COVER STORY: The Extraordinary Story Of IKKA

Although rapper Ankit Singh Patyal aka IKKA has added heat to Bollywood tracks and put out albums via major music labels – 2022’s sophomore album Nishu includes a star-studded cast of collaborators – it didn’t always come this easy for him. The artist says, “I’m from a middle-class family; I had big dreams and throughout my childhood, there has been a rollercoaster ride with a lot of highs and lows.” 

With a host of singles that share space with the likes of Diljit Dosanjh, Badshah, Raftaar, MC Stan and DIVINE, IKKA put out his 2020 album, /, via Mass Appeal India, a part of Universal Music Group. In a previous interview with Rolling Stone India, he said, “While growing up, I was introduced to hip-hop and had a chance to listen to many albums by artists such as Nas, Eminem, Jay-Z, 50 Cent, etc. Because of this, over time, I understood the structure of an album in my mind and it became really easy for me to develop my debut hip-hop album /.”

With IKKA now on his way to achieving further success and cementing his position as one of the top rappers in India, we caught up with him to discuss what he has in store in the coming year, his Jamnapar legacy, what success means to him and more. Read below: 

This phase of your career seems to be IKKA 2.0 where you’ve built and achieved a lot of your wishes and dream projects, and are now scaling up. What does 2023 mean to you?

This change was required in my career because the competition is tough and growing. New artists are really performing well. When we started our careers in hip-hop, at the time, the competition wasn’t that much. Now, the competition is so heavy that we need to put in extra effort, which is actually good in a way as it brings out the best in you. Gradually dreams are coming true, and I am thankful to the almighty who blessed me with this talent. 2023 is special to me as there are a lot of opportunities, I have a great team and a lot more music is coming your way.

Last year’s album Nishu and your 2020 debut album I show faces of you that range from emotional to powerful and someone who loves his roots. What is the real story of Ikka? What is the real sound of Ikka?

I come from a middle-class family; I had big dreams and throughout my childhood, there has been a rollercoaster ride with a lot of highs and lows. I and Nishu present my mindset and lifestyle. I am versatile since I had the opportunity to be and work with a lot of versatile artists. And specifically, I am not afraid or hesitant to explore new sounds and genres in music. 

You speak a lot about your Jamnapaar legacy (a reference to the areas east of the Yamuna River from New Delhi). When you look back, do you see yourself as an indomitable fighter or someone who didn’t chase the same old symbols of success?

Jamnapaar is and will always be very close to my heart. I was raised in Jamnapaar, I had made my best friends there, I read comics, learned art, heard about hip-hop there first and eventually became a rapper. There has always been a fighter in me. I’ve always believed in achieving big things and being different in life. From class four in my school, my vision and passion has always been on point.

What does success look like? What are the biggest traits of successful artists?

For me, success is that my family is happy. I can provide them with all the necessities in life. I am sufficient enough to fulfill my responsibilities towards my family. The biggest trait of a successful artist are his habits. He could be creatively sound but until and unless his lifestyle, mindset, etc, are not on point, then he can never achieve what he could have through his art.

Ever since you’ve been involved with music, what are some moments that stand out for you?

A few moments related to my musical journey that stand out for me are the first time I was introduced to hip-hop at my home, met Lil Golu and then Raftaar, first studio session with Honey Singh, when I wrote the first song for Diljit Dosanjh [“Main Fan Bhagat Singh Da”], when I did my first Bollywood track and when due to music, I could travel half the world, apart from many more incidents. 

Which artists are you currently listening to at the moment?

A lot of them, especially Drake, Migos, Seedhe Maut, Rema, Wstrn, Kurupt, 21 Savage and more.

What releases are you working on?

I’m working on so many things at the moment. A lot of collaborations, duets, Bollywood tracks, singles, album, my first EP, etc.

Who has been a collaborator of yours from whom you have learned a lot?

I have learned a lot from Diljit Dosanjh paaji. My melodies have gotten stronger after staying and working with him.

Do you feel like you’re ever misunderstood or misrepresented in the music industry?

God has been kind and I’m blessed enough to think I’ve never been misunderstood or misrepresented as of now in the music industry.

What are the most challenging goals for you musically?

The most challenging goals for me are to create better music over and over again, try my best to refresh my sound, and bring in new topics.

What do you think is your biggest ace, your biggest ikka?

My family, my friends and my music.

Your advice to people starting out in the industry…

Have faith in yourself, and try to realize and have the knowledge to differentiate between good and not-so-good music. Stay with a circle which is like you or more creative than you. Keep a check on your habits and work hard.

Photographer: Prashin Jagger
Art Director: Tanvi Shah
Fashion Editor: Neelangana Vasudeva
Art Assistant: Siddhi Chavan
Make-up and Hair by Hardeep Arora and Rukhsana Memon