Hip-hop-focused label Mass Appeal India has signed superstar Indian rapper, singer-songwriter, producer and composer, IKKA, who has had more than 1 billion streams to date.
IKKA’s full-length debut hip-hop album, I, will be released on Mass Appeal India in the coming months.
Mass Appeal India was launched in August 2019 as a partnership between Mass Appeal, Nas’ urban culture focused entertainment company and Universal Music India.
Mass Appeal India was touted by the major music company as “an innovative new label dedicated to amplifying India’s burgeoning hip-hop culture on a global scale”.
IKKA’s upcoming album revolves around IKKA’s real life story and his experiences within India’s hip-hop community and will feature collaborations including; DIVINE, Raftaar, Lil Golu and many more.
The album’s first single, Level Up, will be released on October 26 2020, and features Indian rapper and Mass Appeal label mate, DIVINE.
IKKA’s signing follows the news in March that Grammy nominated Indian-American rapper, singer, songwriter, and dancer Raja Kumari became the first-female rapper to sign with the label.
“We started Mass Appeal India to give local, talented artists a platform to rise and achieve their dreams. IKKA is just that, an incredible talent making great music, and I am proud to welcome him to the squad.”
Nas
Nas, said: “We started Mass Appeal India to give local, talented artists a platform to rise and achieve their dreams.
“IKKA is just that, an incredible talent making great music, and I am proud to welcome him to the squad.”
“I’m so excited to join Nas and the Mass Appeal India family.”
IKKA
IKKA added: “I’m so excited to join Nas and the Mass Appeal India family. I first started my music career as a hip hop artist.
“Hip-hop has always been my first priority and passion, ever since I started listening to the genre with Eminem back in 2003, when I was just 14 years old.
“It’s an honour to be part of such a thriving ecosystem and I am looking forward to collaborating with Mass Appeal India to deliver some path-breaking hip hop hits for global audiences.”
“Mass Appeal India is dedicated to bringing the best and most authentic Indian hip-hop to the world, and I am thrilled that we have now added IKKA to our incredible artist roster.”
Devraj Sanyal, UMG
Devraj Sanyal, MD & CEO of UMG, India & South Asia, said: “Mass Appeal India is dedicated to bringing the best and most authentic Indian hip-hop to the world, and I am thrilled that we have now added IKKA to our incredible artist roster.
“One of the most talented hip hop writers in the scene and with a flow that equals the best in the business, signing him to Mass Appeal India was a no brainer.
“Having already worked together on his hit non-film releases for our Vyrl Originals label, I know that his passion for hip-hop will help elevate the scene to new heights and I couldn’t be more proud that we are the team that will A&R, market and work with IKKA to unleash his music globally together.”
“His signing is yet another major step in our quest to bring Hip Hop to the masses of India.”
Peter Bittenbender, Mass Appeal
Peter Bittenbender, CEO of Mass Appeal, said: “I met IKKA earlier this year and immediately recognized his immense talents and humble approach from our first conversation.
“We are so glad to now have him part of the Mass Appeal India team. His signing is yet another major step in our quest to bring Hip Hop to the masses of India”Music Business Worldwide
