Lady Kash

Lady Kash
Background information
Birth nameKalaivani Nagaraj
Bornc. 1990
OriginSingapore
GenresHip Hop, Rap, Film Soundtrack
Occupation(s)Rapper, Songwriter, Record Executive, Creative Entrepreneur
Years active2007 – present
LabelsAKASHIK
Websitewww.ladykashonline.com

Lady Kash is a rapper-songwriter from Singapore.[1] She has worked with composers such as A. R. Rahman to Yuvan Shankar Raja, Anirudh Ravichander, Santhosh Narayanan, Harris Jayaraj and Thaman S.

In 2013, Lady Kash launched the independent label and creative company AKASHIK to provide indie-centric artiste and label services, along with distribution and publishing. In 2018, she released the original bilingual hip-hop song "Villupaattu"[2], which brought the ancient art form to the world and elevated the once forgotten female Villupaattu artiste "Poongani Amma" to limelight.[3][4]

In 2023, she became the first artist to bring Tamizh rap to Hollywood when her hip-hop single “Two Cents” was selected for synchronization in Episode 9 of the fourth and final season of Netflix comedy-drama series ‘Never Have I Ever’,[5] created by Mindy Kaling and Lang Fisher.

Biography

[edit]

Kalaivani Nagaraj was born in Singapore. When she was a teenager, she moved to India to pursue her studies.[6] She began her journey as a rapper and songwriter in the entertainment industry in 2007.

Professional Life

[edit]

In 2010, she wrote and recorded with A. R. Rahman in the debut soundtrack "Irumbile Oru Irudhaiyam[7]" for the blockbuster movie Enthiran. The song went on to become the first Tamil soundtrack album to enter and top iTunes US/UK Charts.[8]

In the anthem for World Classical Tamil Conference 2010, "Semmozhiyaana Thamizh Mozhiyaam",[9] she became the youngest and only female rapper to record for what became the modern-day anthem of the Tamil language.

In January 2014, Lady Kash made her Bollywood debut by writing and recording the soundtrack "Wanna Mashup", composed by A. R. Rahman for the film Highway. The film directed by Imtiaz Ali starred Alia Bhatt and Randeep Hooda.[10]

In July 2016, Lady Kash had two back-to-back releases. The first was "Naam Hai Futsal" – the official Premier Futsal anthem composed by A. R. Rahman with vocals by A. R. R himself, Virat Kohli, Lady Kash, and Karthik. The second was her rendition of Kabali's "Neruppu Da," which went viral and amassed over 1 million views in two weeks. It was released on 14 July. The track was powered by AKASHIK in conjunction with Think Music India.[11]

On A. R. Rahman's 50th birthday in 2017, Lady Kash released a one-take video for a medley titled "Rap Smash", featuring rap hits from the composer. She also released a rework of Cardi B's "Bodak Yellow" in support of the #MeToo movement. Currently focused on original music, the rapper has been releasing singles, including "I Told You So" in February 2018 and "Villupaattu" on March 29, 2018, which is also her birthday. The song was dedicated to the elderly dancer Poongani, whom Lady Kash visited.[12]

In 2021, she was a participant in the Tamil edition of reality show Survivor, which was filmed and relayed from Tanzania, East Africa. The program was executed by TV Network Zee Tamil and producers Banijay Asia.[13] She later admitted the executives did not pay attention to the contestants when some of them fell ill with COVID.[14][15]

Performances

[edit]

She has performed in Canada, Switzerland, UK, Malaysia, Sri Lanka, Dubai, and India.[16] In the 2014 Infinite Love concert tour by Oscar Winner A. R. Rahman, she also performed "Irumbile Oru Irudhaiyam" with A.R. Rahman. More concert tours with A. R. Rahman include her 2016 performances of "Rap War" at A. R. Rahman's Nenje Ezhu concert tour series (Chennai, Coimbatore & Madurai) and "Rap War 2.0" at A. R. Rahman Live in Dubai 2017.

The "Rap War" performance was the first of its kind concert exclusive ever made in the Indian music industry and quickly gained popularity when the video was uploaded worldwide. In 2017, she performed at Canada's largest south-Asian music festival, desiFEST in Yonge-Dundas Square. She also performed twice with Anirudh Ravichander during his first concert in Singapore in 2014 and the 2016 edition.[17]

Selected discography

[edit]

Originals

[edit]
Record Category Track Language Original Artiste Lyrics Music Composer Additional Vocals Mix Master Format Label Release Notes
Villupaattu Original Tamil/English Lady Kash Lady Kash Balamurali Balu V.M. Mahalingam Sunny M.R. - Mumbai, India Sunny M.R. - Mumbai, India Digital Download AKASHIK 29 March 2018 Bilingual hip-hop/rap single which was a BBC Asian Network exclusive worldwide premiere on 25 March 2018
I Told You So Original English Lady Kash Lady Kash Steve Cliff Valentine, Kirishan Suresh Divya Vivekanandan Studio Fourteen - Toronto, Canada Studio Fourteen - Toronto, Canada Digital Download Akashik 22 February 2018 Hiphop/rap single with music video released on 27 March 2018
Running In The Same Space[18] Single

Soundtracks & projects

[edit]
Record Category Movie Track Language co-Singer(s) Lyrics Music Composer Label Release Notes
Thala Keezha Soundtrack Coffee with Kadhal (Tamil) Tamil Nithyashree Venkataramanan Snehan Yuvan Shankar Raja U1 Records 11 October 2022
OMG Daddy Soundtrack Ala Vaikunthapurramuloo (Telugu) Telugu/English Rahul Sipligunj, Roll Rida, Blaaze, Rahul Nambiar Krishna Chaitanya S. Thaman Aditya Music 23 February 2020 (music video)
Enga Kayila Natta Kudunga Soundtrack Adutha Saattai (Tamil) Tamil Chellankuppam Subramaniyan Yugabharathi Justin Prabhakaran Muzik247 7 August 2019
Kalla Kalavaani (Tamil)/Nannu Nammanee (Telugu) Soundtrack Chekka Chivantha Vaanam (Tamil)/ Nawab (Telugu) Tamil/Telugu/English Shakthisree Gopalan Vairamuthu and Lady Kash (Tamil)/ Sirivennela Seetharama Sastry (Telugu) A. R. Rahman Sony Music 5 September 2018
Supermodel Soundtrack Graghanam (Tamil)/Grahanam (Telugu) Tamil/English Lady Kash Sundaramurthy K.S. U1 Records 2 May 2017 -
Mission To Sydney Soundtrack Si3 (Tamil) Tamil/English Lady Kash, Hari Harris Jayaraj Eros Music 27 November 2016 -
Kaatril Aeri Soundtrack Parandhu Sella Va (Tamil) Tamil/English Joshua Sridhar Na. Muthukumar, Lady Kash Joshua Sridhar Saregama 2 October 2016 -
Neruppu Da Soundtrack Kabali Tamil Lady Kash, Arunraja Kamaraj Santhosh Narayanan AKASHIK / Think Music India 14 July 2016 Exclusive Version released by AKASHIK in collaboration with Santhosh Narayanan / Think Music India
Wanna Mash Up Soundtrack Highway (Hindi) English Suvi Suresh, Krissy Lady Kash, Krissy A. R. Rahman T-Series 24 January 2014 -
Oh Penne Soundtrack Vanakkam Chennai Tamil/English Anirudh Ravichander Lady Kash Anirudh Ravhichander AKASHIK / Sony Music India 17 October 2013 Original Version released by AKASHIK in collaboration with Anirudh Ravichander / Sony Music India
Pickle Jar Soundtrack Pickles The Movie (Tamil/English) Tamil/English Krissy, MK Lady Kash, Krissy, MK TR Krishna Chetan Tantra 18 June 2011 -
Hold On Soundtrack Pickles The Movie (Tamil/English) Tamil/English Lady Kash TR Krishna Chetan Tantra 18 June 2011 -
Bul Bul Soundtrack Devadas (Kannada) Kannada/English Shashank Lady Kash, V. Nagendra Prasad Joshua Sridhar Jhankar Music 13 May 2011 -
Priyankari Remix Soundtrack The Thriller (Malayalam) Malayalam/English Benny Dayal, Mamta Mohandas, Krissy Lady Kash, Hari Narayanan Dharan Kumar Manorama Music 17 November 2010 -
Ileana Ileana Soundtrack Huduga Hudugi (Kannada) Kannada/English Benny Dayal, Rita Lady Kash, Kaviraj Joshua Sridhar Anand Audio 12 November 2010 -
Bathing At Cannes Soundtrack Engeyum Kaadhal (Tamil) Tamil/English Emcee Jesz, Ranina Reddy, Krissy Lady Kash, Emcee Jesz Harris Jayaraj Sony Music 8 November 2010 -
Gaana Bhajana Soundtrack Gaana Bajaana (Kannada) Kannada/English Joshua Sridhar, Sayanora Phillip Lady Kash, Sinchana Joshua Sridhar Anand Audio 29 October 2010 -
Naina Miley Soundtrack The Robot (Hindi) Hindi/English A. R. Rahman, Suzanne D’Mello, Krissy Lady Kash, Swanand Kirkire, Krissy A. R. Rahman Venus 14 August 2010 -
Irumbile Soundtrack Enthiran - The Robot (Tamil) Tamil/English A. R. Rahman, Krissy Lady Kash, Madhan Karky, Krissy A. R. Rahman Think Music India 31 July 2010 -
Dochey Soundtrack Puli (Telugu) Telugu/English Shreya Goshal, Krissy Lady Kash, Chandrabose, Krissy A. R. Rahman Sony Music 11 July 2010 -
Pappu Hippo Soundtrack Pappu (Telugu) Telugu/English Yashwanth, Radhika, Phani Kalyan Lady Kash Phani Kalyan Aditya Music 25 June 2010 -

Projects

[edit]
Record Category Track Language Original Artist Lyrics Music Composer Additional Vocals Mix Master Format Label Release Notes
Can You Hear The World Project Tamil/English Bhavatharini, Lady Kash, Various Artistes Lady Kash, Shalini Singh Bhavatharini A R Raihanah, Aishwarya R Dhanush, Shalini Singh & Various Artistes M Kumaraguruparan, U1 Records - Chennai, India M Kumaraguruparan, U1 Records - Chennai, India Digital Download U1 Records 8 March 2018 In honour of International Women's Day 2018
Rap War 2.0 Project Tamil/English Lady Kash, Sri Rascol, ADK Lady Kash, Sri Rascol, ADK, Respective Songwriters A. R. Rahman - Panchattan Studios / AM Studios - Chennai, India Panchattan Studios / AM Studios - Chennai, India Live Performance A. R. Rahman 17 March 2017 A. R. Rahman Live in Dubai
Naam Hai Futsal Project Hindi/English A. R. Rahman, Virat Kohli, Lady Kash, Karthik Lady Kash, DDB Mudra Group A. R. Rahman - Panchattan Studios / AM Studios - Chennai, India Panchattan Studios / AM Studios - Chennai, India Digital Download Unisys Music 13 July 2016 Premier Futsal Anthem
Rap War Project Tamil/English Lady Kash, Blaaze, ADK Lady Kash, Blaaze, ADK, Respective Songwriters A. R. Rahman - Panchattan Studios / AM Studios - Chennai, India Panchattan Studios / AM Studios - Chennai, India Live Performance A. R. Rahman 16 January 2016 Nenje Ezhu - Concert tour series covering Chennai, Coimbatore and Madurai for flood relief efforts & A. R. Rahman Live in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Semmozhiyaana Tamizh Mozhiyaam Project Tamil A. R. Rahman, Lady Kash, Various Artistes M. Karunanidhi A. R. Rahman T. M. Soundararajan, P. Susheela, Hariharan, Yuvan Shankar Raja, Bombay Jayashri, Chinmayi, Harini & Various Artistes Panchattan Studios / AM Studios - Chennai, India Panchattan Studios / AM Studios - Chennai, India Digital Download A. R. Rahman 15 May 2010 More than 50 artistes/musicians of Indian-origin came together for the Anthem of the World Classical Tamil Conference 2010

Renditions

[edit]
Record Category Track Language Original Artiste Lyrics Music Composer Music Production Additional Vocals Mix Master Format Label Release Notes
Bodak Yellow – Lady Kash Remix/Rework English Cardi B Lady Kash JWhiteDidIt Krishmusic - Studio FlyVision - Paris, France Studio FlyVision - Paris, France Digital Download AKASHIK 10 December 2017 Released in support of the #MeToo movement focusing on empowerment
Rap Smash – Lady Kash Remix/Rework Tamil/English Lady Kash, Respective Artistes Lady Kash, Respective Songwriters A. R. Rahman Balamurali Balu - Sunny M.R. - Mumbai, India Sunny M.R. - Mumbai, India Digital Download AKASHIK 6 January 2017 First ever medley consisting of A. R. Rahman's popular rap hits which was released with a one-take music video on the composer's 50th birthday
Desi Kalakaar – Lady Kash Remix/Rework Tamil/Hindi/English Yo Yo Honey Singh Lady Kash, Yo Yo Honey Singh Yo Yo Honey Singh DJ AKS Yo Yo Honey Singh Reaks Records - Dubai, UAE Reaks Records - Dubai, UAE Digital Download AKASHIK 26 October 2014 Collaboration with DJ AKS; winner of World Top DJs Awards
This Is Love – Lady Kash, Krissy Remix/Rework Tamil/English will.i.am, Eva Simons Lady Kash, Krissy, William Adams, Eva Simons, Steve Angello, Mike Hamilton, Sebastian Ingross, Max Martin will.i.am, Steve Angello, Sebastian Ingrosso Charles Bosco - Bosco Studios - London, United Kingdom Jemi Sitanayah - Indonesia Digital Download Independent Release 7 August 2013 Desi rework produced in London, United Kingdom
Replay – Lady Kash Remix/Rework English Iyaz Lady Kash, J.R. Rotem, Jason Derulo, Sean Kingston, Timothy Thomas, Theron Thomas, Keidran Jones J.R. Rotem Edward Sanders Iyaz Edward Sanders - Los Angeles, USA Edward Sanders - Los Angeles, USA Digital Download Independent Release 14 February 2013 Valentine's Day edition

Collaboration

[edit]
Record Category Track Language Original Artiste Lyrics Music Composer Additional Vocals Mix Master Format Label Release Notes
Adiye Collaboration Tamil/English Lady Kash, Abhay Jodhpurkar Lady Kash, Jeffrey Jonathan Jeffrey Jonathan A R Raihanah, Aishwarya R Dhanush, Shalini Singh & Various Artistes Vinod Verma - Mumbai, India Vinod Verma - Mumbai, India Digital Download Sony Music South 12 November 2015 Music video filmed in India
Kuppai Collaboration Tamil/English Rahul Nambiar, Lady Kash, Krissy Lady Kash, Rahul Nambiar, Naveen Madhav, Krissy Rahul Nambiar PDMS - Mumbai, India PDMS - Mumbai, India Digital Download Channel 7 3 November 2014 Music video filmed in India
Sirithu Collaboration Tamil/English Sarangan, Lady Kash, Krissy Lady Kash, Pa. Vijay, Krissy, Sarangan Sarangan Sriranganathan Multi Facet International - Sydney, Australia Multi Facet International - Sydney, Australia Digital Download Sarangan Music 16 August 2013 Music video filmed in Australia
Hey Penney Collaboration Tamil/English JMal, Lady Kash, Krissy Lady Kash, Yuwaji, Krissy Damian Mikhail Shugar Studios - Petaling Jaya, Malaysia Shugar Studios - Petaling Jaya, Malaysia Digital Download Continental Records 28 July 2013 Music video filmed in Malaysia
Without Your Love Collaboration English Lady Kash, Mez Mariyé, Krissy Lady Kash, Mez Mariyé, Krissy Metrognome TR Krishna Chetan - Chennai, India TR Krishna Chetan - Chennai, India Digital Download Independent Release 7 May 2013 Music video filmed in Singapore

Television

[edit]
Year Show Role Channel
2021 Survivor Participant Zee Tamil

References

[edit]
  1. ^ "Award-Winning International Rapper and Songwriter, Lady Kash". TamilCulture.com. Retrieved 6 March 2024.
  2. ^ Saravana, Priya (8 June 2018). "Rap offered me the freedom society didn't: Lady Kash, Singaporean Tamil-English rapper". The News Minute. Retrieved 6 March 2024.
  3. ^ Newsd (3 November 2018). "Poongani Amma passes away: Know how Singapore rapper brought her unheard melodies to India's main stage". Newsd.in. Retrieved 6 March 2024.
  4. ^ "Poongani amma is in the limelight again after award-winning rapper Lady Kash made a song in honor of her". The News Minutes. 23 May 2018.
  5. ^ "Never Have I Ever Season 4 Soundtrack Guide: Every Song & When It Plays". Screen Rant. 8 June 2023.
  6. ^ Nadu, Tamil. "Rap offered me the freedom society didn't: Lady Kash, Singaporean Tamil-English rapper".
  7. ^ "Song Of The Day: 'Irumbile Oru Idhaiyam' Form 'Enthiran'".
  8. ^ "Two young music directors Nayanthara-Sarkunam horror flick - Tamil Movie News - IndiaGlitz.com". IndiaGlitz.com. Retrieved 18 June 2018.
  9. ^ "Semmozhiyaana Thamizh Mozhiyaam - Lady Kash". Lady Kash. Retrieved 18 June 2018.
  10. ^ Thakker, Namrata. "Highway music review: AR Rahman hits the bullseye yet again!". Retrieved 18 June 2018.
  11. ^ "'Kabali' Cover Tunes Anyone? We've Got You Covered!". The Quint. Retrieved 18 June 2018.
  12. ^ "The bow's song: Once famous, 84-yr-old villupaattu artist Poongani now lives in poverty". The News Minute. 23 May 2018. Retrieved 11 November 2018.
  13. ^ "Lady Kash quits Survivor; alleges makers didn't care she had COVID symptoms - Times of India". The Times of India. 7 October 2021. Retrieved 13 November 2022.
  14. ^ "Shocking! Survivor contestant Lady Kash speaks up on injustice happened in the show". 6 October 2021.
  15. ^ "Lady Kash quits Survivor; alleges makers didn't care she had COVID symptoms". 7 October 2021.
  16. ^ "Rap offered me the freedom society didn't: Lady Kash, Singaporean Tamil-English rapper". The News Minute. 8 June 2018. Retrieved 18 June 2018.
  17. ^ "Anirudh Live in Singapore on 26th July - Times of India". The Times of India. Retrieved 18 June 2018.
  18. ^ Beandon, Raeburn (12 May 2023). "Tamil-English rapper Lady Kash talks about persevering in a chaotic world, running her own label and creating spaces for independent artists". Hear65. Retrieved 30 June 2024.