Concealed behind a Stoneman mask adorned with his enigmatic symbols, Lucknow rapper BRUTAL BABA opts to let his music speak louder than his identity. Emerging seemingly out of thin air last year, he unleashed four albums consecutively along with numerous bangers, presenting an awe-inspiring rap repertoire brimming with creativity. In a recent sit-down, we had a heart-to-heart with Brutal Baba. Here is the full interview:
Tell me about yourself to start. How has your upbringing in Lucknow, UP, influenced your music and your identity as an artist?
Sure, I am BRUTAL BABA, often recognized as “The first Masked Rapper of India” according to several verified articles online. My musical journey began in 2020, driven by a deep appreciation for the way music connects people and stirs emotions. Witnessing fans come together at concerts, eagerly waiting to chant along to their favourite tracks, left a lasting impression on me. Born and raised in Lucknow (Uttar Pradesh), my upbringing profoundly influences my character. Coming from a region renowned for its strong work ethic and sense of pride, these traits are evident in my music. Whether it’s my delivery of verses or the use of UP slang, I feel a responsibility to authentically represent my cultural roots. Lucknow, in particular, instils values of humility and respect, which I aim to embody in my craft. As I ride the wave of the burgeoning rap culture in India, my goal remains clear — to make my hometown proud. With faith in a higher power guiding my path, I’m committed to delivering my best and leaving a meaningful impact through my music.
Is there anyone in the city which might have influenced you artistically or had music that really connected with you?
Lucknow boasts a wealth of undiscovered talent, and I’m willing to wager on that. I make it a point to absorb knowledge from both newcomers and seasoned veterans in the rap scene, recognizing the abundance of skill present here. Witnessing numerous talented rappers showcasing their lyrical prowess in cyphers only solidifies my belief in the potential of this city’s artists. The unity among Lucknow’s artists is palpable, and I am confident that they will soon make their mark in the industry. I gravitate towards songs with authentic, factual lyrics that resonate with real-life experiences.
Artists from my city are dedicated to their craft, and their contributions to the local rap scene deserve appreciation. So here are some hardworking artists from Lucknow whom I’d like to give a shout-out, along with their music: Dibtat, 10A, Fkaze, Dynamic Music, Thugs From Overseas, NSY, Rapchari, Doctor Shoeb, Patang, Young Nug, No Rest Grind, Dnote, Mridul, Ether, Neel, Extreme, Buster, Shashank Savage, Rap Ryder, Gcs, Risk, Yash, Aryan, Rijj, Shikhar, Young Silver.
I want to ask about the significance of your artist name and the mask you wear. I wonder if it is a style thing or if there’s a story behind it.
Yes, so when I was brainstorming my artist name, I aimed for something both attention-grabbing and distinctive. “BRUTAL BABA” popped into my mind, and a quick internet search revealed no existing profiles with that name at the time. Without hesitation, I decided to claim it for myself, and truth be told, it felt pretty cool back in 2020.
The idea of the mask emerged when I faced opposition from my family about pursuing music. I needed a way to navigate that challenge, to exist as a ghostly presence in the music scene while maintaining a public profile. I stashed the mask at a friend’s place for a while before unveiling it as part of my persona. I even threw down the gauntlet, inviting others to compete by purchasing their masks. Gratefully, I attribute my talent for sketching to a higher power, as it allowed me to personalize the mask with intricate designs and symbols that hold deep significance. However, the paint on the mask tends to wear off over time, prompting me to repeatedly redesign it.
Despite my passion for rap, neither my family nor my college peers are aware of my alter ego. We rent a room where I pour my heart into making music, all while my loved ones believe I’m diligently pursuing my studies at college.
Since you released multiple projects and collaborations last year, what keeps you consistent in the scene?
The unwavering support of fans eagerly awaiting new music from me fuels an incredible surge of productivity. The pressure to meet their expectations compels me to consistently deliver fresh content, ensuring that I never disappoint those who have placed their trust in me. Moreover, I aspire to build a diverse and extensive catalog, offering a wide range of musical flavours to new listeners exploring my profile. This ongoing journey of experimentation across genres is a work in progress, as I strive to provide and validate the expectations of all those who resonate with my music. I am profoundly grateful to every one of them for their unwavering encouragement, as they continue to inspire and propel me forward on this path.
When did you get with Cypher Devils and how did it all start?
Before evolving into a record label, Cypher Devils was initially a tight-knit group of young rappers hailing from Lucknow and various other cities. However, not everyone within the group shared the same level of belief in our visionary risks, leading to some members parting ways along the journey. In late 2022, Cypher Devils transitioned into a full-fledged record label, boasting a roster of over 8 talented artists and actively seeking out more undiscovered talents for exposure. While I was initially associated with Cypher Devils during its early days, it has now blossomed into an independent label, run by a dedicated team. My bond with Cypher Devils has only grown stronger over time, as we shared and pursued our collective visions, and they continue to stand by me during challenging times.
Also, I feel that Cypher Devils is the most unfiltered record label, as it consistently welcomes talented artists based on their potential and supports them without any expectations or favours.
What was your experience like when you created your first song? And how did you become apt with the production/mixing side?
I used to record on a second-hand phone I got from my elder brother, which cost only ₹4000. Typically, I’d lay down tracks in the comfort of my bedroom whenever I found myself home alone. Editing was done using a video editor, a skill I gradually acquired over time. During my early days, lacking exposure to seasoned mentors, I often found myself going off-beat. It took considerable effort to iron out these mistakes. Hailing from a lower-middle-class background, I couldn’t afford studio time or professional production. Despite approaching numerous producers for free beats to upload on Spotify, most declined, understandably hesitant to collaborate with a novice rapper. Left to my own devices, I turned to YouTube tutorials to sharpen my skills — recognizing that the learning journey is ongoing and ever-evolving.
What are some of the challenges you face during the recording process, especially considering it is all done exclusively in your home studio?
Typically, we rent small rooms in Lucknow, covering the rent with our monthly revenue. However, when unexpected challenges arise, such as needing to conceal recording equipment from family members, it becomes a delicate balancing act. I often find myself scrambling to hide the instruments, sometimes resorting to storing them at friends’ houses to maintain the facade. Juggling this double life can be taxing, especially when I must feign concern for my academic pursuits in front of my family. Keeping up appearances in such situations proves to be quite the challenge.
Tell me about your upcoming projects or collaborations. Do you have anything planned, or are you already working on something?
Yessir, I’m excited to announce the upcoming release of my new album! This project is a fusion of trap and new school music, packed with captivating beats and featuring verses from some incredible artists that add an extra layer of excitement. Additionally, I’ve been busy working on brand merchandise and CD goodies to accompany the album release. Many listeners have been asking for a listening party, and I’m currently figuring out all the details to make it happen, not just for this album but also for future occasions. Stay tuned for more updates!
What kind of emotions and experiences influence your work? And as you continue to grow as an artist, what can fans expect from Brutal Baba in the future?
I firmly believe that emotions form the core of an artist’s mindset, and it’s our experiences that provide the tales needed to be shared with the world for learning. When I step up to the mic, I pour out whatever I’m feeling at the moment. If happiness fills me, I’ll cook up a cheerful song; if loneliness sets in, I’ll deliver a loner verse; and if disappointment strikes, I’ll channel it into raw, underground bars. As artists, we’re blessed with the gift of independence, allowing us to create unfiltered and uninfluenced by external forces. That’s why I stay true to what I feel, letting my authenticity shine through on every track. For those who follow my music, expect a diverse range of sounds. From cinematic to electronic dance music, synthpop to mainstream commercial hits, and raw underground vibes, I’m constantly pushing boundaries. Stay tuned for some exciting collaborations coming your way soon.
Coming from a city like Lucknow, what are your major challenges while pursuing new school rap music?
As I said, the Lucknow rap scene is a treasure trove of unity and incredible talent. However, there’s still a noticeable lack of awareness about rap culture among the general population of Lucknow. The positive aspect is that this awareness is gradually increasing over time.
In terms of my approach, I’ve observed that the younger generation in Lucknow predominantly gravitates towards new school rap. Despite existing barriers, we’re actively exploring ways to expose more people to this style of rap. Furthermore, I’ve noticed a shift in people’s listening habits. Nowadays, individuals aren’t as genre-specific; they listen to any song that resonates with them. With the vast array of choices available in the music industry today, it’s challenging to stand out. However, overcoming these obstacles is all part of the journey.
Listen to BRUTAL BABA on Spotify:
