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Rounak Chakraborty aka Cizzy, as he goes by on Instagram, is a gifted rapper and entertainer from Kolkata. Cizzy has been a part of the rap scene of the city of joy for quite some time now. At a time when most Indian rap was written in English, Cizzy pushed locals to write in their vernacular language. He also runs cyphers and workshops to help upcoming rappers. Recently, he joined hands with Mr.Babu Records to pump out a really cool EP, which begins with a rap song by Cizzy himself. In the song titled Change Hobe Puro Scene, Cizzy has explored a sentiment which has been playing out in our minds during the quarantine. It is written in anticipation of the post-COVID world, which might be way different from what it had been before. The track is accompanied by fantastic visuals, which take you on a flight into the future and how it might pan out for people living in Kolkata specifically. It is in no way reminiscent of the dystopian post-apocalyptic voices we often associate with the aftermath of a tragedy. Instead, it puts on the platter a hopeful speculation of the good things that might follow.
I. How did you get an idea about the kind of story you wanted to tell through the song in your E.P ?
Change Hobey Puro Scene is a part of an EP titled East Ended Play by DJ Skip. This album features some of the coolest Bangla sample flips. When Mr. Babu approached me with this beat, I immediately agreed, because I knew it was the perfect opportunity for me to speak my mind. My city has played a major role in shaping me as an artist. Previously, with tracks like Kolkatar Rasta, Kolkata etc, I have tried to share my experiences with my listeners and that has always been my forté. That’s what I wanted to portray yet again, but this time I had the intention of moving forward. The negativity that surrounds us right now, will be over if we just keep moving forward. So with a hope of a bright new day, I started penning down, “Change hobey puro scene, kal asbe notun ek din...”[The whole scene will change. Tomorrow will be a new day.]
II. What/who have been some of your biggest inspirations over the years of your artistic career & why?
My initial inspiration was obviously my family, who are all into music. I have been learning Hindustani classical music, Rabindra Sangeet, and Bangla folk ever since I was a little kid. Later, in my teenage years, when I discovered Linkin Park and Lil Wayne, I decided to start rapping. A-list showed me the true meaning of freestyle rap. Then I switched to Bangla Rap, where I found my own voice. My Bangla writing is majorly influenced by the styles of Sukumar Ray, Rupankar Bagchi, and pretty much all the Bengali stalwarts.
III. What tools and strategies do you implement in order to make music that resonates with the people of Bengal?
I am a dreamer. I have a very optimistic point of view. I try to provide insight, an in-depth realisation or perspective through my writing. All this while keeping the words simple so that everyone can relate. I use weapons like sarcasm, wordplay, metaphors etc. I am also a music producer/composer, so I am trying to find an original sound which resonates with Bengal and its people.
IV. Are there any Indian contemporaries of yours whose work you admire? (Please share Instagram handles.)
@imjoesjoint, @prabhdeepmusic, @mcbijjuu, @tienasmusic, @treessmusic, @aayondab, @thisisparkcircus and obviously our very own @djayskip .
V. What is the first piece of art/photograph/film/music that impacted you deeply and why?
It was actually a famous piece of literature by Sukumar Ray, titled Hojoborolo. I read it when I was a child, but as I grew up, I started to formulate new theories around the metaphoric display of words by the legendary writer. I think that opened up my mind a lot.
VI. If you could propose and lead a project with the Indian Government, what would it be?
It would definitely be a project which ends all discrimination and restores peace. I believe that only a project that’s led by artists and dreamers can achieve this.
VII. Which is your favourite piece of work of your own & why?
I made a track titled Juddho back in 2013 but kept it unreleased till last year. I sampled some lyrics from a Satyajit Ray classic, Halla Rajar Sena and added some of my own lyrics to it. It raises various questions regarding war and discrimination. It still remains my favourite piece of work.
VIII. One track you’re currently listening to?
Pusha T - Nosetalgia ft. Kendrick Lamar
X. Your favourite midnight munchies?
I sleep early. Didn’t I already say, I’m a dreamer? Haha!
XI. Your greatest vice?
Sometimes, I get confused between being an artist and being an entertainer. I feel like, at times, I care too much about my artistic satisfaction, and as a result, I end up not delivering satisfactorily to my audience.
You can check out his latest work here.
You can check out his Instagram here.
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