The Men We Love
It’s that time of the year when we celebrate the journeys of men who reign in their respective fields like no other! Having ruled hearts on their way to the top, with their success, these stalwarts continue to inspire many to pave their own paths. These are actors who have won and wowed audiences across languages and borders, entrepreneurs who have emerged victorious through challenges, musicians who make our souls sing, sportsmen who have brought home laurels, read about all them and more
Divine
Rapper
Divine, through his art, tries to show people that, for better or worse, our lives are defined by contradictions, and we need to make the best of it.
Although he’s popularly portrayed as a tough-as-nails artiste who has effortlessly bridged the gap between underground sound and commercial success, those who dig deeper will find that Divine is an incredibly complex, soulful person with a deep sensitivity that mainstream media misses. It’s no wonder he’s managed to establish himself as the undisputed king of rap in India. The Mumbai native’s brand of ‘gully rap’ resonates with a generation of rappers looking to break out of the shadows of convention by brandishing slick rhymes and hard-hitting lyrics that address everything from poverty to love, politics and the murkiness of Mumbai city.
It’s hard to forget a Divine song. For many, the rapper’s 2015 breakout single Meri Gully Mein, featuring fellow Mumbai rapper Naezy, hits home with its rawness – the words flow with ease, resonating with you in the most unexpected ways. Through it all, his modest and honest words stick with you as they layer over well-crafted musical arrangements. His song Azadi for Zoya Akhtar’s 2019 film Gully Boy aimed straight for those who hold our metropolises in a chokehold, while Kaam 25 for Netflix’s Sacred Games parsed the threads of Mumbai’s stranglehold over dreams and desires alike.
All his albums, including his latest Gunehgar, offer a glimpse into his sensitive side, expressing his appreciation for life and those who inspired him. We all embody incredible contradictions, just like powerful contradictions sustain our country. Divine, through his art, tries to show people that, for better or worse, our lives are defined by contradictions, and we need to make the best of it.
Ask any young rapper who they look up to, and the reply is always the same: ‘Divine’. By achieving cult status, Divine is keenly aware that he is now in it to build a legacy, the foundation for which has been laid out already. Always innovating and pushing forward, Divine’s cross-cutting influence and imprint on rap music production are unmatched.
Yes, we could dive into a technical discussion of his elongated rhythms, beat emphasis in unusual points in the meter, and production methods. Still, understanding the rapper should start with appreciating his musical genius.
Photograph: Keegan Crasto/Grazia
Also Read: #MenWeLove: Virat Kohli Fought Hardships To Become The Cricketer He Is
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