Corporate By Day Rapper By Blood

"I'VE MADE PEACE WITH THE UNCERTAINTY... AIN'T NO DIVINE SECRET," SAYS DRAKO, LOOKING AHEAD WITH HOPE-FILLED EYES

- BY SHAHUL HAMEED

It wasn’t until recently that India began witnessing a true rise in independent music artists. With names like Anuv Jain, Prateek Kuhad, and Sai Abhyankkar making waves post-COVID, a new door has opened for raw, homegrown talent. Hanumankind took things up a notch, letting the world bop to his bold verses. Indie rap once a fringe player in the Indian music scene, has now become a simmering hotpot of fresh, fiery voices. One such emerging name is Don, known by his rapper alter ego DRAKO, who's already turning heads with his two breakout singles. In a candid chat, DRAKO walked us through his journey, his hustle to get heard, the grind of balancing a corporate life, and the fire that keeps his music alive. For him, it's all rooted in the city that raised him, the brotherhood of his homies, and the strength he draws from fitness.

Out of all the music genres in the world, why Hip Hop? What drew you to this space, and how did American hip hop and sports culture influence your journey?

Music’s always been my escape. I explore all kinds of genres, but Hip Hop hit different—it felt like a mirror to my life. The struggle, lifestyle, fashion, and that nonstop head bop? Addictive. It’s freedom in its purest form, no rules, just art. My real intro was Los Santos Radio on GTA. From there, I studied rappers—their styles, stories, crews, even business moves. I'd rap their tracks on repeat like rituals. Most of my inspiration came from New York—the Mecca of Hip Hop. That Rucker Park, AND1, streetball vibe shaped me. Today, I carry that energy as DRAKO.

Where did it all begin for you? Was there a defining moment or memory that led you to discover the rapper within?