Yogi B Opens Up About ‘Jiwa Kuala Lumpur’ and Poetic Ammo
A Legendary Career Spanning Over Three Decades
Yogi B, the godfather of Tamil hip-hop, is leaving a lasting mark on the hip-hop scene from Malaysia to India and beyond. With a music career spanning over three decades, Yogi turned 50 this December.
A New Chapter in Indian Cinema
In the same month, the movie “Viduthalai Part 2”, directed by acclaimed Vetrimaaran, was released in India. Yogi sang in one of the movie’s soundtracks titled “Poruthadhu Podhum“, composed by legendary Ilaiyaraaja.
“It was a very happy moment when Vetrimaaran called and said, ‘Yogi, I want you to come and sing this track,’ Yogi told FMT Lifestyle.
Collaborations with Indian Music Legends
Yogi has worked with renowned names from India, including music composer AR Rahman. “That was another milestone in my career. Working with AR Rahman was a very pleasant and easy experience. He is a very calm and composed person who knows exactly what he wants to do.”
Early Success in India
Yogi made a big splash on the Tamil hip-hop scene with his first album “Vallavan” in 2006. It paved the way for his debut in Kollywood with the song “Engeyum Eppothum” for the movie “Polladhavan”. The song also featured well-known Indian singer, SP Balasubrahmanyam.
A Tribute to His Mother
Yogi’s success in India was built on hard work and perseverance, but his late mother, Kulasegary Sanjeevi, also played an instrumental role in his music. She helped him to translate his Tamil rap lyrics. “She was my first co-writer. She was an inspiration for a lot of things in my life.”
Early Days with Poetic Ammo
Before Yogi became a pioneer in Tamil hip-hop, he was making waves in the English hip-hop scene of the 1990s and early 2000s with his band, Poetic Ammo. Fans may remember playing the songs “Monay Monay” and “Somebody’s Watching” repeatedly or watching their music videos.
“My fond memories with the band are winning the Anugerah Industri Muzik (AIM) awards because I think Poetic Ammo opened the door for hip-hop to be a household name and genre in Malaysia,” said Yogi.
‘Jiwa Kuala Lumpur’
In composing for Poetic Ammo, Yogi stayed true to his Malaysian identity, and drew inspiration from his country, in particular, the city of Kuala Lumpur. “I wasn’t trying to be a black American hip-hopper, and it wasn’t about Americana. It was about the Malaysian lifestyle.”
“I always reminisce about the early 1990s, when ‘Jiwa Kuala Lumpur’ was very strong, and you could see the identity of the city,” he recalled.
Conclusion
Yogi’s journey is a testament to his hard work, perseverance, and dedication to his craft. From his early days with Poetic Ammo to his success in the Tamil hip-hop scene, Yogi has left an indelible mark on the music industry.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What inspired Yogi’s music?
A: Yogi’s music was inspired by his Malaysian identity and his experiences growing up in Kuala Lumpur.
Q: Who did Yogi collaborate with on the soundtrack of “Enthiran”?
A: Yogi collaborated with renowned music composer AR Rahman on the soundtrack of “Enthiran”.
Q: What was Yogi’s experience like working with AR Rahman?
A: Yogi described his experience working with AR Rahman as “very pleasant and easy”. He said AR Rahman is a “very calm and composed person who knows exactly what he wants to do”.