In a heart-to-heart conversation, the Haryanvi rapper, Mani Rana discusses his new album, “RKJKH,” his love for KKG, his musical journey, and much more. Here is the full interview:
1. Can you provide an overview of your musical journey, beginning from the outset?
If I take you back to the roots of my journey, I was born in Haryana’s Ambala district. I spent a good chunk of my formative years in Uttar Pradesh, particularly in Meerut, where I completed my education from kindergarten to 12th grade, spanning almost 14 to 15 years. After completing school, I moved back to my village in Haryana. My connection with hip-hop dates back to around 2009-2010, and it all began with my elder brother, Prashant. He was a dedicated listener to iconic artists like Bohemia, Eminem, Lil Wayne, and a wide range of West and East Coast legends. Through him, I cultivated a refined taste for hip-hop, and the seeds of my passion were sown. The turning point in my journey arrived during my school years, particularly in the 9th grade. I must credit my friend Amit Singh, who introduced me to the vibrant scene of Delhi’s underground hip-hop — with artists like Raga and Muhfaad. That’s when I discovered the OG, Sikander Kahlon, and dove deep into the Chandigarh/Mohali scene, exploring The 0172 Scene, LBE (now known as Bad Munday), KKG, and many more.
One day, while sitting in our classroom discussing underground music, Amit and I decided to try our hand at writing a rap song. After school, we exchanged the verses we had penned in our notebooks. It was a defining moment. I had no idea those initial 10 to 12 bars would eventually evolve into full-fledged tracks. However, life took my friend in a different direction, as his dreams led him down an alternate path. Yet, he remained a steadfast listener, who continued to motivate and support my musical journey. Looking back, it was a time when passion rather than views drove us. We used to record tracks using Audacity and upload them on YouTube with no fancy mixing or mastering. Fast forward to 2023, and the story continues. It’s been a relentless journey, spanning 6 years, where my commitment and passion have brought me to where I stand today.
2. Can you elaborate on the thoughts behind your new album and share its inspiration?
Okay, so my surname is “Rana,” and for the past year, I’ve been using the tag “Rana Ko Ji Kehtey Hain” in my tracks. This tag pays homage to a memorable dialogue delivered by the legendary Bollywood actor Raj Kumar (may he rest in peace). Everyone has affectionately come to address me as “Rana Ji.” The true source of inspiration for this album springs from the resonance of this tag.
Through this album, my primary aim is to establish a lasting legacy in Haryana, demonstrating that authentic hip-hop can flourish here, unburdened by societal constraints. This album serves as my platform to give people a reason to affix “Ji” after my name. In our country, “Ji” is a symbol of respect for an individual, while in hip-hop, “G” conveys the same level of respect. My tag is, in essence, a metaphor, and upon closer look, its profound meaning becomes evident. This forms the central theme of the project.
3. Tell us a bit about the musicians who joined you on the album.
Yes, of course. The featured artists play an essential role in propelling the narrative forward, as I see them as integral supporting characters in the storyline. First, I’d like to give a well-deserved shoutout to the incredibly talented producers. There is D Materialz who has masterfully produced five tracks on this album. Rhymster, representing Delhi, not only excels as a producer but also takes on the role of an elder brother figure, offering valuable inspiration during my writer’s block. Then, we have So Hi, who has worked with numerous artists and created standout tracks, like “Rick Ross” with Sikander Kahlon. And Kush Onion from Uttarakhand, who brings diversity to the album with his work across different genres.
And speaking of the featured rappers, yes, they’ve been equally crucial. Take Bad Vikk, for instance, representing Faridabad — he’s more than just an artist, he’s like a brother, and our music is all about that genuine brotherhood. Then, there’s Knockout from Delhi who’s leading the charge in the new school rap. He effortlessly drops bars in Hindi and Punjabi, keeping it very fresh. Deep Harks, who was my go-to source for inspiration back in the day, has been hustling for a solid decade, and now we’re on a track together. And last but not least, S4chin Musix, repping Yamunanagar HR-02, has a knack for crafting incredible rhymes and an inspiring style that keeps us pushing the boundaries. It’s all about that connection, you know.
4. How did you approach this album? Were you consciously creating a new project, or did you begin recording new material and then realize you had an album on your hands?
As I mentioned earlier, this album is a result of my inspiration from the tag — “Rana Ko Ji Kehtey Hain.” I had this idea last year to create an album with that very name, and now it’s finally coming to fruition. The journey from conceptualizing the album to reaching the point of its release has been quite fulfilling. I’m brimming with positivity and excitement, eagerly awaiting the response it will receive.
5. Are there any specific tracks on the album that hold special meaning for you, and if so, why?
Well, I consider “Last Day” and “Legacy of 54” to be some of my best work, especially in terms of lyrical depth. These tracks draw inspiration from my appreciation of Jaun Elia (the renowned Urdu poet). “Last Day” delves into the concept of living as if it were your last day on earth, a mindset that I embraced during a period of intense depression and anxiety in my life. It was during a challenging phase when I felt like I didn’t want to go on. However, as I channelled my pain into the lyrics, I experienced a profound sense of relief, a surge of positivity, and a newfound strength to rekindle my life’s journey.
6. Can you tell us about the hip-hop scene in Haryana and how your Haryanvi heritage has influenced your musical style?
It’s a fact that the rap scene in Haryana is still in the process of getting established and isn’t as widely recognized as it deserves to be. However, it’s on the brink of something big and substantial. We’re witnessing a rising tide of talented rappers from various districts, each bringing their unique flavours to the scene. Yet, when we look at the current situation, it’s apparent that many artists aren’t receiving the recognition they rightfully deserve. To witness the scene flourish, there’s a need for audiences to transition from mainstream DJ tracks to embrace and appreciate the authentic, thought-provoking artistry that the hip-hop genre offers.
7. “BOWDOWN TO 54” and “RKJKH” represent different stages of your career. How do you feel your music has evolved since your debut?
Throughout this journey, I’ve embraced continuous learning and improvement. I strive for progress each day, be it in refining my style, enhancing my lyrics, perfecting my flow, and crafting intricate rhymes. My goal is to be a versatile rapper who can ignite a party’s energy and, simultaneously, delve into the real issues and challenges of life. It’s a perpetual and unwavering process, one in which I commit to learning and applying, refining, and reapplying tirelessly, until my last days.
8. Can you share a few specific examples of the musical influences that have inspired you and elaborate on how they have contributed to shaping your sound?
Usually, my learning comes from various sources, and I find value in gleaning insights from artists, whether they’re newcomers or seasoned pros. However, during my early days, it was the legendary crew from Mohali, KKG, that truly left an indelible mark on me. Within the crew, Kaka Sady stands out as a highly underrated rapper whose Punjabi bars are simply phenomenal. I drew immense inspiration from him, particularly in terms of perfecting my lyrical prowess and honing my skills with technicalities. I have always taken any artist who performs better than me as a source of inspiration, driving me to continuously up my game.
9. In your opinion, what sets your music apart from others in the industry and makes it resonate with hip-hop fans?
I wouldn’t claim that my music has been a massive source of inspiration, but I’ve consistently explored my skills by conducting various experiments. I’ve always sought to challenge myself across different genres and push the boundaries of what I can achieve in the Haryanvi language. Admittedly, during these experiments, there have been instances where the results were less than ideal, but there have also been occasions where I’ve created bangers that have resonated with the audience. If anyone wants to see how far an artist can push the envelope using his regional language, I believe they should give my work a listen. Realistically, I understand that people in Haryana might need time to fully embrace this type of music. Right now, my focus is on creating music that satisfies my creative drive and passion.
10. What were the major challenges you faced while working on this new project, and what message do you want listeners to take away from it?
One of the most significant challenges for any artist in their project, as I see it, revolves around securing access to a good recording studio and having the financial means to invest in the project for a higher-quality sound. These are the same hurdles I’ve encountered while making this album. I recorded the entire album in Karnal, at the studio of my big brother and a talented rapper, Summy. Balancing this alongside my 9-to-5 job has been a real juggling act. I’ve had to make countless trips from Chandigarh to Karnal solely for the recording sessions. My current job in the private sector has meant that, for the past three months, I’ve seldom enjoyed a full 8 hours of sleep. Instead, power naps have become my respite before diving back into work and then returning to the studio. Managing time has been a tough challenge throughout this project, but my passion has driven me to overcome it.
The message I hope listeners take away from my music is to embrace new experiences, resist quick judgments, and let their ears savour a wide range of musical styles. Stay positive and focused on your goals, and remain committed to pursuing what you’re passionate about in life, irrespective of the outcomes. When your time comes, you’ll find solace in knowing that you lived your life by doing what you loved, regardless of whether it brought success. It’s about living with zero regrets in your heart and mind!
You can follow and listen to Mani Rana’s latest album on Spotify here!
