Lady Kash

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Lady Kash
Photograph of Lady Kash.jpg
Lady Kash, Singaporean-Tamil rapper and songwriter
Background information
Birth nameKalaivani Nagaraj
Born Singapore, c. 1990
Origin Thanjavur, India
Genres Hip-hop, rap, film soundtrack
Occupation(s) Rapper, songwriter, record executive, creative entrepreneur
Years active2007–present
LabelsAKASHIK
Website ladykashonline.com

Lady Kash, born Kalaivani Nagaraj in 1990, is a Singaporean-Tamil rapper and songwriter. [1]

Contents

Kash's founded AKASHIK, her independent record label, in 2013. [2] In 2018, she collaborated with Poongani Amma to release the bilingual hip-hop song "Villupaattu", [3] which featured Villu Paatu (a type of storytelling through music). [4] [5]

In 2023, her hip-hop single, "Two Cents," was used in the Netflix comedy-drama series, Never Have I Ever. [6] [7]

Over the years, Kash has collaborated with composers such as A. R. Rahman, Yuvan Shankar Raja, Anirudh Ravichander, Santhosh Narayanan, Harris Jayaraj, and Thaman S.

Biography

Kalaivani Nagaraj was born in Singapore and later moved to Thanjavur, India, as a teenager to pursue her studies. [8] She began her career as a rapper and songwriter in 2007. [9]

Professional career

In 2010, she co-wrote and recorded "Irumbile Oru Irudhaiyam” with A. R. Rahman, [10] a main song for the Indian Tamil-language film Enthiran . [11]

In January 2014, Kash made her Bollywood debut with the song "Wanna Mash Up?," composed by A. R. Rahman, for the film Highway. [12]

In July 2016, Kash was featured in "Hai Futsal," the official anthem of Premier Futsal, composed by A. R. Rahman, and also featuring Rahman, Virat Kohli, and Karthik. That same year, she released her rendition of "Neruppu Da," a song from the film Kabali . The track was released by AKASHIK in conjunction with Think Music India. [13]

On A. R. Rahman's 50th birthday in 2017, Kash released "Rap Smash," a one-take video medley of the composer's rap hits. She also released a rework of Cardi B's "Bodak Yellow" in support of #MeToo. [14] Since then, she has released "I Told You So" in February 2018 and "Villupaattu" on March 29, 2018. [15]

In 2021, she participated in the Tamil edition of the reality show Survivor, filmed in Zanzibar, Tanzania, and produced by Zee Tamil and Banijay Asia. [16]

Performance history

Kash has performed internationally in Canada, Switzerland, the UK, Malaysia, Sri Lanka, Dubai, and India. [17] During A. R. Rahman's 2014 Infinite Love concert tour, she performed "Irumbile Oru Irudhaiyam" alongside him. She also performed "Rap War" during his Nenje Ezhu concert tour series in 2016 (held in Chennai, Coimbatore, and Madurai), and "Rap War 2.0" at A. R. Rahman Live in Dubai in 2017.

In 2017, she performed at desiFEST in Yonge–Dundas Square (now Sankofa Square) and appeared twice with Anirudh Ravichander during his concerts in Singapore in 2014 and 2016. [18]

Discography

Originals

RecordCategoryTrack LanguageOriginal artistLyricsMusic ComposerAdditional VocalsMixMasterFormatLabelReleaseNotes
Villupaattu [19] OriginalTamil/EnglishLady KashLady Kash Balamurali Balu V.M. MahalingamSunny M.R. - Mumbai, IndiaSunny M.R. - Mumbai, IndiaDigital DownloadAKASHIK29 March 2018Bilingual hip-hop/rap single which was a BBC Asian Network exclusive worldwide premiere on 25 March 2018
I Told You So [20] OriginalEnglishLady KashLady KashSteve Cliff Valentine, Kirishan SureshDivya VivekanandanStudio Fourteen - Toronto, CanadaStudio Fourteen - Toronto, CanadaDigital DownloadAKASHIK22 February 2018Hiphop/rap single with a music video released on 27 March 2018
Running In The Same Space [21] SingleEnglishLady Kash [22]

Soundtracks & projects

RecordCategoryMovieTrack o-Singer(s)LyricsMusic ComposerLabelReleaseNotes
Thala Keezha [23] Soundtrack Coffee with Kadhal (Tamil)TamilNithyashree Venkataramanan Snehan Yuvan Shankar Raja U1 Records 11 October 2022
OMG Daddy [24] Soundtrack Ala Vaikunthapurramuloo (Telugu)Telugu/English Rahul Sipligunj, Roll Rida, Blaaze, Rahul Nambiar Krishna Chaitanya S. Thaman Aditya Music 23 February 2020 (music video)
Enga Kayila Natta KudungaSoundtrack Adutha Saattai (Tamil)TamilChellankuppam Subramaniyan Yugabharathi Justin Prabhakaran Muzik2477 August 2019
Kalla Kalavaani (Tamil)/Nannu Nammanee (Telugu)Soundtrack Chekka Chivantha Vaanam (Tamil)/ Nawab (Telugu)Tamil/Telugu/EnglishShakthisree GopalanVairamuthu and Lady Kash (Tamil)/ Sirivennela Seetharama Sastry (Telugu)A. R. Rahman Sony Music 5 September 2018
SupermodelSoundtrackGraghanam (Tamil)/Grahanam (Telugu)Tamil/EnglishLady KashSundaramurthy K.S.U1 Records2 May 2017-
Mission To SydneySoundtrackSi3 (Tamil)Tamil/EnglishLady Kash, HariHarris Jayaraj Eros Music 27 November 2016-
Kaatril AeriSoundtrackParandhu Sella Va (Tamil)Tamil/EnglishJoshua SridharNa. Muthukumar, Lady KashJoshua SridharSaregama2 October 2016-
Neruppu DaSoundtrackKabaliTamilLady Kash, Arunraja KamarajSanthosh NarayananAKASHIK / Think Music India14 July 2016Exclusive Version released by AKASHIK in collaboration with Santhosh Narayanan / Think Music India
Wanna Mash UpSoundtrackHighway (Hindi)EnglishSuvi Suresh, KrissyLady Kash, KrissyA. R. RahmanT-Series24 January 2014-
Oh PenneSoundtrack Vanakkam Chennai Tamil/EnglishAnirudh RavichanderLady KashAnirudh RavhichanderAKASHIK / Sony Music India 17 October 2013Original Version released by AKASHIK in collaboration with Anirudh Ravichander / Sony Music India
Pickle JarSoundtrackPickles The Movie (Tamil/English)Tamil/EnglishKrissy, MKLady Kash, Krissy, MKTR Krishna ChetanTantra18 June 2011-
Hold OnSoundtrackPickles The Movie (Tamil/English)Tamil/EnglishLady KashTR Krishna ChetanTantra18 June 2011-
Bul BulSoundtrackDevadas (Kannada)Kannada/EnglishShashankLady Kash, V. Nagendra PrasadJoshua SridharJhankar Music13 May 2011-
Priyankari RemixSoundtrackThe Thriller (Malayalam)Malayalam/English Benny Dayal, Mamta Mohandas, KrissyLady Kash, Hari NarayananDharan KumarManorama Music17 November 2010-
Ileana IleanaSoundtrackHuduga Hudugi (Kannada)Kannada/EnglishBenny Dayal, RitaLady Kash, KavirajJoshua Sridhar Anand Audio 12 November 2010-
Bathing At CannesSoundtrackEngeyum Kaadhal (Tamil)Tamil/EnglishEmcee Jesz, Ranina Reddy, KrissyLady Kash, Emcee JeszHarris JayarajSony Music8 November 2010-
Gaana BhajanaSoundtrackGaana Bajaana (Kannada)Kannada/EnglishJoshua Sridhar, Sayanora PhillipLady Kash, SinchanaJoshua SridharAnand Audio29 October 2010-
Naina Miley [25] SoundtrackThe Robot (Hindi)Hindi/EnglishA. R. Rahman, Suzanne D’Mello, KrissyLady Kash, Swanand Kirkire, KrissyA. R. RahmanVenus14 August 2010-
IrumbileSoundtrackEnthiran - The Robot (Tamil)Tamil/EnglishA. R. Rahman, KrissyLady Kash, Madhan Karky, KrissyA. R. Rahman Think Music India 31 July 2010-
DocheySoundtrackPuli (Telugu)Telugu/English Shreya Goshal, KrissyLady Kash, Chandrabose, KrissyA. R. RahmanSony Music11 July 2010-
Pappu HippoSoundtrackPappu (Telugu)Telugu/EnglishYashwanth, Radhika, Phani KalyanLady KashPhani Kalyan Aditya Music 25 June 2010-

Projects

RecordCategoryTrack LanguageOriginal ArtistLyricsMusic ComposerAdditional VocalsMixMasterFormatLabelReleaseNotes
Can You Hear The WorldProjectTamil/EnglishBhavatharini, Lady Kash, Various artistsLady Kash, Shalini SinghBhavathariniA R Raihanah, Aishwarya R Dhanush, Shalini Singh & Various artistsM Kumaraguruparan, U1 Records - Chennai, IndiaM Kumaraguruparan, U1 Records - Chennai, IndiaDigital DownloadU1 Records8 March 2018In honour of International Women's Day 2018
Rap War 2.0ProjectTamil/EnglishLady Kash, Sri Rascol, ADKLady Kash, Sri Rascol, ADK, Respective SongwritersA. R. Rahman-Panchattan Studios / AM Studios - Chennai, IndiaPanchattan Studios / AM Studios - Chennai, IndiaLive PerformanceA. R. Rahman17 March 2017A. R. Rahman Live in Dubai
Naam Hai FutsalProjectHindi/EnglishA. R. Rahman, Virat Kohli, Lady Kash, KarthikLady Kash, DDB Mudra GroupA. R. Rahman-Panchattan Studios / AM Studios - Chennai, IndiaPanchattan Studios / AM Studios - Chennai, IndiaDigital DownloadUnisys Music13 July 2016Premier Futsal Anthem
Rap WarProjectTamil/EnglishLady Kash, Blaaze, ADKLady Kash, Blaaze, ADK, Respective SongwritersA. R. Rahman-Panchattan Studios / AM Studios - Chennai, IndiaPanchattan Studios / AM Studios - Chennai, IndiaLive PerformanceA. R. Rahman16 January 2016Nenje Ezhu - Concert tour series covering Chennai, Coimbatore and Madurai for flood relief efforts & A. R. Rahman Live in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Semmozhiyaana Tamizh MozhiyaamProjectTamilA. R. Rahman, Lady Kash, Various artistsM. KarunanidhiA. R. RahmanT. M. Soundararajan, P. Susheela, Hariharan, Yuvan Shankar Raja, Bombay Jayashri, Chinmayi, Harini & Various artistsPanchattan Studios / AM Studios - Chennai, IndiaPanchattan Studios / AM Studios - Chennai, IndiaDigital DownloadA. R. Rahman15 May 2010More than 50 artists/musicians of Indian origin came together for the Anthem of the World Classical Tamil Conference 2010

Renditions

RecordCategoryTrack LanguageOriginal artistLyricsMusic ComposerMusic ProductionAdditional VocalsMixMasterFormatLabelReleaseNotes
Bodak Yellow – Lady KashRemix/ReworkEnglishCardi BLady KashJWhiteDidItKrishmusic-Studio FlyVision - Paris, FranceStudio FlyVision - Paris, FranceDigital DownloadAKASHIK10 December 2017Released in support of the #MeToo movement focusing on empowerment
Rap Smash – Lady KashRemix/ReworkTamil/EnglishLady Kash, Respective artistsLady Kash, Respective SongwritersA. R. Rahman Balamurali Balu -Sunny M.R. - Mumbai, IndiaSunny M.R. - Mumbai, IndiaDigital DownloadAKASHIK6 January 2017First-ever medley consisting of A. R. Rahman's popular rap hits which was released with a one-take music video on the composer's 50th birthday
Desi Kalakaar – Lady KashRemix/ReworkTamil/Hindi/EnglishYo Yo Honey SinghLady Kash, Yo Yo Honey SinghYo Yo Honey SinghDJ AKSYo Yo Honey SinghReaks Records - Dubai, UAEReaks Records - Dubai, UAEDigital DownloadAKASHIK26 October 2014Collaboration with DJ AKS; winner of World Top DJs Awards
This Is Love – Lady Kash, KrissyRemix/ReworkTamil/Englishwill.i.am, Eva SimonsLady Kash, Krissy, William Adams, Eva Simons, Steve Angello, Mike Hamilton, Sebastian Ingross, Max Martinwill.i.am, Steve Angello, Sebastian IngrossoCharles Bosco-Bosco Studios - London, United KingdomJemi Sitanayah - IndonesiaDigital DownloadIndependent Release7 August 2013Desi rework produced in London, United Kingdom
Replay – Lady KashRemix/ReworkEnglishIyazLady Kash, J.R. Rotem, Jason Derulo, Sean Kingston, Timothy Thomas, Theron Thomas, Keidran JonesJ.R. RotemEdward SandersIyazEdward Sanders - Los Angeles, USAEdward Sanders - Los Angeles, USADigital DownloadIndependent Release14 February 2013Valentine's Day edition

Collaboration

RecordCategoryTrack LanguageOriginal artistLyricsMusic ComposerAdditional VocalsMixMasterFormatLabelReleaseNotes
AdiyeCollaborationTamil/EnglishLady Kash, Abhay Jodhpurkar Lady Kash, Jeffrey JonathanJeffrey JonathanA R Raihanah, Aishwarya R Dhanush, Shalini Singh & Various artistsVinod Verma - Mumbai, IndiaVinod Verma - Mumbai, IndiaDigital DownloadSony Music South12 November 2015Music video filmed in India
KuppaiCollaborationTamil/EnglishRahul Nambiar, Lady Kash, KrissyLady Kash, Rahul Nambiar, Naveen Madhav, KrissyRahul NambiarPDMS - Mumbai, IndiaPDMS - Mumbai, IndiaDigital DownloadChannel 73 November 2014Music video filmed in India
SirithuCollaborationTamil/EnglishSarangan, Lady Kash, KrissyLady Kash, Pa. Vijay, Krissy, SaranganSarangan SriranganathanMulti Facet International - Sydney, AustraliaMulti Facet International - Sydney, AustraliaDigital DownloadSarangan Music16 August 2013Music video filmed in Australia
Hey PenneyCollaborationTamil/EnglishJMal, Lady Kash, KrissyLady Kash, Yuwaji, KrissyDamian MikhailShugar Studios - Petaling Jaya, MalaysiaShugar Studios - Petaling Jaya, MalaysiaDigital DownloadContinental Records28 July 2013Music video filmed in Malaysia
Without Your LoveCollaborationEnglishLady Kash, Mez Mariyé, KrissyLady Kash, Mez Mariyé, KrissyMetrognomeTR Krishna Chetan - Chennai, IndiaTR Krishna Chetan - Chennai, IndiaDigital DownloadIndependent Release7 May 2013Music video filmed in Singapore

Television

YearShowRoleChannel
2021 Survivor Participant Zee Tamil

References

  1. Saravana, Priya (8 June 2018). "Rap offered me the freedom society didn't: Lady Kash, Singaporean Tamil-English rapper". TheNewsMinute.com. Retrieved 16 July 2025.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link)
  2. "The Journey". www.ladykashonline.com. Retrieved 3 July 2025.
  3. Saravana, Priya (8 June 2018). "Rap offered me the freedom society didn't: Lady Kash, Singaporean Tamil-English rapper". The News Minute. Retrieved 6 March 2024.
  4. Newsd (3 November 2018). "Poongani Amma passes away: Know how Singapore rapper brought her unheard melodies to India's main stage". Newsd.in. Retrieved 6 March 2024.
  5. "Poongani amma is in the limelight again after award-winning rapper Lady Kash made a song in honor of her". The News Minutes. 23 May 2018.
  6. "Never Have I Ever Season 4 Soundtrack Guide: Every Song & When It Plays". Screen Rant. 8 June 2023.
  7. Edwards, Chris (8 June 2023). "Here's every song in the 'Never Have I Ever' season four soundtrack". NME. Retrieved 23 May 2025.
  8. Nadu, Tamil (8 June 2018). "Rap offered me the freedom society didn't: Lady Kash, Singaporean Tamil-English rapper".
  9. "The Journey". www.ladykashonline.com. Retrieved 21 January 2025.
  10. "Song Of The Day: 'Irumbile Oru Idhaiyam' Form 'Enthiran'". Silverscreen India. 17 August 2019.
  11. "Two young music directors Nayanthara-Sarkunam horror flick - Tamil Movie News - IndiaGlitz.com". IndiaGlitz.com. Retrieved 18 June 2018.
  12. "Inside music star A.R. Rahman's Singapore connection ahead of his National Stadium concert". The Straits Times. Archived from the original on 21 November 2024. Retrieved 21 January 2025.
  13. "'Kabali' Cover Tunes Anyone? We've Got You Covered!". The Quint. Retrieved 18 June 2018.
  14. "The Journey". www.ladykashonline.com. Retrieved 3 July 2025.
  15. "The bow's song: Once famous, 84-yr-old villupaattu artist Poongani now lives in poverty". The News Minute. 23 May 2018. Retrieved 11 November 2018.
  16. "Lady Kash quits Survivor; alleges makers didn't care she had COVID symptoms - Times of India". The Times of India. 7 October 2021. Retrieved 13 November 2022.
  17. "Rap offered me the freedom society didn't: Lady Kash, Singaporean Tamil-English rapper". The News Minute. 8 June 2018. Retrieved 18 June 2018.
  18. "Anirudh Live in Singapore on 26th July - Times of India". The Times of India. Retrieved 18 June 2018.
  19. "Spotify". open.spotify.com. Retrieved 15 February 2025.
  20. "Spotify". open.spotify.com. Retrieved 15 February 2025.
  21. Beandon, Raeburn (12 May 2023). "Tamil-English rapper Lady Kash talks about persevering in a chaotic world, running her own label and creating spaces for independent artists". Hear65. Retrieved 30 June 2024.
  22. Running In The Same Space, 7 April 2023, retrieved 29 April 2025
  23. "Spotify". open.spotify.com. Retrieved 15 February 2025.
  24. "Spotify". open.spotify.com. Retrieved 15 February 2025.
  25. "Kash N' Krissy". Discogs. Retrieved 26 March 2025.