Double J on A.R. Rahman collaboration; Says,'That’s the biggest validation'

Malayali rapper Double J is thrilled about his collaboration with Oscar-winning composer AR Rahman, marking “a key moment in my musical journey”. The track Mayile , for the Tamil film Moonwalk which has Prabhu Deva in the lead and also, marks the acting debut of the composer features a rap verse by Double J. “I felt that all my hustle had finally paid off,” says the rapper, adding, “It feels like climbing the height of success and God just blessed me with greatness. If Rahman sir thinks I could rap with him, it is the biggest validation. I just feel more confident than ever before,” says Double J.The rapper most recently shared the stage with Rahman for the second time at a show in Chennai and says the experience seemed more special than before. “There’s so much precision and professionalism in every single thing. Even the most minute details are so well handled,” he says. “Whenever I see him on stage and he smiles at me, I’m like, ‘Oh my God, he really recognises who I am.’ It’s still hard to believe.” The moment is also humbling, he explains. “Usually I don’t feel nervous before performances, but this time, I realised how much more there is to learn. Being surrounded by such dedicated artistes was a crazy experience altogether,” he says Double J is known for his “rapidfire delivery and English-language rap”, and has built his presence through independent releases, live performances and digital platforms. This film project has brought fresh attention to his work and introduced his rap style to a wider film audience, he feels.But he points out that gaining acceptance wasn’t easy. “That's how it is for any English rapper in any state in India is hard, as regional languages sail well. But I didn’t feel like myself when I rapped in Malayalam. I love the language, but I grew up with Eminem, Linkin Park and Kanye West. I wanted to show the world that anything is possible, even if people say no to you. The ‘nos’ just added fuel to my fire,” he says Today, he shares that he holds the title of India’s fastest English rapper in the record books, after breaking his own record at 6.9 words per second.Double J's latest single, Winners , the rapper says, celebrates the spirit of achievement and pride. “When someone wins in life, we rejoice and cherish,” he says.“Similarly, I felt this was the moment when I made Kerala proud. DexterDuke, the producer of the track, and I decided to go all in and make this banger for all the visionaries and hardworking people from Kerala,” he concludes.