perception of the Gujrat Rap Scene, giving a platform to the aspiring artists and the community as a whole. To understand the origin of the musical sound and the cultural influence on them, they shared their upbringing stories and how much the cultural exposure impacted their musical sounds. Acharya, originally from East Africa, beautifully explained how this exposure brought multiple sonic panels to him with his parents introducing him to Indian Classical and Jazz to self-discovering artists outside the bubble. Currently performing in prominent festivals like Zomaland and Sunburn, Dhanji shares how much ecstasy this brings but also feels a responsibility being crowned to him with so many people looking up to him. As an artist, there are some commitments whether to deliver consistency in music or be looked up to as a role model, there is always a weight that needs to be carried, and eventually increases as stardom rises. Continuing the conversation on the topic, Siyaahi adds his gratitude to the listeners and artists who mention them as an influence. From originating from a footing with only a few individuals to performing in big-stage events like Zomaland. He shares his music journey with us narrating how he met Aghori in a Nirma college fest who then humbly educated him about the ABCs of rap. From training him with every little detail of how to record and how to perform to collaborating with him, he mentions his indebtedness to them. This is when Dhanji gives his flowers to Gold Music and the group collectively agrees that their impact throughout the years has been significant.
The underground rap legends, the makers of "4424" have come together again after 4 years to transcend the waves created back in 2020 with ‘Lost In AMD’ and raise the bar for rappers with their latest release "Amdavad Rap Life: 2 Heavy On 'Em, Vol. 2". From touring all India to constantly putting out new music, they have been nothing more than a blessing to the hip hop industry. With fans overly obsessing over for a glimpse and material about them and this new release, it was not long enough before we sat down with the boys. Still mentally occupied with the upshot and reception, they were able to spare some time out for it. Acharya who was quite relaxed and settled joined us first followed by Dhanji with his energetic perseverance and Siyaahi clearing off his schedule for this talk.
Kicking off our conversation by discussing the initial reception received of the mixtape from enthusiastic fans, we leap on to clear some fog amidst the release to be considered as a sequel to their 2020 release "Lost in AMD" or if the project alone stands out from the previous release. For them, the project rather than being a sequel to what created the waves with 4424, this tape acts as a sophomore to expound on the buildup with more artistic expression and tying everything together. With the spiritual succession attained now, Acharya shares how the making of the project commenced around 2 years ago with the creation of a few songs and deciding on the production of a new project. With the project originally being composed and heavily influenced by the sound of Fonk and Memphis, setting up the tone for what we are hearing today.
From Friendship to Stardom
This long-lasting friendship was initiated at the college level and Cypher's, from watching streams of each other online to finally linking up with each other during the COVID era leading to the creation of "Lost in AMD", there has been an enormous shift towards the perception of the Gujrat Rap Scene, giving a platform to the aspiring artists and the community as a whole. To understand the origin of the musical sound and the cultural influence on them, they shared their upbringing stories and how much the cultural exposure impacted their musical sounds. Acharya, originally from East Africa, beautifully explained how this exposure brought multiple sonic panels to him with his parents introducing him to Indian Classical and Jazz to self-discovering artists outside the bubble. Currently performing in prominent festivals like Zomaland and Sunburn, Dhanji shares how much ecstasy this brings but also feels a responsibility being crowned to him with so many people looking up to him. As an artist, there are some commitments whether to deliver consistency in music or be looked up to as a role model, there is always a weight that needs to be carried, and eventually increases as stardom rises. Continuing the conversation on the topic, Siyaahi adds his gratitude to the listeners and artists who mention them as an influence. From originating from a footing with only a few individuals to performing in big-stage events like Zomaland. He shares his music journey with us narrating how he met Aghori in a Nirma college fest who then humbly educated him about the ABCs of rap. From training him with every little detail of how to record and how to perform to collaborating with him, he mentions his indebtedness to them. This is when Dhanji gives his flowers to Gold Music and the group collectively agrees that their impact throughout the years has been significant.
Crafting the Mixtape
Coming straight away on the mixtape, they inform us how "Amdavad Rap Life" is a gift by them to the city which gave rise to everything they are right now. Stretching on the fact that it's a mixtape, Dhanji discusses how he peculiarly arranges and plans his discography. With a total of 9 projects in his catalogue, he emphasizes what meaning the word "mixtape" holds, it doesn't have to carry the pressure of an LP that he carries a lot which partially explains the pauses in the release of his 2023 LP "Ruab". But that does not diminish the place this mixtape holds; the project is a dedication that holds a sweet place in his heart and fuels the creative juices of engineering that he will show on his 10th project which is reckoned to be released before the year ends. Siyaahi shares with us that the hard work and determination required to create this project was something that paid off well. With a friendship of over four years collaborating on multiple instances, this project is something that solidifies their compassion for each other and rap in general. For Acharya, this tape is huge considering this is his first project working on 13 tracks. "Lost in Amd" was produced in collaboration with RASLA, it was a product made by the exchange and integration of sounds and ideas. But this one being produced by him enabled him to keep his distinctive sound throughout the project and also helped him push his boundaries by enabling him to redefine his limits with the sources and experience given.
Exploring the Tone
The sound of the project has been labelled as "Grittily Hard" by a few fans since its release. Heading to that note, when we asked them to describe the tone of the mixtape in their own words, Dhanji eagerly shout outs "Fuck Shit Up". For them, stacking up 13 tracks together where each track has a distinct personality in such a format that the flow through the tape never breaks is a task itself, but for them, it was less challenging considering how strong their chemistry with each other is. With coherent stories going on in their lives and the tape, sonically keeping them together did pose a few technicalities with the ordering of the track list, production for a few verses, and inklings for the tracks. But all these efforts paid off entirely with the project offering an emotional and energized rollercoaster ride. To define the project in a single sentence or a word seems hard, but more importantly, it's too early for them to label it. With the hunger that is audible throughout the 37 minutes, it will take a huge chunk of time for people to adjust to it and then conclude. Coming to the features of the project, from having Rebel 7 and Gravity to some surprises like The Siege, Siyaahi explains how most of the features were recorded a long time ago. Being in touch with these artists for a very long time somewhat unknown to the general eye, there was always something cooking behind the curtains. He also explains how much difficulty is faced with creating music with someone online medium, with the constant sharing of files and not synchronizing much with each other. But still, the features after carefully being inspected and selected were added in such a way that it boosts the prestige of the tracks and blends well as a verse out of their mouth.
Importance of Aesthetics
In today's digital era where each fan tries to compile as much content made available by the artist, everything has to be managed perfectly. Whether it has to be visuals or aesthetics. So, during our conversation, we shifted our talk to the role of visuals and aesthetics in the music industry. For Acharya, having a cohesive visualization not only for the album but for even the idea is important, and adding that visualization to the music in terms of music videos and other media. Adding to that, he shares that in the current industry, it plays a very huge role in not only the promotion of the music but also in creating an identity in this mass. Dhanji adding to that explains the balance in the freedom of the listeners and the artists. The listeners have the freedom to expect and consume however they want from the artists; the artists also have the freedom to provide what they want to them. Compared to the 40's when the music was only accompanied by a single cover to now, there is a need for more mediums for an artist to thrive, on which Siyaahi also agrees. Dhanji resonates with this philosophy because without the need for this, he proclaims he wouldn't even bother making any social media appearance. Even though being an anti-establishment in that sense, he understands the need for this.
Amdavadi Domination
Discussing the perceptual transformation in the hip-hop genre with not only a change of sound it has noticed over the past few years but also how the conception of the listeners has also transformed, Dhanji acknowledges how their work has been playing a critical function in transforming the shape of the sound to come. He states that the future of music is regional, people are getting more and more regional bringing diversity and uniqueness to the game. With more personified and culturally precise things, better stuff will be produced. Siyaahi shares how they are just a small pack of fish in a vast ocean, to which Acharya broadens explaining how with the celebration of 50 years of hip-hop in the West, there is still so much potential left for the Indian rap scene. Changes will remain persistent, but that's what's necessary for evolution. In contrast to the universe, everything will always seem to alter rapidly. But that's something that is always for the better. Generations will always keep on entering and leaving, but the effects of them are and will be everlasting. But for now, the Amdavad Boys are running the town and this latest project "Amdavad Rap Life: 2 Heavy on 'Em" just solidified their position as the pioneers of the game. Whether you like it or not, they are pushing the limits like no one ever did. With this, while we are bidding our farewell, Dhanji comes back to the question of breaking down the project into a single line which pretty much makes for a perfect closer to not just the interview but also their intention of what they are trying to achieve by their music.
"This is what you call Real Rap Shit"
Importance of Aesthetics
In today's digital era where each fan tries to compile as much content made available by the artist, everything has to be managed perfectly. Whether it has to be visuals or aesthetics. So, during our conversation, we shifted our talk to the role of visuals and aesthetics in the music industry. For Acharya, having a cohesive visualization not only for the album but for even the idea is important, and adding that visualization to the music in terms of music videos and other media. Adding to that, he shares that in the current industry, it plays a very huge role in not only the promotion of the music but also in creating an identity in this mass. Dhanji adding to that explains the balance in the freedom of the listeners and the artists. The listeners have the freedom to expect and consume however they want from the artists; the artists also have the freedom to provide what they want to them. Compared to the 40's when the music was only accompanied by a single cover to now, there is a need for more mediums for an artist to thrive, on which Siyaahi also agrees. Dhanji resonates with this philosophy because without the need for this, he proclaims he wouldn't even bother making any social media appearance. Even though being an anti-establishment in that sense, he understands the need for this.
Amdavadi Domination
Discussing the perceptual transformation in the hip-hop genre with not only a change of sound it has noticed over the past few years but also how the conception of the listeners has also transformed, Dhanji acknowledges how their work has been playing a critical function in transforming the shape of the sound to come. He states that the future of music is regional, people are getting more and more regional bringing diversity and uniqueness to the game. With more personified and culturally precise things, better stuff will be produced. Siyaahi shares how they are just a small pack of fish in a vast ocean, to which Acharya broadens explaining how with the celebration of 50 years of hip-hop in the West, there is still so much potential left for the Indian rap scene. Changes will remain persistent, but that's what's necessary for evolution. In contrast to the universe, everything will always seem to alter rapidly. But that's something that is always for the better. Generations will always keep on entering and leaving, but the effects of them are and will be everlasting. But for now, the Amdavad Boys are running the town and this latest project "Amdavad Rap Life: 2 Heavy on 'Em" just solidified their position as the pioneers of the game. Whether you like it or not, they are pushing the limits like no one ever did. With this, while we are bidding our farewell, Dhanji comes back to the question of breaking down the project into a single line which pretty much makes for a perfect closer to not just the interview but also their intention of what they are trying to achieve by their music.
"This is what you call Real Rap Shit"
Crafting the Mixtape
Coming straight away on the mixtape, they inform us how "Amdavad Rap Life" is a gift by them to the city which gave rise to everything they are right now. Stretching on the fact that it's a mixtape, Dhanji discusses how he peculiarly arranges and plans his discography. With a total of 9 projects in his catalogue, he emphasizes what meaning the word "mixtape" holds, it doesn't have to carry the pressure of an LP that he carries a lot which partially explains the pauses in the release of his 2023 LP "Ruab". But that does not diminish the place this mixtape holds; the project is a dedication that holds a sweet place in his heart and fuels the creative juices of engineering that he will show on his 10th project which is reckoned to be released before the year ends. Siyaahi shares with us that the hard work and determination required to create this project was something that paid off well. With a friendship of over four years collaborating on multiple instances, this project is something that solidifies their compassion for each other and rap in general. For Acharya, this tape is huge considering this is his first project working on 13 tracks. "Lost in Amd" was produced in collaboration with RASLA, it was a product made by the exchange and integration of sounds and ideas. But this one being produced by him enabled him to keep his distinctive sound throughout the project and also helped him push his boundaries by enabling him to redefine his limits with the sources and experience given.
Exploring the Tone
The sound of the project has been labelled as "Grittily Hard" by a few fans since its release. Heading to that note, when we asked them to describe the tone of the mixtape in their own words, Dhanji eagerly shout outs "Fuck Shit Up". For them, stacking up 13 tracks together where each track has a distinct personality in such a format that the flow through the tape never breaks is a task itself, but for them, it was less challenging considering how strong their chemistry with each other is. With coherent stories going on in their lives and the tape, sonically keeping them together did pose a few technicalities with the ordering of the track list, production for a few verses, and inklings for the tracks. But all these efforts paid off entirely with the project offering an emotional and energized rollercoaster ride. To define the project in a single sentence or a word seems hard, but more importantly, it's too early for them to label it. With the hunger that is audible throughout the 37 minutes, it will take a huge chunk of time for people to adjust to it and then conclude. Coming to the features of the project, from having Rebel 7 and Gravity to some surprises like The Siege, Siyaahi explains how most of the features were recorded a long time ago. Being in touch with these artists for a very long time somewhat unknown to the general eye, there was always something cooking behind the curtains. He also explains how much difficulty is faced with creating music with someone online medium, with the constant sharing of files and not synchronizing much with each other. But still, the features after carefully being inspected and selected were added in such a way that it boosts the prestige of the tracks and blends well as a verse out of their mouth.
