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Karthik Sundar Gubbi, popularly known as Gubbi, was once deeply engrossed in the world of mechanical engineering. His days were filled with numbers, equations, and technical problem-solving, but he never truly felt at home in that world. While others found satisfaction in designing machines and structures, Gubbi found himself drawn toward a different kind of precision—one that existed not in blueprints, but in music.
For years, he struggled to reconcile his two worlds. By day, he was an engineering student trying to fit into the mold of a conventional career path. By night, however, he was experimenting with rhythm, flow, and lyrics, secretly developing his skills as a rapper. Eventually, the pull of music became too strong to ignore. Realizing that his passion lay not in calculations but in cadence, he took a bold step. He abandoned his engineering career to chase a future in hip-hop, determined to carve out his own space in the Indian rap scene.
Gubbi's journey into rap did not begin in a professional studio or on a public stage. It started in the quiet confines of his bedroom, where he would stay up late, penning verses and experimenting with different styles. His inspiration came from legends like Eminem, Tupac, and Nas, but he knew that if he wanted to stand out, he had to bring something unique to the table.
For a long time, rap in India was largely influenced by Western hip-hop, with artists mimicking American flows and themes. But Gubbi wanted to change that. He started incorporating Kannada, English, Hindi, and even German into his lyrics, creating a multilingual rap style that reflected his identity. His big break came when he participated in an underground rap battle in Bengaluru. What started as a casual outing turned into a life-changing moment when his performance electrified the crowd. The speed, precision, and depth of his lyrics caught the attention of local artists, and suddenly, his hidden passion was no longer a secret.
When Gubbi first revealed his aspirations to his family, the reaction was far from encouraging. His mother, in particular, was skeptical. She saw rap as nothing more than a distraction, something that could never provide stability or a serious career. Her concerns were not unfounded—after all, Indian society often prioritizes traditional professions over artistic pursuits.
But as time went on, she realized that her son was not merely chasing a fleeting interest. He was committed, disciplined, and constantly improving. Soon, she became his toughest critic, dissecting his lyrics with brutal honesty before he even performed them in public. Gubbi often jokes that his mother is his most ruthless editor, and their dynamic has even inspired him to create a social media series called "SavageMom," where he humorously showcases her blunt feedback. Over time, what started as doubt transformed into support, and today, she is one of his biggest fans.
For many, rap is synonymous with fast-paced rhymes, swagger, and entertainment, but for Gubbi, it is much more than that. He sees hip-hop as a tool for storytelling, education, and activism. His music does not shy away from difficult subjects; instead, he embraces them, using his lyrics to shed light on issues that many choose to ignore.
One of his most impactful tracks, "Lathi In Charge," addresses police brutality, a topic that is often overlooked in mainstream media. Another song, "Goodbye," was written in collaboration with a doctor from NIMHANS for Suicide Prevention Day, aiming to spread awareness about mental health struggles. While commercial rap often leans towards themes of wealth, success, and partying, Gubbi ensures that his art also carries meaning, offering a voice to those who may not have one. He acknowledges that serious themes are not always the most popular in the industry, but he remains steadfast in his belief that music can be both engaging and thought-provoking.
As Gubbi prepares for his performance at Zomaland, a major music and food festival in Bengaluru, he is determined to bring something fresh to the stage. Rather than just performing the usual way, he has curated a special set that includes a live drummer and a DJ, blending live instrumentation with the high-energy experience of rap.
Beyond his well-known tracks, he plans to unveil several unreleased songs, giving the audience a first look at his upcoming projects. For Gubbi, every performance is an opportunity to push the boundaries of Indian hip-hop, and this time, he aims to deliver an unforgettable experience. He wants his music to resonate not just through catchy beats, but through its ability to tell stories and evoke emotions.
Despite his growing success, Gubbi remains grounded in his artistic vision. He does not see rap as just a means to fame or financial gain, but as a lifelong journey of expression and connection. His focus is on evolving, experimenting with new sounds, and using his platform to create meaningful dialogue.
Looking ahead, he hopes to collaborate with artists across different genres, blending rap with Indian classical, folk, and experimental sounds. With a growing fanbase and an ever-expanding body of work, he is poised to become one of the defining voices of Indian hip-hop. His journey serves as an inspiration to aspiring artists who dare to break conventions, proving that sometimes, passion is worth every risk.
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