Who Is KOAD? Artist Writes Song Of The Summer Inspired by Deepika Padukone

Millions of people, especially Bollywood star Ranveer Singh, share a profound admiration and love for Deepika Padukone. This sentiment has now been captured in a unique way by KOAD, a rising Indian-American rapper from the San Fernando Valley. His latest single, 'Deepika' has become an anthem for diasporic Indians, reflecting the complex emotions of growing up between two cultures. KOAD's music is a celebration of his heritage, blending American hip-hop with the narratives of his dual identity.

The Journey of KOAD

KOAD, an energetic and playful new rapper and producer from San Fernando Valley, LA, has quickly made a name for himself. At only eighteen years old, the Indian-American artist has spent the past two and a half years crafting an immersive world of music. His debut single, "Pots N’ Pans," is set to be released as part of his forthcoming mixtape, "TREEHOUSE," inspired by his childhood treehouse in his parents’ garden.

This quirky and avant-garde tune features slick production that is sure to grab your attention. However, this is just the beginning for the young artist, who is eager to show the world what he’s made of.

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A High School Dropout's Rise

KOAD's musical journey is marked by raw and honest lyrics and hyper-intensive energy. Dropping out of high school, being co-signed by the Asian-American media company 88rising, and working with artists like ICECOLDBISHOP, KOAD is creating avant-garde music that is shaping the future of soundscapes.

When asked about his musical beginnings, KOAD recalls in an interview with the 1883 Magazine, “I grew up on hip-hop. That’s the thing that comforts me most in this world and has kept me alive. I started making music after I got this beat-pad that I convinced my parents to get me when I was 13. I wanted to create the worlds I had in my head and express myself through beat-making, but also my parents were not gonna be down for buying $20 YouTube-type beats.”

Honest Lyrics and Bold Ambitions

KOAD's music is characterized by its honesty, both in lyrics and in conversation. In his song “On Some Bullshit,” he raps about things he finds absurd, capturing his unfiltered thoughts and experiences. He openly discusses dropping out of school and creating the "TREEHOUSE" project as an escape from his surroundings.

Deepika: A Nostalgic Journey

"Deepika" opens with a scene from KOAD’s childhood. A six-year-old KOAD, captivated by Bollywood actress Deepika Padukone, asks his mother to take him to India. This innocent request, tinged with a longing for cultural connection, sets the tone for the song. As the track progresses, it explores the influence of Bollywood movies on his identity. KOAD admits in the song: "Grew up on that shit so probably could be/A hopeless romantic, at least."

For KOAD, Indian cinema, with its grand gestures and larger-than-life characters, represents a fantastical India, a place he has yet to experience. He dreams of returning to India as a success story: "...with whole lotta mills." The song's brilliance lies in its vivid metaphors, such as, "I got on a jacket 'cause I feel like I'm the coldest in the room," which resonates with the feeling of being an outsider navigating cultural complexities. He craves acceptance yet dreams of achieving something extraordinary: "A lotus when I bloom."

The Universal Story of Diaspora

KOAD's story is not unique. It resonates with millions of diaspora kids who constantly reconcile their American identity with their heritage. "Deepika" uses the playful premise of a crush to subliminally discuss themes of longing, belonging, and the quest to find or build a home away from home.

KOAD embodies the experience of many first-generation children, infusing his music with the essence of his upbringing and celebrating his heritage. With his debut single and forthcoming mixtape, he is poised to make a significant impact on the music scene, offering a voice to the bicultural generation.