Hiphop Tamizha
{{Short description|Indian musical duo}}
{{Use Indian English|date=January 2022}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=January 2022}}
{{Infobox musical artist
| name = Hiphop Tamizha(Adhi)
| image = Hiphop Tamizha Aambala audio launch (cropped).jpg
| image_size =
| caption = Jeeva (L) and Adhi (R) during Aambala{{'}}s audio launch
| birth_name = Rangadhithya Ramachandra Venkatapathy
R. Jeeva
| alias =
| birth_date = Adhi: {{birth date and age|1990|02|20|df=yes}}
Jeeva: {{birth date and age|1991|06|29|df=yes}}
| origin =
| genre = Hip hop
| years_active = 2005–present
| website = [https://www.youtube.com/hiphoptamizha/ hiphoptamizha.com]
| current_members = Adhi
Jeeva
| label = Think Music India, Sony Music, Saregama, T-Series
| instrument = Piano, DAW and Keyboard
}}
Hiphop Tamizha ({{IPA|ta|t̪amiɻaː|pron}}) is an Indian musical duo based in Chennai, Tamil Nadu. The duo consists of Rangadhithya "Adhi" Ramachandran Venkatapathy and R. Jeeva.{{efn|While Hiphop Tamizha has sometimes been referred to as a group, or as Adhi's solo project, Adhi clarified the band's membership during the audio launch of Aambala in December 2014 .}}
Their commercial break-through came with the song "Club le Mabbu le" in 2011. In 2012, Hiphop Tamizha released their debut album Hip Hop Tamizhan, which is India's first Tamil hip hop album. It was a major success with both the general public and critics. While the duo were originally independent musicians, since 2013 they have contributed primarily to composing for films.
Personal lives
Rangadhithya "Adhi" Ramachandran Venkatapathy was born on 20 February 1990,{{Cite web |title=HIPHOP TAMIZHA |url=https://www.companyvakil.com/trademarksearch/HIPHOP-TAMIZHA/566511 |access-date=2023-09-24 |website=Company Vakil |archive-date=24 September 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230924084549/https://www.companyvakil.com/trademarksearch/HIPHOP-TAMIZHA/566511 |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |date=5 July 2012 |title=Hiphop Tamizha to Release Debut Album Next Month |url=http://nh7.in/indiecision/2012/07/05/hiphop-tamizha-release-debut-album/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160623163213/http://nh7.in/indiecision/2012/07/05/hiphop-tamizha-release-debut-album/ |archive-date=23 June 2016 |access-date=14 January 2015 |website=NH7}}{{Cite tweet |number=568838449110757376 |user=hiphoptamizha |title=thnx na :) |author=Hiphop Tamizha |access-date=13 June 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150617025059/https://mobile.twitter.com/hiphoptamizha/status/568838449110757376 |archive-date=17 June 2015 |url-status=live}} and R. Jeeva was born 29 June 1991. Adhi's father works at Bharathiar University while his mother comes from an agricultural background. Adhi's first exposure to rap came when his neighbour showed him Michael Jackson's "Jam".{{Cite magazine |date=November 2012 |title=The Hot Line! |url=http://issuu.com/score/docs/v05i07/29 |magazine=The Score Magazine |pages=26–27 |access-date=9 April 2015}}{{cbignore}} His interest in hip hop music started developing in the tenth grade. He uploaded rap songs to the internet and got positive responses from people expressing interest in his music, who also encouraged him to start rapping in Tamil. His decision to rap in Tamil rather than English was made, in his words, to avoid looking like a "wannabe". Adhi named his account on the video-sharing site in YouTube as "Hiphop Tamizha", with a profile picture of the Tamil poet Subramania Bharati, to avoid being caught by his parents. Adhi's father had initially opposed his choice to pursue music professionally. He wanted Adhi to pursue higher studies, but gave him a year to do what he wanted, with the only constraint being that Adhi should not expect any help from him. After realising that Adhi was "trying to do some good work", he encouraged his son's musical interests. Adhi then moved to Chennai to "try [his] luck".{{Cite web |last=Sangeetha |first=P |date=18 July 2015 |title=I don't want an Oscar or Grammy: Hiphop Thamizha Aadhi |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/music/I-dont-want-an-Oscar-or-Grammy-Hiphop-Thamizha-Aadhi/articleshow/48121748.cms |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151122044546/http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/music/I-dont-want-an-Oscar-or-Grammy-Hiphop-Thamizha-Aadhi/articleshow/48121748.cms |archive-date=22 November 2015 |access-date=7 December 2015 |website=The Times of India}}
Although Hiphop is a duo,{{Cite web |title='Aambala' audio launched, Pongal release! |url=http://www.sify.com/movies/aambala-audio-launched-pongal-release-news-tamil-om2mB8aicieej.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141229061149/http://www.sify.com/movies/aambala-audio-launched-pongal-release-news-tamil-om2mB8aicieej.html |archive-date=29 December 2014 |access-date=29 December 2014 |website=Sify}} Jeeva has seldom made public appearances, thus associating the name Hiphop Tamizha with Adhi more often. Adhi told IndiaGlitz that this is due to his shyness, and compared his partner to the unseen lion in the emblem of India, which includes four lions, with only three visible.{{Cite AV media |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7J-26VEO8LE |title=Jeeva is backbone of my music – Hip Hop Adhi |date=4 January 2015 |last=IndiaGlitz |access-date=7 February 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210309065627/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7J-26VEO8LE |archive-date=9 March 2021 |url-status=live |via=YouTube}} Jeeva adopted the moniker Jeeva Beatz sometime after the two met in 2005.
Adhi studied at Chavara Vidya Bhavan and Electrical Engineering at Bannari Amman Institute of Technology. He holds a state-level rank in Tamil Nadu Common Entrance Test and is a graduate in Master of Business Administration from the Department of Management Studies, University of Madras. As of October 2014, he was doing a PhD course at Bharathiar University, which he completed in June 2015.{{Cite tweet |number=609256987361087488 |user=hiphoptamizha |title=Cudnt attend the audio launch & pressmeet due to my Phd. Interview ✌ But thnk U 4 makin it a hit once again friends |author=Hiphop Tamizha |author-link=Hiphop Tamizha |date=12 June 2015}} In August 2023, Adhi obtained a doctorate in Music Entrepreneurship. Jeeva is an alumnus of Loyola College, Chennai.{{Cite web |title=The Kannala Kannala voice speaks... |url=http://www.guindytimes.com/articles/the-kannala-kannala-voice-speaks |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171130145219/http://www.guindytimes.com/articles/the-kannala-kannala-voice-speaks |archive-date=30 November 2017 |access-date=30 November 2017 |website=Guindy Times}}
On 30 November 2017, Adhi married Latchaya in a private ceremony at Tirupati.{{Cite news |date=30 November 2017 |title=Hiphop Tamizha Adhi gets engaged |work=The Indian Express |url=http://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/tamil/hiphop-tamizha-adhi-gets-engaged-4961988/ |url-status=live |access-date=30 November 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171130145334/http://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/tamil/hiphop-tamizha-adhi-gets-engaged-4961988/ |archive-date=30 November 2017}}{{Cite news |date=30 November 2017 |title=Hiphop Tamizha Adhi is married! |work=The Times of India |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/hiphop-tamizha-adhi-is-married/articleshow/61864574.cms |url-status=live |access-date=2 December 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180915110127/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/hiphop-tamizha-adhi-is-married/articleshow/61864574.cms |archive-date=15 September 2018}}
Career
= Origins and early work =
Adhi and Jeeva met via Orkut in 2005. They were passionate about music and decided that they should create an independent music group in India, in Tamil. According to The Hindu and Hiphop Tamizha's Facebook page, Adhi had not officially founded Hiphop Tamizha until 15 February 2010.
Around the mid-2000s, Adhi released Viswaroobam Arambam, the first Tamil hip hop mixtape in India.{{efn|While a 2011 report by The Hindu claimed that Viswaroobam Arambam was released in 2006, the official Facebook page of Hiphop Tamizha gives its release year as 2005.}} It also played a major role in promoting hip hop as a part of the Tamil culture. Adhi and Jeeva remained underground until they were asked by the Tamil Nadu State Election Commission to compose an election anthem. Hiphop Tamizha's single Ezhuvoam Vaa was chosen as the official anthem for Tamil Nadu's 2011 state elections, and Adhi performed it at Pachaiyappa's College when Anna Hazare came there. Though the song was commercially unsuccessful, Adhi and Jeeva considered it at one point their "best work so far".
= Commercial success =
Adhi composed the song "Club le Mabbu le" in his first year of college. When we asked how it developed, he recalled, "I grew up watching my mother and aunts just being traditional, and when I saw girls going to bars, I immediately wrote the lyrics of that track. And through my lyrics I am raising the debate over whether we are really changing as a society or are simply aping the West."{{Cite web |title='Tamizhan da' – Hip hop goes seriously Tamizh |url=http://www.sify.com/news/Tamizhan-da--Hip-hop-goes-seriously-Tamizh-imagegallery-2-Features-miqr3Jaebiisi.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150612044305/http://www.sify.com/news/Tamizhan-da--Hip-hop-goes-seriously-Tamizh-imagegallery-2-Features-miqr3Jaebiisi.html |archive-date=12 June 2015 |access-date=5 February 2015 |website=Sify}} When Adhi was living in Chennai, he met Ma Ka Pa Anand, then an RJ at Radio Mirchi. Anand allowed Adhi to perform Club le Mabbule on his radio show with beatboxer Bharadwaj Balaji (also known as Triple B).{{Cite web |date=1 December 2011 |title=Another Kolaveri in the making? |url=http://movies.ndtv.com/regional/another-kolaveri-in-the-making-602653 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141021190131/http://movies.ndtv.com/regional/another-kolaveri-in-the-making-602653 |archive-date=21 October 2014 |access-date=3 December 2014 |website=NDTV}} The recording went viral, receiving over two million views within a week of its release on YouTube. Afterwards Rémy Martin, an international brand, was surprised by Adhi's determination and launched Hiphop Tamizha as an official brand. "Club le Mabbule" later vaulted Hiphop Tamizha further into public view when it was criticised as portraying Tamil women in a negative light.
Hiphop Tamizha's debut album Hip Hop Tamizhan was released on 17 August 2012 at Sathyam Cinemas in Chennai. Publicised as "India's first Tamil hip hop album", it was launched by Purple Note and produced by Remy Martin, in the latter's first association with an Indian album. The music was composed by Adhi and Jeeva, with lyrics by Adhi. The album was lauded by critics. Naren Weiss, writing for Zomba, called it "nothing short of a masterpiece", while Venkatrangan R of Musicperk labelled it "A must listen. Not only for the music but for the messages hidden in it."{{Primary source inline|date=December 2021}} The album, which included Club le Mabbule, was also a commercial success, becoming the best-selling music album of 2012 on Flipkart.{{Cite web |title=Hiphop Tamizha – Hip Hop Tamizhan – Best Albums on Flipkart.com for 2012 |url=http://www.tamizhanda.org/main/news/8-music/42-hip-hop-tamizhan-best-albums-on-flipkart-com-for-2012.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141006113236/http://www.tamizhanda.org/main/news/8-music/42-hip-hop-tamizhan-best-albums-on-flipkart-com-for-2012.html |archive-date=6 October 2014 |access-date=5 October 2014 |website=Hiphop Tamizha}} However, Adhi lamented the fact that "Club le Mabbule" was accepted for airplay by radio channels only after its viral success, and that some of his other songs never got airplay even once.{{Cite news |last=UDHAV NAIG |date=14 June 2013 |title=Charting their own course |work=The Hindu |url=http://www.thehindu.com/features/metroplus/charting-their-own-course/article4814252.ece |url-status=live |access-date=3 March 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140102133335/http://www.thehindu.com/features/metroplus/charting-their-own-course/article4814252.ece |archive-date=2 January 2014}}
In November 2013, Adhi signed an international album with Remy Martin, titled International Tamizhan, slated to feature eight tracks, including two songs by American artists Sol and Emcee Call. The album was to be released in English, Hindi and Tamil. It was initially scheduled for release on 15 August 2014;{{cn|date=September 2024}}{{Cite web |date=2 December 2013 |title=Hiphop Tamizha announces International album |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/Hiphop-Tamizha-announces-International-album/articleshow/26726127.cms |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170317142324/http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/Hiphop-Tamizha-announces-International-album/articleshow/26726127.cms |archive-date=17 March 2017 |access-date=23 January 2015 |website=The Times of India}} however, Hiphop Tamizha instead released the album's song "Vaadi Pulla Vaadi" as a single on the same date.{{Cite web |date=15 August 2014 |title=iTunes – Music – Vaadi Pulla Vaadi – Single by Hiphop Tamizha |url=https://music.apple.com/in/album/vaadi-pulla-vaadi-single/908568828 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150403071655/https://itunes.apple.com/in/album/vaadi-pulla-vaadi-single/id908568828 |archive-date=3 April 2015 |access-date=3 March 2015 |website=iTunes Store}}{{Cite web |last=Hiphop Tamizha |date=15 August 2014 |title=Vaadi Pulla Vaadi (Official Music Video) |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X0JXXLdDnp4 |access-date=5 October 2014 |via=YouTube}}{{cbignore}} In October 2014, Adhi said the album was still "under progress", but confirmed in 2018 that it was altogether dropped because "independent music doesn't make big money" in Chennai.{{Cite news |last=Abraham |first=John |date=18 August 2018 |title=Adhi hip-hops into a revolution with 'Maanavan' |work=The Times of India |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/music/adhi-hip-hops-into-a-revolution-with-maanavan/articleshow/65440306.cms |url-status=live |access-date=19 August 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180902022629/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/music/adhi-hip-hops-into-a-revolution-with-maanavan/articleshow/65440306.cms |archive-date=2 September 2018}} In August 2020, Adhi announced a new album titled Naa Oru Alien.{{Cite web |date=4 August 2020 |title=Hiphop Tamizha is back with an independent album after 8 years |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/music/hiphop-tamizha-is-back-with-an-independent-album-after-8-years/articleshow/77355379.cms |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200821062037/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/music/hiphop-tamizha-is-back-with-an-independent-album-after-8-years/articleshow/77355379.cms |archive-date=21 August 2020 |access-date=4 August 2020 |website=The Times of India}}
= Television and cinema =
== As musicians and composers ==
Though Adhi initially expressed no interest in singing or composing for films, he and Jeeva have contributed to numerous cinematic works. Adhi sang his first film song, titled "Thapellam Thappe Illai" (composed by Vijay Antony) for Naan in 2012.{{cn|date=September 2024}} He also sang the title track of Ethir Neechal (2013) (composed by Anirudh Ravichander) accompanied by Punjabi rapper Yo Yo Honey Singh.{{cn|date=September 2024}}{{Cite web |last=Siddharth K |date=15 December 2012 |title=Ethir Neechal |url=http://www.musicperk.com/ethir-neechal/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131029185004/http://www.musicperk.com/ethir-neechal/ |archive-date=29 October 2013 |access-date=10 May 2013 |website=Musicperk}} Also in 2013, Adhi wrote "Sudden Delight", which was composed by Santhosh Narayanan and performed by Rob Mass for Soodhu Kavvum.{{Cite web |last=S. R. Ashok Kumar |date=6 April 2013 |title=A blend of musical genres |url=http://www.thehindu.com/features/cinema/a-blend-of-musical-genres/article4588181.ece |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130614044331/http://www.thehindu.com/features/cinema/a-blend-of-musical-genres/article4588181.ece |archive-date=14 June 2013 |access-date=5 February 2015 |website=The Hindu}}{{cn|date=September 2024}} In May of that year, Adhi again collaborated with Anirudh Ravichander to perform the song "Chennai City Gangsta" along with Hard Kaur for Vanakkam Chennai.{{Cite news |date=24 July 2013 |title=Vanakkam Chennai tracklist |work=The Times of India |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/regional/tamil/news-interviews/Vanakkam-Chennai-tracklist/articleshow/21299153.cms |access-date=7 November 2013 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141008152156/http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/regional/tamil/news-interviews/Vanakkam-Chennai-tracklist/articleshow/21299153.cms?referral=PM |archive-date=8 October 2014}}{{Cite news |date=20 May 2013 |title=Ensemble of rappers for 'Vanakkam Chennai' (With Image) |work=Business Standard |agency=Indo-Asian News Service |url=http://www.business-standard.com/article/news-ians/ensemble-of-rappers-for-vanakkam-chennai-with-image-113052000145_1.html |access-date=7 November 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141006190627/http://www.business-standard.com/article/news-ians/ensemble-of-rappers-for-vanakkam-chennai-with-image-113052000145_1.html |archive-date=6 October 2014}}
In July 2013, Hiphop Tamizha composed "Na Na Na (Nice v/s Naughty)", a song used in the promotion of The Smurfs 2 in India. The song, which also features nine contestants from the singing reality show Indian Idol Junior,{{Cite news |last=Akila Kannadasan |date=25 July 2013 |title=Hip Hop Tamizha to Smurfs |work=The Hindu |url=http://www.thehindu.com/features/cinema/hip-hop-tamizha-to-smurfs/article4952572.ece |url-status=live |access-date=7 November 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131104010022/http://www.thehindu.com/features/cinema/hip-hop-tamizha-to-smurfs/article4952572.ece |archive-date=4 November 2013}}{{Cite news |date=25 July 2013 |title=Indian singers, Britney Spears sing for same film |work=Daijiworld.com |agency=Indo-Asian News Service |url=http://www.daijiworld.com/news/news_disp.asp?n_id=181041 |url-status=live |access-date=7 November 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131029192647/http://www.daijiworld.com/news/news_disp.asp?n_id=181041 |archive-date=29 October 2013}} was the first song Hiphop Tamizha composed specifically for a film. It did not appear on the soundtrack album.{{Cite web |date=31 July 2013 |title=Nice Vs Naughty (Na Na Na) [From "The Smurfs 2"] – Single |url=https://music.apple.com/in/album/nice-vs-naughty-na-na-na-from/681758814 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151212072648/https://itunes.apple.com/in/album/nice-vs-naughty-na-na-na-from/id681758814 |archive-date=12 December 2015 |access-date=9 December 2015 |website=iTunes Store}} Adhi's third collaboration with Anirudh was for Kaththi (2014) where he performed the song "Pakkam Vanthu".{{cn|date=September 2024}} Hiphop Tamizha also composed and wrote "Poda" in 2014, a song celebrating the 10th anniversary of the television channel Sun Music.{{Cite tweet |number=507792702579019776 |user=hiphoptamizha |title=#poda is exclusively being played in Sun Music for their 10th year anniversary celebrations. #Poda hits Youtube in another 2 weeks :) |author=Hiphop Tamizha |date=5 September 2014 |access-date=8 January 2022}}
Hiphop Tamizha's first Tamil film as music composers was Aambala (2015),{{Cite AV media |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4LZcDZBaKrA |title=Hiphop Tamizha reveals the secret behind his name |date=27 December 2014 |last=Galatta |access-date=25 March 2015 |via=YouTube |archive-date=9 March 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160309095112/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4LZcDZBaKrA |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |last=Mythily Ramachandran |date=14 January 2015 |title=Tamil Nadu's 'Pongal' film spread |url=http://gulfnews.com/arts-entertainment/celebrity/india/south-india/tamil-nadu-s-pongal-film-spread-1.1441433 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150117182808/http://gulfnews.com/arts-entertainment/celebrity/india/south-india/tamil-nadu-s-pongal-film-spread-1.1441433 |archive-date=17 January 2015 |access-date=16 January 2015 |website=Gulf News}} where they wrote all six songs for and performed three: Pazhagikalaam, Aye Aye Aye and a remix of Inbam Pongum Vennila,{{cn|date=September 2024}}{{Cite web |date=24 December 2014 |title=Vishal's 'Aambala' track list |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/music/Vishals-Aambala-track-list/articleshow/45625610.cms |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180201194346/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/music/Vishals-Aambala-track-list/articleshow/45625610.cms |archive-date=1 February 2018 |access-date=28 December 2014 |website=The Times of India}} from Veerapandiya Kattabomman (1959).{{Cite web |date=16 December 2014 |title=Aambala Audio on December 27 |url=http://silverscreen.in/news/aambala-audio-on-december-27/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150208073043/http://silverscreen.in/news/aambala-audio-on-december-27/ |archive-date=8 February 2015 |access-date=8 February 2015 |website=Silverscreen.in}} They also composed for Indru Netru Naalai,{{Cite web |last=M. Suganth |date=19 September 2014 |title=Hip Hop Adhi to compose music for a film |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/Entertainment/Tamil/Music/Hip-Hop-Adhi-to-compose-music-for-a-film/articleshow/42812354.cms |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140922115717/http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/music/Hip-Hop-Adhi-to-compose-music-for-a-film/articleshow/42812354.cms |archive-date=22 September 2014 |access-date=5 October 2014 |website=The Times of India}}{{cn|date=September 2024}} writing two songs and performing one: "iPhone 6 Nee Yendral".{{cn|date=September 2024}} Hiphop Tamizha also composed for Thani Oruvan, where they performed two songs: Theemai Dhaan Vellum and the title track.{{Cite web |date=24 March 2015 |title=Hip Hop Tamizha's music for Thani Oruvan |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/music/Hip-Hop-Tamizhas-music-for-Thani-Oruvan/articleshow/46661996.cms |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150331001927/http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/music/Hip-Hop-Tamizhas-music-for-Thani-Oruvan/articleshow/46661996.cms |archive-date=31 March 2015 |access-date=24 March 2015 |website=The Times of India}}{{cn|date=September 2024}} Thani Oruvan topped Apple Music's Best of 2015 list in the category "Best Tamil Album of the year".{{Cite web |date=14 December 2015 |title=Apple Music's 'Best of 2015' list includes Dilwale and O Kadhal Kanmani – Tech2 |url=http://tech.firstpost.com/news-analysis/apple-musics-best-of-2015-list-includes-dilwale-and-o-kadhal-kanmani-291130.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160115172053/http://tech.firstpost.com/news-analysis/apple-musics-best-of-2015-list-includes-dilwale-and-o-kadhal-kanmani-291130.html |archive-date=15 January 2016 |access-date=13 January 2016 |website=Tech2}}
Adhi wrote and co-performed Naam Vaazhndhidum, composed by Yuvan Shankar Raja, for Vai Raja Vai (2015).{{cn|date=September 2024}} Hiphop Tamizha later composed for Aranmanai 2,{{cn|date=September 2024}} Kathakali,{{Cite news |title=Vishal-Pandiraj's next titled, 'Kathakali'! |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/Vishal-Pandirajs-next-titled-Kathakali/articleshow/49009504.cms |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151116064206/http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/Vishal-Pandirajs-next-titled-Kathakali/articleshow/49009504.cms |archive-date=16 November 2015 |access-date=13 January 2016 |website=The Times of India}}{{cn|date=September 2024}} Dhruva (the Telugu remake of Thani Oruvan), which marked their debut in Telugu cinema;{{Cite web |date=10 February 2016 |title=Hip Hop Thamizha to debut in Telugu with Ram Charan's 'Thani Oruvan' remake — Latest News & Updates at Daily News & Analysis |url=http://www.dnaindia.com/entertainment/report-hip-hop-thamizha-to-debut-in-telugu-with-ram-charan-s-thani-oruvan-remake-2176080 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160316061604/http://www.dnaindia.com/entertainment/report-hip-hop-thamizha-to-debut-in-telugu-with-ram-charan-s-thani-oruvan-remake-2176080 |archive-date=16 March 2016 |access-date=5 July 2016}}{{Cite web |date=14 June 2016 |title=Ram Charan makes everybody on the sets feel energetic, says director Surender Reddy |url=http://www.thenewsminute.com/article/ram-charan-makes-everybody-sets-feel-energetic-says-director-surender-reddy-44845 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160629154537/http://www.thenewsminute.com/article/ram-charan-makes-everybody-sets-feel-energetic-says-director-surender-reddy-44845 |archive-date=29 June 2016 |access-date=29 June 2016 |website=The News Minute}} Kaththi Sandai;{{Cite web |title=Vishal's 'Kaththi Sandai' pooja held |url=http://www.sify.com/movies/vishal-s-kaththi-sandai-pooja-held-news-tamil-qfcmaVidjcbgg.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160630063930/http://www.sify.com/movies/vishal-s-kaththi-sandai-pooja-held-news-tamil-qfcmaVidjcbgg.html |archive-date=30 June 2016 |access-date=5 July 2016 |website=Sify}} Kavan,{{Cite web |title=Hip Hop Tamizha replaces musician Harris Jayaraj in KV Anands next |url=http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/hip-hop-tamizha-replaces-ace-musician-harris-jayaraj-in-kv-anands-next/1/638720.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160521110439/http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/hip-hop-tamizha-replaces-ace-musician-harris-jayaraj-in-kv-anands-next/1/638720.html |archive-date=21 May 2016 |access-date=5 July 2016}} and Imaikkaa Nodigal.{{Cite web |title='Hiphop Tamizha' signs 'Imaikaa Nodigal' |url=http://www.sify.com/movies/hiphop-tamizha-signs-imaikaa-nodigal-news-tamil-qj0jC7ajejaic.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160927125536/http://www.sify.com/movies/hiphop-tamizha-signs-imaikaa-nodigal-news-tamil-qj0jC7ajejaic.html |archive-date=27 September 2016 |access-date=26 September 2016 |website=Sify}}
== In other roles ==
In October 2014, Adhi stated that, despite many offers, he had no interest in acting.{{Cite magazine |last=N. Kathirvelan |date=20 October 2014 |title=ராப் என்பது கவியிசை |trans-title=Rap is poetic music |url=http://i1303.photobucket.com/albums/ag149/kailash29792/HipHopAadhisirnewsinKungumam201014together_zps70e35130.jpg |url-status=dead |magazine=Kungumam |language=Tamil |pages=90–91 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150109124742/http://i1303.photobucket.com/albums/ag149/kailash29792/HipHopAadhisirnewsinKungumam201014together_zps70e35130.jpg |archive-date=9 January 2015 |access-date=30 December 2014}} In 2016, however, he announced that he would be making his cinematic acting debut in Meesaya Murukku, for which he would also be director and musical composer.{{Cite web |date=10 October 2016 |title=Hip Hop Adhi is an actor now! |url=https://www.deccanchronicle.com/entertainment/kollywood/101016/hip-hop-adhi-is-an-actor-now.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161010200532/http://www.deccanchronicle.com/entertainment/kollywood/101016/hip-hop-adhi-is-an-actor-now.html |archive-date=10 October 2016 |access-date=10 October 2016 |website=Deccan Chronicle}} The film, released in 2017, was partly biographical of his life.{{Cite news |date=6 August 2017 |title=Meesaya Murukku actor Hip Hop Adhi: Cinema is my profession but independent music is my passion |language=en-US |work=The Indian Express |url=http://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/tamil/meesaya-murukku-actor-hip-hop-adhi-cinema-is-my-profession-but-independent-music-is-my-passion-4784831/ |url-status=live |access-date=4 September 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170904124610/http://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/tamil/meesaya-murukku-actor-hip-hop-adhi-cinema-is-my-profession-but-independent-music-is-my-passion-4784831/ |archive-date=4 September 2017}} Adhi has also made appearances in the Zee Tamizh talk show Simply Kushboo,{{Cite news |title=It's Hiphop Tamizha on Simply Khushbu |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/tv/news/tamil/Its-Hiphop-Tamizha-on-Simply-Khushbu/articleshow/50322294.cms |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160101125558/http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/tv/news/tamil/Its-Hiphop-Tamizha-on-Simply-Khushbu/articleshow/50322294.cms |archive-date=1 January 2016 |access-date=13 January 2016 |website=The Times of India|date=25 December 2015 }} and the Sun TV reality show Sun Singer.{{Cite news |title=Sun Singer grand finale on January 10 |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/tv/news/tamil/Sun-Singer-grand-finale-on-January-10/articleshow/50480585.cms |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160112071405/http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/tv/news/tamil/Sun-Singer-grand-finale-on-January-10/articleshow/50480585.cms |archive-date=12 January 2016 |access-date=13 January 2016 |website=The Times of India|date=7 January 2016 }} Hiphop Tamizha later composed the title music for the TV series Nandini.{{Cite news |date=10 February 2017 |title=பாம்புக்கும் பேய்க்கும் நடக்கிற பிரச்னைதான் நந்தினி |language=ta |work=Kungumam |url=http://kungumam.co.in/Articalinnerdetail.aspx?id=11735&id1=3&issue=20170210 |access-date=4 September 2017 }} Hiphop Tamizha also made his second movie as a lead character in Natpe Thunai and his third film Naan Sirithaal, was released on 14 February 2020. After Meesaya Murukku, they are back to direct another movie which is titled as fourth Sivakumarin Sabadham without also producing in the banner Hiphop Tamizha Entertainment with Sathya Jyothi Films.{{Cite web |date=10 February 2021 |title=Hiphop Adhi's next is titled Sivakumarin Sabadham |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/hiphop-adhis-next-is-titled-sivakumarin-sabadham/articleshow/80788312.cms |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210213140039/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/hiphop-adhis-next-is-titled-sivakumarin-sabadham/articleshow/80788312.cms |archive-date=13 February 2021 |access-date=10 February 2021 |website=The Times of India}} Following that the fifth movie titled Anbarivu pooja has held on 14 December 2020 and the movie is filming around Coimbatore and Pollachi. This movie will be Adhi's first rural-based film. The shooting for the film will begin in mid-January 2021 after Pongal.{{Cite web |date=14 December 2020 |title=Hip Hop Aadhi's next is Anbarivu, a family-entertainer |url=https://www.cinemaexpress.com/stories/news/2020/dec/14/hip-hop-aadhis-next-is-anbarivu-a-family-entertainer-21756.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201214110518/https://www.cinemaexpress.com/stories/news/2020/dec/14/hip-hop-aadhis-next-is-anbarivu-a-family-entertainer-21756.html |archive-date=14 December 2020 |access-date=14 December 2020 |website=Cinema Express}}
= Collaborations =
Independent artists who have collaborated with Hiphop Tamizha include Bharadwaj Balaji and B-boy Bravo.{{Cite news |last=John |first=Sarah |date=1 September 2012 |title=Vanakkam to the Ladies |work=Times Neighbourhood |location=Anna Nagar |url=http://www.tamizhanda.org/main/images/img-X11180744-0005.jpg |url-status=dead |access-date=7 October 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140124055702/http://www.tamizhanda.org/main/images/img-X11180744-0005.jpg |archive-date=24 January 2014}} The official logo of Hiphop Tamizha is a graffiti of Bharati. They have also performed with American rapper Emcee Call on All I Wanna Say, an album that features several samples of Michael Jackson's songs.
Beginning in February 2015, Adhi and Jeeva were collaborating with independent Tamil singer Kaushik Krish on his forthcoming single, but the singer's debut song eventually became "Kannala Kannala", composed by Hiphop Tamizha for Thani Oruvan (2015).{{Cite news |title=Thani Oruvan track list is here |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/music/Thani-Oruvan-track-list-is-here/articleshow/48141437.cms |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150812003851/http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/music/Thani-Oruvan-track-list-is-here/articleshow/48141437.cms |archive-date=12 August 2015 |access-date=31 August 2015 |website=The Times of India}} Recently he have collaborated with Sangan (Sollisai Selvandhar) in a new single named as "Weightu". Hiphop Tamizha has started a new initiative called "The UnderGround Tribe" to collaborate with new independent artists.{{Cite web |last=Rajaraman |first=Kaushik |date=21 August 2022 |title='Don't want aspiring indie musicians to struggle like we did' |url=https://www.dtnext.in/cinema/2022/08/21/don-t-want-aspiring-indie-musicians-to-struggle-like-we-did-composer-actor-hip-hop-tamizha-adhi-in-this-interview-with-dt-next-talks-about-his-latest-venture-the-underground-tribe-a-platform-to-hunt-independent-musicians-and-to-produce-their-music-he-also-classifies-independent-music-is-way-different-from-non-film-music-where-the-latter-is-a-threat |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220821054126/https://www.dtnext.in/cinema/2022/08/21/don-t-want-aspiring-indie-musicians-to-struggle-like-we-did-composer-actor-hip-hop-tamizha-adhi-in-this-interview-with-dt-next-talks-about-his-latest-venture-the-underground-tribe-a-platform-to-hunt-independent-musicians-and-to-produce-their-music-he-also-classifies-independent-music-is-way-different-from-non-film-music-where-the-latter-is-a-threat |url-status=dead |archive-date=21 August 2022 |access-date=22 September 2022 |website=DT Next}}
Musical style
Adhi told Sudhish Kamath that he was inspired by the works of Michael Jackson and Jay-Z. In July 2013, he said that he draws inspiration from Tamil poetry, mostly those by Subramania Bharati.{{Cite news |last=Susanna Chandy |date=11 July 2013 |title=Hip Hop goes 'South' with our rappers |work=The New Indian Express |url=http://indulge.newindianexpress.com/the-rap-diaries/bangalore/13034 |url-status=dead |access-date=22 February 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150222101657/http://indulge.newindianexpress.com/the-rap-diaries/bangalore/13034 |archive-date=22 February 2015}} Hiphop Tamizha frequently fuse Tamil folk music with western hip hop.{{Cite web |last=Ananth |first=Tivyasruthi Nair Prem |date=2023-08-25 |title=Hiphop Tamizha Adhi Receives His Doctorate In Music Entrepreneurship |url=https://varnam.my/80863/hiphop-tamizha-aadhi-receives-his-doctorate-in-music-entrepreneurship/ |access-date=2024-10-03 |website=Varnam Malaysia |language=en-US}} Adhi has no formal education in music and claims to compose purely on instinct.{{Cite web |last=Udhav Naig |date=27 November 2014 |title=Will continue to make independent music: rapper Adhi |url=http://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/chennai/chen-society/will-continue-to-make-independent-music-rapper-adhi/article6637154.ece |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141128043131/http://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/chennai/chen-society/will-continue-to-make-independent-music-rapper-adhi/article6637154.ece |archive-date=28 November 2014 |access-date=28 November 2014 |website=The Hindu}}
Topically, Hiphop Tamizha's songs deal with a wide range of issues. Club le Mabbu le describes certain nontraditional "failings" of Tamil women, including drinking, smoking, consuming cannabis and having live-in relationships. Sentamizh Penne, the exact opposite of Club le Mabbu le, talks about a culturally-rich girl, whose traditions are worthy of respect.{{Cite web |last=Pravin Bala |date=24 October 2012 |title=Album review: Adhi (Hip Hop Tamizha) – Hip Hop Tamizhan |url=http://mytamilchannel.com/index/album-review-adhi-hip-hop-tamizha-hip-hop-tamizhan/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150402182334/http://mytamilchannel.com/index/album-review-adhi-hip-hop-tamizha-hip-hop-tamizhan/ |archive-date=2 April 2015 |access-date=12 March 2015 |website=MyTamilChannel.com}} Tamizh Theriyum ridicules those who mock the Tamil language or act like they do not speak it. Vaadi Pulla Vaadi focuses on the conflicts of caste and love, and was inspired by the personal experiences of Adhi's friends. According to him, Iraiva talks about how love is not the end of life: "Two people might really be in love, but because of things like caste, they might not be able to be together. This, we feel, is because of lack of education and awareness". The song Karpom Karpippom is dedicated to education, describing it as the main tool required to solve social problems. Cheap Popularity is Adhi's response to those who criticised him for allegedly seeking popularity through Club le Mabbu le.
In 2014, Adhi said that Hiphop Tamizha's aim is to rebuke the belief among contemporary youngsters that conversing in Tamil is "not cool", and that the project was started to enable them to "relate to the concept of being a proud Tamizhan, to give them an identity."{{Cite web |date=22 January 2014 |title=Tamil is the new 'kewl' |url=https://www.deccanchronicle.com/140122/entertainment-tvmusic/article/tamil-new-%E2%80%98kewl%E2%80%99 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140314165523/http://deccanchronicle.com/140122/entertainment-tvmusic/article/tamil-new-%E2%80%98kewl%E2%80%99 |archive-date=14 March 2014 |access-date=2 February 2015 |website=Deccan Chronicle}} Although the songs Manithan Tamizhan and Tamizhanda glorify the culture and language of Tamil Nadu and lament their modern-day negligence, Adhi has stated that Hiphop Tamizha does not want to preach that Tamil people should speak their native language or praise it unduly, but to give it a little more respect like English. He has also said that he wants to change the Indian urban culture of hip-hop being about wearing "baggy pants, 'bling' and big shirts" and eliminate the notion that rap music is about "the money, the women and the gangster-ism."{{Cite web |date=4 May 2012 |title=Keeping It Real, Hiphop Tamizha Style |url=http://zomba.in/Journal/keeping-it-real-hiphop-tamizha-style/ |url-status=bot: unknown |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130217235721/http://zomba.in/Journal/keeping-it-real-hiphop-tamizha-style/ |archive-date=17 February 2013 |website=Zomba.in}}
= Notable performances =
In December 2010, Hiphop Tamizha performed live at "One Chennai, One Music", (an event organised by Radio One to promote independent music in Chennai), which was one of the band's first major gigs as underground artist.{{Cite news |last=Prince Frederick |date=24 December 2010 |title=Time for merry notes |work=The Hindu |url=http://www.thehindu.com/features/friday-review/music/time-for-merry-notes/article974440.ece |url-status=live |access-date=9 March 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210816111057/https://www.thehindu.com/features/friday-review/music/Time-for-merry-notes/article12079579.ece |archive-date=16 August 2021}}{{Cite web |date=6 January 2011 |title=Stay tuned! |url=http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-features/tp-nxg/stay-tuned/article1036461.ece |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210816111057/https://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-features/tp-nxg/Stay-tuned/article15507620.ece |archive-date=16 August 2021 |access-date=20 January 2015 |website=The Hindu}} In November 2011, Adhi and Bharadwaj Balaji performed at Astra, the two-day inter-school cultural festival of Bhavan's Rajaji Vidyashram, Kilpauk.{{Cite web |title=Astra, a show of flair and finesse |url=http://www.newindianexpress.com/education/student/article241906.ece |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150402135539/http://www.newindianexpress.com/education/student/article241906.ece |archive-date=2 April 2015 |access-date=11 March 2015 |website=The New Indian Express}} September 2012 was one of Hiphop Tamizha's busiest months, with the band singing at Madras Christian College's "Deepwoods", Dr G R Damodaran College of Science's Brand Expo 2012,{{Cite news |date=22 September 2012 |title=Branding it in their unique style |work=The Hindu |url=http://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Coimbatore/branding-it-in-their-unique-style/article3925684.ece |url-status=live |access-date=11 March 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120924062539/http://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Coimbatore/branding-it-in-their-unique-style/article3925684.ece |archive-date=24 September 2012}} Loyola College's Ovations,{{Cite web |last=Jeeva R |title=Hiphop Tamizha – Sep 15 – Ovations 2012, Loyola College |url=http://www.tamizhanda.org/main/events/19-loyola-ovations-2012.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150402171710/http://www.tamizhanda.org/main/events/19-loyola-ovations-2012.html |archive-date=2 April 2015 |access-date=24 March 2015 |website=Hiphop Tamizha}} Kilpauk Medical College's Pradharshini,{{Cite web |last=Jeeva R |title=Hiphop Tamizha – Sep 27 – Pradharshini 2012, KMC |url=http://www.tamizhanda.org/main/events/22-pradharshini-2012-kmc.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150402160520/http://www.tamizhanda.org/main/events/22-pradharshini-2012-kmc.html |archive-date=2 April 2015 |access-date=24 March 2015 |website=Hiphop Tamizha}} and Alagappa College of Technology's Sampradha.{{Cite web |last=Jeeva R |title=Hiphop Tamizha – Sep 26 – Sampradha 2012, AC Tech – Anna University |url=http://www.tamizhanda.org/main/events/21-sampradha-2012-anna-university.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141001030128/http://www.tamizhanda.org/main/events/21-sampradha-2012-anna-university.html |archive-date=1 October 2014 |access-date=24 March 2015 |website=Hiphop Tamizha}}
On 4 May 2013, Hiphop Tamizha appeared live at Madras Music Academy in a concert organised by SS International.{{Cite web |last=Ben |title=Hiphop Tamizha – Hip Hop Tamizhan – Live Concert – May 4th |url=http://www.tamizhanda.org/main/events/45-hip-hop-tamizhan-live-concert-may-4th.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150402160658/http://www.tamizhanda.org/main/events/45-hip-hop-tamizhan-live-concert-may-4th.html |archive-date=2 April 2015 |access-date=24 March 2015 |website=Hiphop Tamizha}} Adhi performed for the second time at Madras Music Academy in October 2014, this time as part of SS International's nine-day concert Navotsavam.{{Cite news |date=26 September 2014 |title=Nine-day carnival |work=The Hindu |url=http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-features/tp-fridayreview/nineday-carnival/article6447033.ece |url-status=live |access-date=11 March 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210308132145/https://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-features/tp-fridayreview/nineday-carnival/article6447033.ece |archive-date=8 March 2021}} In July 2015, Adhi sang at Isai Sangamam, a musical event organised by the NGO Raindropss.{{Cite web |title=Raining Music for a Cause |url=http://www.newindianexpress.com/cities/chennai/Raining-Music-for-a-Cause/2015/07/07/article2905783.ece |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150713084307/http://www.newindianexpress.com/cities/chennai/Raining-Music-for-a-Cause/2015/07/07/article2905783.ece |archive-date=13 July 2015 |access-date=10 July 2015 |website=The New Indian Express}} He also performed live at a January 2016 concert named Nenje Ezhu to raise funds for victims of the 2015 South Indian floods.{{Cite news |date=23 January 2016 |title='Nenje Ezhu' concert by A.R. Rahman today |work=The Hindu |url=http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/tp-tamilnadu/nenje-ezhu-concert-by-ar-rahman-today/article8142462.ece |url-status=live |access-date=5 July 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210816111058/https://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/tp-tamilnadu/%E2%80%98Nenje-Ezhu%E2%80%99-concert-by-A.R.-Rahman-today/article14014541.ece |archive-date=16 August 2021}}
Adhi was an artist at the 9th Vijay Awards in April 2015.{{cn|date=September 2024}}
Controversies
"Club le Mabbu le" became the subject of immense criticism due to its portrayal and depiction of Tamil women.{{Cite web |date=1 September 2012 |title='Senthamizh Penne' triggers fresh Hiphop kolaveri |url=http://ibnlive.in.com/news/senthamizh-penne-triggers-fresh-hiphop-kolaveri/287419-62.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141231183051/http://ibnlive.in.com/news/senthamizh-penne-triggers-fresh-hiphop-kolaveri/287419-62.html |archive-date=31 December 2014 |access-date=12 April 2013 |website=CNN-IBN}}{{Cite web |last=Janani Karthik |date=19 December 2015 |title=Crass lyrics, or industry's attitude towards women? |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/Crass-lyrics-or-industrys-attitude-towards-women/articleshow/50232871.cms |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151221051649/http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/Crass-lyrics-or-industrys-attitude-towards-women/articleshow/50232871.cms |archive-date=21 December 2015 |access-date=23 December 2015 |website=The Times of India}} Rapper Sofia Ashraf claimed that the song was not only disrespectful to women, but also an insult to rap music. In an interview with The Hindu, Adhi said, "Hip hop is about self expression and opinions so such controversies are only natural. The song was intended as a fun number and most people like it because the lyrics are witty. We also {{sic|nolink=y|sings}} about social causes like education and individual identity".{{Cite news |last=Zeenab Aneez |date=30 August 2012 |title=Trouble in the club |work=The Hindu |url=http://www.thehindu.com/features/metroplus/trouble-in-the-club/article3839957.ece |url-status=live |access-date=15 April 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131214064057/http://www.thehindu.com/features/metroplus/trouble-in-the-club/article3839957.ece |archive-date=14 December 2013}} In late August 2012, Adhi was reportedly "apologetic to whoever may be offended by the track."{{Cite web |date=28 August 2012 |title=Adhi Ruffles Feathers With New Video |url=http://zomba.in/Journal/adhi-ruffles-feathers-with-new-video/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130419043317/http://zomba.in/Journal/adhi-ruffles-feathers-with-new-video/ |archive-date=19 April 2013 |access-date=1 September 2012 |website=Zomba.in}} In December 2015, Janani Karthik of The Times of India named the song as one of several Tamil songs "that have taken crass to an all-low level".
In 2016, Adhi released "Takkaru Takkaru", a music video that glorifies the Tamil sport jallikattu, with the intention of campaigning to have jallikattu legalised (claiming that the sport does not encourage animal cruelty).{{Cite news |date=27 June 2016 |title=Hiphop Aadhi makes short film on Jallikattu |work=The Hindu |url=http://www.thehindu.com/features/metroplus/hiphop-aadhi-makes-short-film-on-jallikattu/article8779515.ece |url-status=live |access-date=27 June 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160627085332/http://www.thehindu.com/features/metroplus/hiphop-aadhi-makes-short-film-on-jallikattu/article8779515.ece |archive-date=27 June 2016}} PETA India's associate manager of campaigns Bhuvaneshwari Gupta described the video as factually inaccurate, adding that it actually showed many scenes of bulls being cruelly treated, and concluded, "Hip Hop Tamizha is better off sticking to just making music, because factual accuracy is not their strong point. Respecting bulls is true Tamil culture, not inflicting pain on them and making them suffer."{{Cite news |title=Hip Hop Tamizha should stick to making music: PETA |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/music/Hip-Hop-Tamizha-should-stick-to-making-music-PETA/articleshow/52967891.cms |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160704121822/http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/music/Hip-Hop-Tamizha-should-stick-to-making-music-PETA/articleshow/52967891.cms |archive-date=4 July 2016 |access-date=5 July 2016 |website=The Times of India |last1=Ravi |first1=Nandita }} Adhi decried these comments, stating that he would not believe in an organisation run by "foreigners" telling him that jallikattu is harmful to bulls.{{Cite web |last=S Subhakeerthana |date=4 July 2016 |title=Jallikattu not just a sport, but breeding science |url=http://www.newindianexpress.com/cities/chennai/Jallikattu-not-just-a-sport-but-breeding-science/2016/07/04/article3512088.ece |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160705195203/http://www.newindianexpress.com/cities/chennai/Jallikattu-not-just-a-sport-but-breeding-science/2016/07/04/article3512088.ece |archive-date=5 July 2016 |access-date=5 July 2016 |website=The New Indian Express}} In January 2017, Adhi took part in the protests against the ban on jallikattu.{{Cite news |title=Hip-Hop Adhi withdraws from jallikattu protests |work=News Today |url=http://newstodaynet.com/chennai/hip-hop-adhi-withdraws-jallikattu-protests |url-status=dead |access-date=26 January 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170202013350/http://newstodaynet.com/chennai/hip-hop-adhi-withdraws-jallikattu-protests |archive-date=2 February 2017}}
Other works
In November 2013, Hiphop Tamizha launched "Tamizhanda Clothing", a collaboration between the duo and a firm named Difference of Opinion.{{Cite web |last=Hiphop Tamizha |date=22 November 2013 |title=Tamizhanda Clothing a Style Collaboration between Hiphop Tamizha & Difference of Opinion is Out Now! |url=https://twitter.com/hiphoptamizha/status/403847833520193536 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150201013821/https://twitter.com/hiphoptamizha/status/403847833520193536 |archive-date=1 February 2015 |access-date=5 October 2014 |via=Twitter}}{{Primary source inline|date=December 2021}} Adhi later launched his second business venture, "Madrasi Mafia", a music label to manage independent music artists.{{Cite news |last=Ramanjuam |first=Srinivasa |date=23 December 2014 |title=Hiphop Tamizha on an overdrive |work=The Hindu |url=http://www.thehindu.com/features/cinema/hiphop-tamizha-on-an-overdrive/article6719394.ece |url-status=live |access-date=24 December 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150120124700/http://www.thehindu.com/features/cinema/hiphop-tamizha-on-an-overdrive/article6719394.ece |archive-date=20 January 2015}}{{Cite web |last=PuthuYugam TV |author-link=Puthuyugam TV |date=19 January 2015 |title=HIP-HOP Pongal With Aathi – Pongal Special (15/01/2015) |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y2ZCLLzEo7U |access-date=6 April 2015 |via=YouTube |archive-date=6 March 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160306194635/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y2ZCLLzEo7U |url-status=live }} In July 2015, Adhi conducted a seminar on brand management, titled "Face to Face: Hiphop Tamizhan" at Dr G R Damodaran College of Science, Coimbatore.{{Cite web |title=Hiphop Tamizha |url=https://twitter.com/hiphoptamizha/status/620839867530874880 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210308124843/https://twitter.com/hiphoptamizha/status/620839867530874880 |archive-date=8 March 2021 |access-date=31 August 2015 |via=Twitter}}{{Primary source inline|date=December 2021}}
Filmography
The films mentioned here include performance only by "Adhi".
= Films =
- All films are in Tamil, unless otherwise noted.
| class="wikitable sortable" | |||
| Year
! Title ! Role ! Notes | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| 2017 | Meesaya Murukku | Adhithya (Adhi) | Lead role; Also director and writer |
| 2019 | Natpe Thunai | Prabhakaran (Prabha) | Also creative and casting director |
| 2020 | Naan Sirithal | Gandhi | |
| 2021 | Sivakumarin Sabadham | Sivakumar | Also director and producer |
| 2022 | Anbarivu | Anbazhagan (Anbu) and Arivazhagan (Arivu) | Also story; Released on Disney+ Hotstar |
| 2023 | Veeran | Kumaran (Veeran) | |
| rowspan="2"|2024 | PT Sir | Kanagavel | |
| | Kadaisi Ulaga Por | Thamizharasan (Thamizh) | Also director and producer |
= Documentary Web Series =
| class="wikitable plainrowheaders sortable" style="width:100%;" |
| scope="col" | Year
! scope="col" | Title ! scope="col" | Role ! scope="col" | Notes |
|---|
| style="text-align:center;" | 2019
! scope="row" |Tamizhi | Narrator (only voice) | Also producer |
| style="text-align:center;" | 2021
! scope="row" |Thee Veeran |himself | |
=Hiphop Tamizha Entertainment (as producer)=
| class="wikitable sortable"
|+ {{Screen reader-only|Sundar C film producer credits}} |
| Year
!Title !class="unsortable" |{{Refh}} |
|---|
| 2021
|style="text-align:center;" | |
| 2024
|style="text-align:center;" | |
Discography
{{Main|Hiphop Tamizha discography}}
Awards
Notes
{{notelist}}
References
{{Reflist|refs=
{{Cite news |last=Kamath |first=Sudhish |author-link=Sudhish Kamath |date=16 August 2012 |title=Namma ooru hip hopper |work=The Hindu |url=http://www.thehindu.com/life-and-style/metroplus/namma-ooru-hip-hopper/article3779711.ece |url-status=live |access-date=1 April 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130403040620/http://www.thehindu.com/life-and-style/metroplus/namma-ooru-hip-hopper/article3779711.ece |archive-date=3 April 2013}}
{{Cite news |date=7 December 2011 |title=Make way for desi boys! |work=The Hindu |url=http://www.thehindu.com/features/friday-review/music/make-way-for-desi-boys/article2694601.ece |access-date=15 April 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130614084043/http://www.thehindu.com/features/friday-review/music/make-way-for-desi-boys/article2694601.ece |archive-date=14 June 2013}}
{{Cite news |date=11 May 2014 |title=Speaking of the Mother Tongue |work=Deccan Chronicle |url=http://oi60.tinypic.com/2urxspk.jpg |url-status=dead |access-date=3 October 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141006165459/http://oi60.tinypic.com/2urxspk.jpg |archive-date=6 October 2014}}
{{Cite news |last=Prince Frederick |date=9 February 2011 |title=Fascinating fusion |work=The Hindu |url=http://www.thehindu.com/features/friday-review/music/fascinating-fusion/article1171365.ece |url-status=live |access-date=5 October 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140701202901/http://www.thehindu.com/features/friday-review/music/fascinating-fusion/article1171365.ece |archive-date=1 July 2014}}
{{Cite news |date=13 August 2012 |title=Hiphop to make Tamilians proud |work=The New Indian Express |url=http://www.newindianexpress.com/cities/chennai/article588077.ece |url-status=dead |access-date=7 October 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141006212518/http://www.newindianexpress.com/cities/chennai/article588077.ece |archive-date=6 October 2014}}
{{Cite news |last=Naig |first=Udhav |date=28 November 2013 |title=The big leap |work=The Hindu |url=http://www.thehindu.com/features/metroplus/the-big-leap/article5401124.ece |access-date=7 October 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131210012525/http://www.thehindu.com/features/metroplus/the-big-leap/article5401124.ece |archive-date=10 December 2013}}
{{Cite news |last=Sudhish |first=Kamath |author-link=Sudhish Kamath |date=17 August 2012 |title=Hip Hop, in Tamizhan style |work=The Hindu |url=http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-in-school/article3782698.ece |url-status=live |access-date=10 May 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130610034958/http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-in-school/article3782698.ece |archive-date=10 June 2013}}
{{Cite news |last=Ganesh |first=Prashanti |date=30 October 2011 |title=Cadence of a new culture |work=The New Indian Express |url=http://www.newindianexpress.com/magazine/article253040.ece |url-status=dead |access-date=14 January 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150114172741/http://www.newindianexpress.com/magazine/article253040.ece |archive-date=14 January 2015}}
}}
External links
{{Commons}}
- {{IMDb name|5657066}}
- {{Rotten Tomatoes person|id=https://www.rottentomatoes.com/celebrity/hiphop_tamizha}}
{{Authority control}}
Category:Indian electrical engineers
Category:Indian hip-hop groups
Category:Indian male composers
Category:People from Erode district