Career
In 2017, Arivu auditioned and became a part of the The Casteless Collective band, an initiative by film director Pa Ranjith. Arivu rose to prominence as a songwriter and rapper through his electrifying singles, such as the Jaibhim Anthem and Quota song. [1] His independent singles and contributions to numerous hit songs for the band led Arivu to gain recognition for his socially conscious lyrics and ferocious delivery. [2]
Arivu’s debut solo album, "Therukural" (Voice of the Street), produced by Ofro released in 2019, received widespread acclaim for its powerful messages and innovative fusion of hip-hop with traditional Tamil folk music elements. Bangers like Anti-Indian and Kalla Mouni captured the political imagination of the youth and spoke truth to power. Therukural received rave reviews and was featured in Rolling Stone India as one of the top ten Indian albums in 2019. [3] The anti-Indian song was picked up by Rolling Stone India as one of the "politically conscious hip-hop songs" out there. [4] Arivu's lyrics are known for their poignant storytelling and thought-provoking narratives, earning him a dedicated fan base not only in Tamil Nadu but also across India and beyond. [5] [6] [7] [8]
Alongside his journey as an independent musician, Arivu went on to become one of the most sought after rappers and songwriters in the South Indian movie industry. At 24, Arivu became the youngest ever songwriter to pen lyrics for Superstar Rajnikanth in Director Pa Ranjith’s Kaala (2018). Arivu broke the 100-million mark on Youtube through Single Pasanga song for Natpe Thunai (2019). Vathi Raid from Master (2020) is considered one of the fastest Tamil rap song showcasing Arivu's expert rapping abilities. Arivu collaborated with the legendary 2x Oscar winning Music director AR Rahman for Maamannan (2023). He has since made several independent songs in addition to composing songs for Tamil-language films.
Arivu’s single Enjoy Enjaami in collaboration with playback singer Dhee and music director Santhosh Narayanan, broke the glass ceiling for Tamil independent Music by garnering more than 490 million views on Youtube. His contribution of fusing the traditional genre of Oppari with modern rap in his writing and delivery is applauded as one of his authentic trademarks. In Enjoy Enjaami, Arivu explores the complex history of his grandma Valliyamma, an immigrant tea-plantation labourer from Sri Lanka. Later, for the occasion of World Music Day, Enjoy Enjaami was remixed by DJ snake for Spotify Singles.
In August 2021, Rolling Stone India heralded Arivu as ‘the voice of socio-political hip-hop, smashing records and defying social norms’ and featured him in its digital cover. [9]
Arivu collaborated with 3x Grammy winner Ricky Kej for an electrifying single, Kaadu, for Bhoomi 2021 Project curated by the legendary musical duo Salim Sulaiman. "Kaadu" is a high energy anthem dedicated to the importance of forests. A seamless blend of Rap, Tamil folk, Marathi percussion and electronica, Kadu also features vocals by Kannada film composer Charan Raj and flute by virtuoso musician Rasika Shekar. Kaadu is a timely reminder, that we as human beings depend on the forests for our sustenance, and co-existing with all life is key to our survival.
In 2023, Arivu is designated as the curator for Coke Studio Tamil Season 1 along with Sean Roland. He wrote and performed the single Sagavasi along with Khatija Rahman, which become the most listened song of the season with 22 million Youtube views.
Arivu & The Ambassa
Parallel to this, Arivu also leads the 10-piece band Ambassa, founded in 2022 is touring across India and abroad. Ambassa is a colloquial term in Tamil for 50 paise. Arivu and the crew intend to produce music that endorses brotherhood, power, and the strength that lies in unity. [10] On October 7, 2023, Arivu & The Ambassa performed a show title "Ambassa in America" for the University of California, Santa Cruz in the USA. [11] Arivu & The Ambassa’s debut song Tamizh Vazhthu was premiered on Coke Studio Tamil Season 2. Apart from his music career, Arivu is also actively involved in social activism, using his platform to advocate for social change. He continues to be a prominent voice in the Indian hip-hop scene, inspiring listeners with his passionate delivery and commitment to addressing pressing social issues through his art.
