With the Coronavirus refusing to loosen its clutches on the world, it certainly feels like Doomsday is around the corner. But this was not what Sai Venkat Vishwabramhana AKA StreetViolater envisioned (or perhaps it was a premonition?) while penning the lyrics to his sixth single, Maranam, which in Telugu means death. This track, which falls ten seconds shy of two and a half minutes, talks about corrupt politicians and angry policemen who are 'hidden behind the mask of a public servant'. "Whatever is happening to us has been brought upon by us, this is the beginning of the end," says the 24-year-old. Yikes! It is increasingly sounding like a premonition. This track was released on June 7, 2020 on his YouTube channel and has been on our mind ever since. He nailed the lyrics in one night, he says, because he was instantly inspired by the tune his friend played for him, the same tune which is now the song.
This is how StreetViolater has always written, honestly and openly. Take Arthanadham, for example, which premiered on his channel in May. It touches upon taboo topics like rape and suicide. "Or Rajyam, which I consider to be my best track. It is about the socio-political condition of our country," says the Hyderabadi rapper. We quite like the video too. Wonder why he chooses to talk tough on topics that plague the world when the popular thing to do would be to follow in the footsteps of rappers like Baadshah or even Honey Singh? "I believe that I have a few tools that can help inspire others. It is my responsibility to use the tools properly," says the ardent fan of rappers Tupac, Nas and Immortal Technique.
After forming and then leaving a rock band, StreetViolater started writing rap in 2012, but in English, "I switched to writing in Telugu because I wanted more and more people to engage with what I have to say. But it's tough," admits the full-time budding artist. But being a true hustler, he keeps at it. Talking about hustling, he is currently caught up with his album, which he hopes to positively release by the end of the year. StreetViolater, who gave himself this name because the streets were his hangout more than his home, feels passionately about changing the world or at least doing his bit with his music. Something that makes God proud. So, he believes in God? "I believe in a higher power who is my boss," says the youngster with swag. And he hopes that the same higher power will lead him to music and the music will lead him to the people.
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