Illustrating injustices

A still from the video

Dissent is almost a synonym for hip-hop music. Since its inception, artistes have used the genre as a weapon against authority. And an explosive new track called Low IQ carries the war forward, calling out injustices that are being meted out in the name of development and nationhood.

Parshuraavan

The lyrics are in Gujarati, a relatively uncommon language in the Indian hip-hop space. But the flow that Parshuraavan, who sings the track that he created with Owlist, maintains across three minutes shows how it lends itself easily to rap music. The Jaipur-resident takes potshots at the usual suspects - an authoritarian government, manipulated media and self-serving citizens. Owlist, the producer, sums it up when he says, "This video is created keeping the concept of mob mentality in mind, and the truths that the mob has redefined in their favour. A lot of us have been victims of this over the past few years and are still being targeted; we have our leaders to blame for this cruel, inhumane and fanatic monster that is dividing our society."

Those might sound like dire words. But the music is refreshingly upbeat, with a horn section adding a peppy flavour. It's a smart tactic, since it enables the song to deliver its hard-hitting message without coming across as being preachy about it. On the contrary, there's a distinctly fun vibe to the composition. So yes, it's dissent all right. But who says that you can't have a bit of a party while at it?

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