Early Life

Naezy, born Naved Shaikh on August 10, 1993, in Mumbai's Kurla suburb, grew up in a lower-middle-class Muslim family facing numerous socio-economic challenges. He developed a love for music early on, inspired by international hip-hop legends like Tupac Shakur and Nas. While attending Guru Nanak Khalsa College, he began writing rap lyrics in Hindi and Urdu, reflecting his life experiences. His breakthrough came with the 2014 debut single "Aafat!," recorded on a borrowed iPad, which quickly gained attention on YouTube. Naezy's early life in the bustling gullies of Mumbai profoundly influenced his music, making him a voice for urban youth.

Career

Early Career and Breakthrough (2013-2015):

• Began writing rap lyrics and recording his music using a borrowed iPad.
• Uploaded his first tracks to YouTube, gaining initial attention.
• Released "Aafat!" which quickly went viral due to its raw depiction of life in Mumbai's gullies.
• The DIY nature of the video, shot and edited by Naezy, resonated with a wide audience.
• "Aafat!" established Naezy as a significant voice in the Indian hip-hop scene.
• His unique style and authentic storytelling caught the attention of music enthusiasts and media alike.

Collaborations and Major Hits (2015-2017):

• Teamed up with fellow rapper Divine for the track "Mere Gully Mein" in 2015.
• The song became an anthem for the gully rap movement, solidifying both artists' places in the industry.
• Started performing at various music festivals and events, gaining a broader fanbase.
• Featured in several interviews and articles, bringing further visibility to Indian hip-hop.

Mainstream Success and Gully Boy (2018-2019):

• Continued to release tracks that highlighted socio-political issues, resonating with a growing audience.
• Songs like "Asal Hustle" and "Haq Hai" became popular for their lyrical depth and social commentary.
• Naezy's life and music, along with Divine's, inspired the Bollywood film "Gully Boy" (2019), directed by Zoya Akhtar.
• The film starred Ranveer Singh and Alia Bhatt and brought mainstream attention to the Indian hip-hop scene.
• "Gully Boy" was a critical and commercial success, further elevating Naezy's profile.
• The movie's success led to a surge in interest in Indian hip-hop, inspiring many new artists.

Recent Work and Ongoing Influence (2020-Present):

• Naezy has continued to release new music, including singles and collaborations with other artists.
• His recent tracks maintain his signature style of addressing social issues and personal experiences.
• Uses his platform to speak on various social and political issues, advocating for the underrepresented and marginalized.
• Remains a key figure in the Indian hip-hop community, inspiring a new generation of rappers from similar backgrounds.
• His success has paved the way for greater acceptance and recognition of hip-hop in India.
• Continues to perform at major music festivals and concerts across India and internationally.
• His live performances are known for their high energy and connection with the audience.

Awards & Recognition

• Rolling Stone India Award, 2015- Best Music Video for "Mere Gully Mein".
• GIMA Award, 2016- Nominated for Best Hip Hop Song for "Mere Gully Mein".
• Radio City Freedom Awards, 2017- Best Hip Hop Artist.
• Forbes India 30 Under 30, 2019- Recognized for contributions to music and culture.
• MTV India Award, 2019- Best Hip Hop Artist.
• Outlook Social Media Award, 2019- Recognized for Music and Social Impact.
• Impact of “Gully Boy”, 2019- The film inspired by Naezy's life won numerous awards, including Best Film at the Filmfare Awards.
• Red Bull Spotlight, 2020- Recognized for pioneering Indian hip-hop.