The talented rapper, Yo Gen with his unique and powerful lyrics wishes to bring Nagaland onto the hip-hop map and collaborate with local artists to create a rhythmic fusion sound. Currently, the Kohima born artist is based in Delhi juggling between his regular job and performing at corporate events and college shows. His music video “Believe In Me” was also featured on MTV Indies. Today, Yo Gen shares his journey as a rapper with Rhythm of Love…
EASTERN MIRROR: Birth of Yo Gen into the music world.
was first exposed to hip hop through Eminem when I was 10. From there on, I started rhyming words and slowly started getting my flow . From rapping on the streets of Kohima and schools, I had to go to Bangalore for further studies. There, I met like-minded people and my vision expanded exponentially. I wrote a song and decided on a video which went on to feature in mtv and other online sites. From there on, its history.
EASTERN MIRROR: What is the main focus of your lyrics?
YO GEN: Sense of realism and empowerment. Hip hop has been falsely categorized as glory seeking genre but I hope to change the dynamics and let people see that this genre is the most ultimate in terms of pure storytelling.
EASTERN MIRROR: As rhythmic rap is your passion, how do you actually balance your professional life and your passion?
YO GEN: If you love something and are passionate about it, there’s nothing that can stop you. I have to work because I don’t want to be dependent on anyone. The stress of work gets blown away the moment I grab the mic or pen.
EASTERN MIRROR: Who are your influences?
YO GEN: Eminem is the main person who’s hugely influenced me. His storytelling and wordplay skills push me to always be better as I get going. Other old school rappers like Tupac, Biggie and opera artists have been influences as well.
EASTERN MIRROR: What is “believe in me” and “love again” all about?
YO GEN: “Believe in me” is about the various stages a person goes through when he’s growing up. Be it his parents not being there or his parents obstructing his love for music and the struggles he faces and how he comes out victorious.
“Love again” is about a couple where one is motivated by music and when he gets a chance, he leaves his girl and goes on to become a star. However he realises she’s the only one and hence an attempt at getting he
r back.
EASTERN MIRROR: Living in mainland India with such passion, are the people supportive ? Any positive attributes that can b
e ventured for the musicians of Nagaland who are yet to experience exposure outside the state?
YO GEN: With time, people have been very broad minded and hence the genre is thriving and we are getting shows on a regular basis.
For my people from Nagaland, the most important thing to keep in mind is come with a clear mind and not have assumptions about a particular state or place. Then, if you have good content, no matter where you go, you will get good reception.
EASTERN MIRROR: Rap being one of the most unique of genres, do you find difficulty with the flows sometimes?
YO GEN: I’ve been rapping since I was 10. Now it’s more of a natural thing. The main challenge lies in bringing out unique content which people will relate to and at the same time not find it preachy.
EASTERN MIRROR: Favourite quote.
YO GEN: “Don’t judge me. You don’t know what hell I’ve been through” – Eminem.
