>Suneye1 at 17:53, 5 June 2021

2021-06-05T17:53:45Z

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{{Use dmy dates|date=January 2021}}
{{Use Indian English|date=August 2018}}
{{Infobox musical artist
| name = Brodha V
| image = [[File:Brodha V.jpg|350px|Brodha V]]
| image_size =
| landscape =
| alt =
| caption = Brodha in 2016
| birth_name = Vighnesh Shivanand
| birth_date = {{Birth date and age|df=yes|1990|3|27}}
| birth_place = [[Kanchipuram]],Tamil Nadu, India
| genre = [[Hip hop music|Hip hop]]
| years_active = 2008–present
| label = [[Sony Music India]], [[Zee Music Company]], [[Lahari Music]], [[T-Series (company)|T-Series]]
| associated_acts = [[Machas With Attitude]], [[Benny Dayal]], [[Vishal Dadlani]], [[Raghu Dixit]], [[Anirudh Ravichander]], [[Jordindian]], [[Raftaar (rapper)|Raftaar]]
| origin = [[Bangalore]]
}}

'''Vighnesh Shivanand''' (born 27 March 1990), better known by his stage name '''Brodha V''', is an [[Indian people|Indian]] [[Hip hop music|hip-hop]] artist, lyricist, [[rapper]] and music producer.<ref>{{Cite web|date=26 June 2019|title=Key Takeaways from Music Inc. 2019 -|url=https://rollingstoneindia.com/key-takeaways-music-inc-2019/|access-date=28 June 2019|website=My Site}}</ref> Born in [[Kanchipuram]], [[Tamil Nadu]], the [[Bangalore]]-based artist started [[rapping]] at the age of 18 and took part in online [[rap battles]] on [[Orkut]].<ref name="The times of India">{{cite web|title=Dial V for Brodha|url=http://indulge.newindianexpress.com/dial-v-for-brodha/section/59177|work=The New Indian Express|accessdate=15 May 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170820034443/http://indulge.newindianexpress.com/dial-v-for-brodha/section/59177|archive-date=20 August 2017|url-status=dead}}</ref> As an independent artist, Brodha V released a mixtape called ''Deathpunch'' which had a limited release and which garnered him some attention from the hip hop fraternity and the independent music circuit in South India.

''Storypick'' called him "one of the best rappers in the country",{{Hair space}}<ref>Storypickers. This Is One Of The Best Songs I’ve Ever Heard From An Indian Rapper [Internet]. Storypick. 2014 [cited 2017 Apr 4];Available from: http://www.storypick.com/brodhav-best-songs/</ref> and he was featured in ''[[ScoopWhoop]]''<nowiki/>'s list of top ten Indian hip-hop artists who deserve more recognition.<ref>Bhattacharya R. 10 Indian Hip-Hop Artists Who Revolutionised The Music Scene But Are Still Waiting To Get Their Due [Internet]. ScoopWhoop. 2016 [cited 2017 Apr 4];Available from: https://www.scoopwhoop.com/indian-underground-hip-hop-artists/</ref> ''[[Rolling Stone]] India'' considers him part of "hip-hop's elite".<ref>Voice of Tha People Recap Indian Hip Hop's Big Month – [Internet]. Rolling Stone India. 2014 [cited 2017 Apr 4];Available from: http://rollingstoneindia.com/recap-indian-hip-hops-big-month/</ref> The popularity he garnered led him to be signed by [[Sony Music India]] in 2013 and he released his single "Aigiri Nandini" under their banner.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Mohan|first=Shriya|title=Rap Nadu: How Dravidian hip-hop arrived to pack a punch|url=https://www.thehindubusinessline.com/blink/cover/rap-nadu-how-dravidian-hip-hop-arrived-to-pack-a-punch/article28097728.ece|access-date=28 June 2019|website=@businessline}}</ref><ref>Ch PS, ran. 5 young Indian rappers you should know about [Internet]. Askmen India. 2015 [cited 2017 Apr 4];Available from: http://in.askmen.com/music/1109022/article/5-young-indian-rappers-you-should-know-about</ref> He has also collaborated with other artists in the [[Cinema of India|Indian film industry]] such as [[Raghu Dixit]], [[Vishal Dadlani]], [[Benny Dayal]], [[Raftaar (rapper)|Raftaar]] and [[Anirudh Ravichander]].<ref>Rap rage [Internet]. 2015 [cited 2017 Apr 4];Available from: http://www.telegraphindia.com/1151004/jsp/graphiti/story_45805.jsp</ref>

== Career ==

Brodha V's initial recognition came from active participation in "text battles" on [[Orkut]], a social media network operated by Google. In 2008 D'Brassic, a Delhi-based rapper, started a forum on Orkut called Insignia Rap Combat which helped found an online space for hip-hop artists to write rap battles.<ref name=":1">{{Cite web|url=http://www.jabong.com/juicestyle/magazine/the-rise-of-desi-hip-hop/|title=The Rise of Desi Hip Hop|last=Kappal|first=Bhanuj|year=2016|website=jabong.com|access-date=9 August 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170819065918/https://www.jabong.com/juicestyle/magazine/the-rise-of-desi-hip-hop/|archive-date=19 August 2017|url-status=dead}}</ref> After using "Battle Communities" on Orkut to gain recognition and develop a personal style, Brodha V moved on to composing his own songs.<ref>How Orkut Shaped Brodha V's Supreme Rapping Sensibilities [Internet]. [cited 2017 Apr 4];Available from: http://www.pepsimtvindies.com/buzz/update/how-orkut-shaped-brodha-vs-supreme-rapping-sensibilities-52192659.html</ref>

In 2008 he founded [[Machas With Attitude]] (MWA) with Smokey the Ghost and Big Nikk.<ref name="Deccan News">{{cite news|url=http://www.deccanherald.com/content/167565/high-rap-hip-hop.html|title=High on rap and hip hop|accessdate=15 May 2017}}</ref> They collaborated with [[Raghu Dixit]] and performed the rap portions in the song "Dheaon Dheaon" from the movie ''[[Mujhse Fraaandship Karoge]]''. In 2013 the trio won the Radio City Freedom Award and met [[Vishal Dadlani]], who offered to have them work on the film ''[[Chennai Express]]''. This collaboration led them to compose the track "Ready Steady Po" for the film, which brought them further recognition in the music industry.<ref>The beat poets – The Hindu [Internet]. [cited 2017 Jun 23];Available from: http://www.thehindu.com/features/metroplus/the-beat-poets/article6185922.ece</ref> The trio disbanded in 2013 to pursue independent careers.<ref>Machas, ready to rap? – Bangalore – The Hindu [Internet]. [cited 2017 Jun 23];Available from: http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-features/tp-metroplus/machas-ready-to-rap/article5007709.ece</ref>

As a solo artist, Brodha V released his first mix tape, ''Death Punch'', in 2011 for a limited audience. In 2012 his next single, "On My Own", was praised for its lyrical complexity and innate Indian quality.<ref>Finally You Have A World Class Indian Rap That You Always Wanted To Hear | ScoopPick.com [Internet]. [cited 2017 Jun 23];Available from: http://www.scooppick.com/indian-rap/</ref> Gaining recognition, he released the singles "Aathma Raama" and "After Party" in 2012 and 2013 respectively. In 2013 Brodha V signed with [[Sony Music India]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://rollingstoneindia.com/india-taking-hip-hop/|title=How India is Taking to Hip Hop -|website=rollingstoneindia.com|access-date=9 August 2017}}</ref> He next released his single "Aigiri Nandini".<ref>Vinay A. What Happens When You Mix Rap with a Classical Song On Goddess Durga? This! [Internet]. ScoopWhoop. 2014 [cited 2017 Apr 4];Available from: http://www.scoopwhoop.com/inothernews/rap-classical-durga-2/</ref> In 2015 he walked out on his contract with Sony Music, citing creative differences.<ref>Brodha V parts ways with Sony Music [Internet]. [cited 2017 Jun 23];Available from: http://www.radioandmusic.com/biz/music/artiste/151027-brodha-v-parts-ways-sony-music</ref>

As a solo artist, Brodha V has worked with [[Anirudh Ravichander]] ("[[Why This Kolaveri Di]]" music director) for the song "Shake That," used in the score for ''[[Kaaki Sattai]]''.<ref>India's Rising Rap Star – Brodha V – Jocular [Internet]. [cited 2017 Apr 4];Available from: http://jocular.in/blog/indias-rising-rap-star-brodha-v/</ref> Brodha V produced music for and rapped in "Anu Aunty – The Engineering Anthem", along with author, film maker and entrepreneur [[Varun Agarwal]] and stand-up comedians [[Sanjay Manaktala]] and Sumukhi Suresh, which parodied [[Iggy Azalea]]'s "[[Fancy (Iggy Azalea song)|Fancy]]" and went viral on social media.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.radioandmusic.com/entertainment/editorial/news/anu-aunty-has-gone-viral-music-video-featuring-brodha-v-150107|title='Anu Aunty' has gone viral with a music video featuring Brodha V|access-date=9 August 2017}}</ref> With the intention of promoting hip-hop in India, Brodha V organized the first Indian rap cypher in Bangalore in 2014. Subsequent versions of the event were organized in Delhi and Mumbai.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.thehindu.com/features/metroplus/the-beat-poets/article6185922.ece|title=The beat poets|work=The Hindu|access-date=9 August 2017}}</ref> A rapper who changed the face of the Indian music scene,<ref>https://edtimes.in/top-underrated-desi-hip-hop-artists-who-changed-the-face-of-indian-music-scene/</ref> Brodha V has also been the inspiration for several prominent rappers to take up rap as a career, including [[Divine (rapper)|Divine]].<ref>https://www.mid-day.com/articles/hip-hop-artists-on-how-the-genre-is-placed-at-the-moment-in-india/403955</ref> In 2015 he collaborated with singer [[Benny Dayal]] to release the single "Round Round", which was listed as a top 10 track on Saavn. He has also produced music for jingles and anthems.<ref>Sharing the same space with A.R. Rahman will be an honour: Brodha V [Internet]. [cited 2017 Apr 4];Available from: http://www.radioandmusic.com/entertainment/editorial/news/sharing-same-space-ar-rahman-will-be-honour-brodha</ref><ref>15 BMB| UF, 2016, Ist 12 41 Am. There was no Badtameezi! – Bangalore Mirror – [Internet]. Bangalore Mirror. [cited 2017 Apr 4];Available from: http://bangaloremirror.indiatimes.com/bangalore/others/There-was-no-Badtameezi/articleshow/50988069.cms</ref>

In 2017, Brodha V collaborated with artist Sanjeev Thomas on a campaign to raise awareness for [[Congenital Heart Disease|Congenital Heart Defect]] using heartbeats donated by the public.<ref>http://www.indulgexpress.com/culture/music/2017/nov/15/watch-two-musicians-use-actual-heartbeats-to-compose-a-song-4747.html</ref><ref>https://bestmediainfo.com/2018/09/spikes-asia-2018-propaganda-india-and-fcb-ulka-win-a-grand-prix-each-for-india/</ref> In 2018, Brodha V stirred up controversy through his song "Shook Ones- Freestyle" by calling out artists who plagiarize content from other artists, and draws attention to the disparity in media attention given to artists from South India vs North India.<ref>https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/english/music/news/brodha-v-believes-in-creating-the-trend-and-not-running-after-one/articleshow/65532448.cms</ref><ref>https://www.mid-day.com/articles/brodha-v-roots-for-rappers-pan-india/19696194</ref> In addition to performing shows across India, Brodha V was also invited to perform for the Music Matters festival in Singapore in 2018.<ref>https://www.thehabitual.com/interview-indias-rap-g-brodha-v/</ref> As an ambassador for the cellphone brand OnePlus, Brodha V hosted and performed in the largest unboxing event conducted for the release of OnePlus 6T that set a Guinness World Record.
Brodha V has also featured in the [[Bollywood]] movie [[Gully Boy]] directed by [[Zoya Akhtar]], and he is one of the artists on whom the title and story were based upon.<ref>https://mumbaimirror.indiatimes.com/entertainment/bollywood/rap-it-like-ranveer-singh/articleshow/62061847.cms</ref><ref>https://mumbaimirror.indiatimes.com/entertainment/bollywood/Ranveer-turns-rapper-for-zoya/articleshow/52288008.cms</ref> Brodha V's collaboration with Delhi-based rapper [[Raftaar (rapper)|Raftaar]] shot him to fame in mainstream Hindi media in 2019.<ref>https://www.thestatesman.com/entertainment/have-you-checked-out-the-new-hip-hop-song-naachne-ka-shaunq-1502733392.html</ref> Brodha V has collaborated with athletic company [[Puma (brand)|Puma]] in 2019 to promote underground music and hip-hop culture in India.<ref>http://platform-mag.com/music/asli-hip-hop-brodha-v.html</ref><ref>https://www.indulgexpress.com/culture/music/2019/mar/29/hey-big-brodha-v-rap-star-from-bengaluru-jams-for-street-culture-with-puma-13747.html</ref> In 2019, Brodha V also released his first ever [[Kannada]] rap song, which was his rendition of the song "Maari Kannu" from the cult classic film [[A (1998 Kannada film)|A]].<ref>https://m.timesofindia.com/entertainment/kannada/music/brodha-vs-first-kannada-rap-is-a-rendition-of-maari-kannu/amp_articleshow/68937436.cms</ref> In the music video that was well received by fans, he questions Indian society and asks everyone to introspect their values.<ref>https://m.timesofindia.com/entertainment/kannada/music/brodha-vs-first-kannada-rap-is-a-rendition-of-maari-kannu/amp_articleshow/68937436.cms</ref>

As a veteran in the Indian rap industry, Brodha V was a guest judge on the Indian rap reality TV show [[MTV Hustle]] where he also performed his latest single "Vaishnava Jana To" in the finale. In the socio-political anthem "Vaishnava Jana To" released in October 2019,<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/kannada/music/brodha-v-is-set-to-release-his-version-of-vaishnav-jana-to-this-october/articleshow/71392248.cms|title=Brodha V is set to release his version of Vaishnav Jana To, this October|website=The Times of India|access-date=14 October 2019}}</ref> Brodha V delivers his rendition of the [[Mahatma Gandhi|Gandhian]] Bhajan using a unique [[boom bap]] sound. The song's lyrics, in line with [[Mahatma Gandhi]]'s vision of peace and unity, talks about keeping aside differences and looking past religious and cultural backgrounds.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.republicworld.com/entertainment-news/music/brodha-v-pays-tribute-to-mahatma-gandhi-with-vaishnava-jana-to-reprise|title=Brodha V pays tribute to Mahatma Gandhi with Vaishnava Jana To reprise|last=World|first=Republic|website=Republic World|access-date=14 October 2019}}</ref> Brodha V also released "Vainko", a collaboration with Bangalore-based YouTubers [[Jordindian]], which instantly went viral and led to the "vainko challenge".<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/cities/bengaluru/2019/nov/28/its-a-rap-new-single-goes-viral-on-day-one-2068072.html|title=It's a rap! New single goes viral on day one|website=The New Indian Express|access-date=2 December 2019}}</ref> In 2020, Brodha V released "Flex" that garnered over 2 million views in 45 hours.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Homegrown|title=Homegrown’s Fresh Picks From Music That Released Last Week|url=https://homegrown.co.in/article/804999/homegrowns-fresh-picks-from-music-that-released-last-week|access-date=14 December 2020|website=homegrown.co.in|language=en}}</ref> Two months later, in February 2021, Brodha V released "Aaraam", his second [[Kannada]] track.<ref>{{Cite web|date=2021-02-19|title=ಅಲ್ಲೇನು ಆರಾಮಾ? ಯೋಗಕ್ಷೇಮ ವಿಚಾರಿಸಲು ಬಂದ್ರು ಬ್ರೋಧಾ ವಿ!– News18 Kannada|url=https://kannada.news18.com/news/entertainment/brodha-v-aaraam-kannada-rap-song-release-on-youtube-hg-531579.html|access-date=2021-02-19|website=News18 Gujarati|language=kn}}</ref> While speaking about "Aaraam" in an interview with [[Mid Day]], Brodha V stated that releasing songs in regional languages "lets him reach out to new listeners".<ref>{{Cite web|date=2021-02-15|title=Brodha V: Commercial rap is still manufactured|url=https://www.mid-day.com/entertainment/music-news/article/brodha-v-commercial-rap-is-still-manufactured-23159847|access-date=2021-02-19|website=www.mid-day.com|language=en}}</ref>

== Etymology Behind the Stage Name ==
Brodha V revealed in an interview to Raaj Jones<ref>{{Citation|title=BRODHA V - X- CLUSIVE & RARE INTERVIEW BY RAAJ JONES (PART-1)|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jpx9reHNJgk|language=en|access-date=2021-03-11}}</ref> that his stage name, Brodha V is derived from two elements, the first fragment stands for brotherhood while the second stands for his given name, Vighnesh.

== Musical style ==
Brodha V's style is a blend of [[Hip Hop Music|hip-hop]], [[Hindustani classical music|Hindustani classical]], [[Carnatic music|Carnatic classical]] and [[Indian folk music]]. Most of his work is delivered in common language, drawn from his own personal experiences.<ref>"My music has always talked about my state of mind" [Internet]. Deccan Herald. [cited 2017 Apr 4];Available from: http://www.deccanherald.com/content/577544/my-music-has-always-talked.html</ref>

== Influences ==

Brodha V cites the song "Pettai Rap", composed by [[A. R. Rahman]] for the Tamil film ''[[Kadhalan]]'', as his introduction to rap music.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://desihiphop.com/exclusive-interview-brodha-v/032000|title=Exclusive Interview With Brodha V – Desi Hip Hop|date=21 November 2013|work=Desi Hip Hop|access-date=8 August 2017}}</ref> He also cites early '90s East coast rappers [[Eminem]], [[Rakim]], [[Nas]], [[Big Pun]], [[Wu-Tang Clan]] and [[Jay-Z]] as his inspiration and role models.<ref>https://www.thehabitual.com/interview-indias-rap-g-brodha-v/</ref>

== Discography ==
===Singles===
{| class="wikitable"
!Year
!Song
!Co-singer(s)
|-
| rowspan="2" |2012
|"On My Own"
|ft. Avinash Bhat
|-
|"Aathma Raama"
|
|-
|2013
|"After Party"
|
|-
|2014
|"Aigiri Nandini"
|
|-
|2015
|"Indian Flava" (Live version)
|
|-
|2016
|"Round Round"
|ft. [[Benny Dayal]]
|-
|2017
|"Let Em Talk"
|
|-
| rowspan="3" |2018
|"Way Too Easy"
|
|-
|"Shook Ones Freestyle"
|
|-
|"Young and Restless"
|Collaboration with Spykar Jeans, India
|-
|rowspan=2|2019
|"Maari Kannu"
|
|-
|"Vaishnava Jana To"
|ft. Aishwarya Rangarajan
|-
|
|"Vainko"
|ft. [[Jordindian]]
|-
|2020
|"Flex"
|
|-
|2021
|"Aaraam"
|
|}

===[[Film]] soundtracks===
{| class="wikitable"
!Year
!Song
!Film
!Language
|-
|2010
|"Vanavillum"
|''[[Nil Gavani Sellathey]]''
|[[Tamil language|Tamil]]
|-
|2011
|"Dheaon Dheaon"
|''[[Mujhse Fraaandship Karoge]]''
|rowspan="2" |[[Hindi]]
|-
|2013
|"Ready Steady Po"
|''[[Chennai Express]]''
|-
|2015
|"Shake That"
|''[[Kaaki Sattai]]''
|Tamil
|-
|2018
|"Turn This Party Up"
|''[[Krishnarjuna Yudham]]''
|rowspan="2" |[[Telugu language|Telugu]]
|-
|2019
|"Padhe Padhe"
|''[[Jersey (2019 film)|Jersey]]''
|}

== Collaborations ==

{| class="wikitable"
|-
! Title !! Album/ Movie !! Other Artists !! Music Director
|-
| "Roobaroo – Micromax Unite Anthem" || Single ||[[Benny Dayal]], Swaroop, [[Kamal Khan]], [[Raghu Dixit]], Apeksha Dandekar, [[Shruti Pathak]], [[Neeti Mohan]], [[Sanam (band)|SANAM]], Voctronica || Siddharth "Dub" Sharma
|-
|"[[Naachne Ka Shaunq]]" || Single ||[[Raftaar (rapper)|Raftaar]]|| [[Raftaar (rapper)|Raftaar]], Brodha V
|-
|"Vainko" || Single ||[[Jordindian]]|| Brodha V
|}

== Awards and nominations ==

* Radio City Freedom Awards 2013: Best Hip Hop/Rap Artist – ("Indian Flava") – Winner (Judge's Choice Award)<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.radiocity.in/rcfa/past-winners/2013/6|title=:: Radio City Freedom Awards ::|website=radiocity.in|access-date=8 August 2017}}</ref>
* Radio City Freedom Awards 2014: Best Hip Hop/Rap Artist – ("After Party") – Nominated<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.radioandmusic.com/biz/music/live/event-management/music-ultimate-winner-radio-city-freedom-awards-2014-141206|title=Music is the ultimate winner with Radio City Freedom Awards 2014|access-date=8 August 2017}}</ref>
* Vh1 Sound Nation Awards 2014 – Best Hip Hop Act – Nominated<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.thewildcity.com/EN/news.xhtml/article/5653-nominees-for-vh1-sound-nation-awards-announced|title=- Wild City|website=thewildcity.com|access-date=8 August 2017}}</ref>
* Radio City Freedom Awards 2015: Best Hip Hop/Rap Artist – (Indian Rap Cypher/"Aigiri Nandini") – Nominated<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://bestmediainfo.com/2016/02/the-3rd-edition-of-radio-city-freedom-awards-honours-independent-music/|title=The 3rd edition of Radio City Freedom Awards honours independent music|website=bestmediaifo.com|access-date=8 August 2017}}</ref>
* [[GiMA Awards|GIMA]] 2015: Best Music Debut Non-Film ("Aigiri Nandini") – Nominated<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.gima.co.in/oty-non-film-music-nominees.php?y=2015|title=GIMA » Over The Years|website=gima.co.in|access-date=8 August 2017}}</ref>
* Renault Free the Music Award 2015 for Contribution to Independent Music – Winner<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.musicmalt.com/2015/04/renault-free-the-music-award-2015.html|title=Renault Free The Music Award – honoring the best in music industry|last=Malt|first=Team Music|website=musicmalt.com|access-date=8 August 2017}}</ref>
*[https://www.radiocity.in/rcfa/ Radio City Freedom Awards] 2016 : Best Indie Collaboration of the Year – ("Round Round") – Nominated<ref>https://www.radiocity.in/rcfa/</ref>
*[https://www.radiocity.in/rcfa/ Radio City Freedom Awards] 2018: Best Hip Hop Artist of the Year (Jury Award)- Let em Talk<ref>https://www.radiocity.in/rcfa/</ref>
*[https://www.radiocity.in/rcfa/ Radio City Freedom Awards] 2018: Best Hip Hop Artist of the Year (Jury Award)- Way Too Easy<ref>https://www.thestatesman.com/entertainment/music/radio-city-freedom-awards-6-honours-stars-indie-music-1502742559.html</ref>

== References ==
{{reflist}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Brodha V}}
[[Category:Indian rappers]]
[[Category:1990 births]]
[[Category:Living people]]
[[Category:People from Kanchipuram district]]
[[Category:Musicians from Bangalore]]
[[Category:Bishop Cotton Boys' School alumni]]

Brodha V - Revision history

>Suneye1 at 17:53, 5 June 2021