Mc Kode, one of the pioneers of the Delhi rap scene, is known for his contribution to Hip-Hop and the battle rap culture. As SpitDope’s founder, Kode has built a brand and given a platform to some of the best talents in the community. One can’t deny the 26-year-old’s significance in the underground rap community, especially with the critically acclaimed project ‘Shashi’ wherein showcased his artistry with introspective narratives and a distinct musicality. Kode has been releasing a lot of music recently and has been collaborating with various up-and-coming artists to help them grow and spread the culture. Read more to find out about Kode’s latest project ‘Yo’, his creative process and plans!
From being one of the flag bearers of the underground scene back for close to a decade now, how do you feel about your journey as a rapper?
Hip-Hop became an outlet for me and I’m thankful for all the plugs, especially the listeners who shower you with kindness unconditionally. Also sometimes conflicted about misusing my influence I feel old as fuck now like a prehistoric animal.
When you started SpitDope in 2015, did you believe the culture would grow at all? What made you invest so much time and money into something that still might not be the most beneficial thing monetarily?
It was purely the absence of Hip-hop that led to the creation of Spit Dope which turned into a community then a culture & now a full-fledged movement. It was never a label or a business or a platform so we didn’t approach it like that at all.
We always intended to give back to the culture because it gave us something invaluable, be it a metaphorical light during a dark period or a metaphorical roof for us to have a home for Delhi Hip-hop.
Tell us about the ‘battle rap’ side of your artistry. How do you feel on stage? Can you describe your mindset?
It’s the most vulnerable & the most sensitive thing in Hip-Hop especially in India, Two real-life individuals putting it all on the line to establish/defend their superiority, Battle rap is not for everyone and everyone can’t rap battle.
I feel like a tiger waiting to tear into a deer or sometimes like a drunk uncle cracking jokes at someone else’s expense, my mindset has always been to write and deliver the best and the most unique every time.
You have gone through a lot as an artist and an individual. The public has been following certain events and fiascos relating to you. Has the audience’s perception ever worried you?
Yes because it expands into your personal life, people recognise you everywhere you never know who might have a knife or an ill intention and of course, I love opinions and constructive criticism always helps me grow as an individual and also an artist.
Tell us about your influences. What made you believe in this?
All legends Yungsta, Encore ABJ, Calm, Rawal, Raga, Knuckle Dusta, the Entire 1947 crew and a few more. It wasn’t something that needed my belief. I feel it believed in me, in us to carve out a path in the unknown.
Tell us about your creative process while making music.
For me as an individual, there are various phases one goes through in a year like seasons and each project is written with a truthful and fiery pen which reflects that specific phase. I also drink a lot.
Tell us about the theme of your latest EP ‘YO’.
The latest EP in collaboration with LoganOnTheBeat is me having fun while exploring the different moods one goes through while drinking, each track is like a peg/a drink and as we go through the project we get more drunk so cheers if you already heard it.
What are your plans? What do we get to see from your side this year?
With more consistency & more engagement with the fans, I hope to make and maintain a close relationship with the people listening to me.
