Hear Mumbai/Miami Hip-Hop Artist Shiv’s Playful New Song ‘Lil Baby’

Making the most of his study abroad stint at the University of Miami, Mumbai-bred Shiv Sharan took on a business degree but is also minoring in music business and entertainment studies. “The reason I wanted to be in Miami was not only to pursue my education but also to get closer to the hip-hop scene in the States,” the 22-year-old says. 

Working on a slew of singles in the last three years which have released nearly every month, the hip-hop artist (who goes by his first name) has now put out a lighthearted new song called “Lil Baby.” Produced by Indo-American beatsmith Arjun Magesh, the song brings together nimble, delay-laden percussive elements over booming bass as Shiv goes into detail about finding a significant other whom you can hold on to despite adverse circumstances and challenges. 

Although it’s probably not the first time we’ve heard this, Shiv says his fans often call him a “Desi Drake,” referring to the Canadian hip-hop star. Shiv concedes that he’s got a long way to go to deserve any comparisons just yet, but he adds that his sound is informed by artists like J. Cole, Big Sean and Tory Lanez. “I’ve listened to their albums for hours on end and studied the art of rap relentlessly in order to create my own sound,” Shiv says. 

Strongly inclined towards to sticking to single releases rather than work on a collection of songs (citing the diversity that can be explored with individual tracks), Shiv says he’s creating more music videos but also exploring different ways to package his music. “I’ve been releasing singles consistently for the last three years, so I’m also working on a more consolidated project for 2021,” he says.

Listen to “Lil Baby” below. Stream on more platforms here.