Dacalty is here to shake up the game! As the first Tamil artist signed to Def Jam India, he’s blending slang, breaking barriers, and setting trends in the hip-hop scene. With his hard-hitting debut single Sikko Mode, he’s proving that Tamil rap is ready for the global stage. Get ready for raw energy, unapologetic bars, and a fresh sound straight from the South!
In an exclusive interview with Pooja Kashyap of GrooveNexus, he breaks down his sound, tackles criticism, and shares what’s next for him in the game!
Interview
1. Pooja Kashyap: From Coimbatore to Bengaluru – How has your journey influenced your sound and lyrical style?
Dacalty: I wanted to be unique. People from Coimbatore have their own slang, Chennai has a different slang, and Bengaluru has its own too. So, I thought I’d blend all these styles together so that everyone can vibe with it.
2. Pooja Kashyap: “Sikko Mode” is your debut single with Def Jam India – What does this moment mean to you personally and professionally?
Dacalty: This moment is huge for me, both personally and professionally. Personally, it’s a dream come true. I was amazed and excited when I got their call. I’ve been grinding for years, perfecting my craft, and to see my hard work pay off like this is surreal. And I’m the first-ever artist from Tamil Nadu to sign with Def Jam. It’s proof that if you stay dedicated and believe in yourself, anything is possible.
3. Pooja Kashyap: Your bars are sharp and unapologetic – Do you think the underground rap scene in South India is finally getting the recognition it deserves?
Dacalty: Not yet, but soon we’ll set the scene on fire. The underground rap scene in South India has been building for years. There’s so much raw talent, unique storytelling, and authentic energy that the world hasn’t fully tapped into yet. We’re still in the early stages of getting mainstream recognition, but trust me, it’s coming.
4. Pooja Kashyap: You’ve paid homage to Travis Scott’s “Sicko Mode” – What about that track inspired you to create your own version?
Dacalty: “Sicko Mode” is one of my all-time favorite tracks. What I love most about it is the switch-up in the beat and the high energy. I wanted to take that concept and add my own Southside flavor—our sounds, our vibe—to make it fresh while still paying homage to the original.
5. Pooja Kashyap: Your track addresses criticism head-on – Was there a specific moment that sparked this response?
Dacalty: Yeah, there have been a lot of moments that made me feel the need to speak up. In hip-hop, you have to be real. Music is my way of expressing emotions. When people have things to say—good or bad—I channel that energy into my music. That’s what hip-hop is about: keeping it raw, keeping it honest, and letting the music speak for itself.
6. Pooja Kashyap: Hip-hop is known for its competitive spirit – Do you see yourself as a game-changer in the Tamil rap scene?
Dacalty: Of course! I want to be different. Hip-hop is all about standing out. I want to bring new energy, a unique sound, and put Tamil hip-hop on a global level. I’m not here to follow trends—I’m here to set them.
7. Pooja Kashyap: The beat by Silvan is raw and powerful – How did this collaboration come about?
Dacalty: I got this beat back in 2023. We met at a festival, and that’s when Silvan told me he was a fan of my work. He even rapped a few of my songs to me, which was crazy to see. Then, he played some of his own tracks, and I was instantly impressed. I told him to send me a beat, and when he sent this one, I knew it was the perfect fit. The rawness and power matched exactly what I wanted to create.
8. Pooja Kashyap: If “Sikko Mode” had a visual story, what would it look like? Any plans for a music video?
Dacalty: The music video is already out on social platforms, and it’s something truly different from anything else in the Tamil industry. We wanted to push boundaries—not just with the sound but also with the visuals. If you haven’t seen it yet, you should definitely check it out.
9. Pooja Kashyap: Your track “Makkamishi” for ‘Brother’ made waves – How does writing for films compare to making independent music?
Dacalty: Writing for films is a completely different process compared to making independent music. When you’re writing for a movie, it’s all about aligning with the script and the director’s vision. For “Makkamishi,” my pal Dabba wrote the track. One day, he called, shared the idea, and I loved it. I was fortunate enough to be a part of it and bring my own energy to the track.
10. Pooja Kashyap: Tamil rap is evolving fast – Who are some emerging artists from the scene that deserve more spotlight?
Dacalty: The Tamil rap scene is evolving fast, and it’s exciting to see so many talented artists pushing boundaries. One artist who really deserves more spotlight is Agan. He’s one of my personal favorites and the winner of the Red Bull Spotlight competition.
11. Pooja Kashyap: Language can sometimes be a barrier in the music industry – Do you think Tamil rap has the potential to break into mainstream global hip-hop?
Dacalty: Yes, language can be a barrier, but it’s not impossible to overcome. Tamil and Malayalam are quite similar, so Malayalam speakers can connect with what I’m saying in Tamil. For Hindi-speaking audiences, I haven’t had the chance to perform for them yet. But music goes beyond language—it’s about energy, vibe, and emotion. Tamil rap definitely has the potential to break into mainstream global hip-hop.
12. Pooja Kashyap: With “Sikko Mode” setting the tone, what’s next for you? More singles, an album, or live performances?
Dacalty: With Sikko Mode setting the tone, I’m excited to explore new directions. While I’m definitely working on my albums in the long run, this year, I’m focusing on releasing more singles and ramping up my live performances.
Rapid-Fire Round
Pooja Kashyap: One word to describe Sikko Mode?
Dacalty: Sikko Mode, of course.
Pooja Kashyap: Dream festival to perform at?
Dacalty: Obviously, Lollapalooza.
Pooja Kashyap: Your all-time favorite Tamil rap track?
Dacalty: Damn, It’s Gonna Blow by Yogi B.
Pooja Kashyap: Studio or stage – where do you feel more alive?
Dacalty: Stage, of course.
Pooja Kashyap: Biggest misconception about you?
Dacalty: Some think I’m just here for fame, but I’m genuinely focused on creating music that lasts.
Read More Interviews: AVAION l DJ Hardwell l DJ Martin Jensen l Radical Redemption l Kash Trivedi
About GrooveNexus
At GrooveNexus, we believe in nurturing and empowering emerging artists, allowing them to gain visibility and recognition in the music industry. Our platform is a launchpad for talented musicians to showcase their unique styles, genres, and artistic visions.
For further information, interview requests, or media inquiries, please contact: [email protected].
