In his new 11-track album Not So Hip-Hop, which he describes as an “Avengers Assemble” of artists, Hatsmyth brings together collaborators who have never appeared on a project together before. He sees the album as a collection of relatable emotional reflections that many people experience. He also believes that much of Malayalam indie music suffers from a “hidden mediocrity,” with many songwriters and producers not pushing themselves to create something truly lasting.
The album’s origins go back to 2019, when Rajat began creating a few songs as a personal journal during a difficult period in his life. He was questioning his place and felt pressured and insecure from friends, family, and the industry. Although he eventually discarded those early tracks, he revisited them in 2024 after his song “Vandine Thedum” went viral. This success encouraged him to work on a full hip-hop album, which he developed from November 2024 to May 2025. Songs from the album, such as “Omalaale,” have already become Instagram trends, going viral across Kerala. He continues to release songs from the album, with the next one set to follow “Kanna Dence.”
Not So Hip-Hop stands out as a boundary-pushing project that challenges traditional expectations of Kerala hip-hop. Featuring an impressive lineup of Kerala-based artists, the album offers a fresh and innovative sound that blends experimental elements with thoughtful social commentary. The mix of hip-hop, electronic, and world music influences reflects the evolution of the state’s music scene.
Hatsmyth’s musical journey began in 2011 during his high school years under the alias RJspArK, when he started uploading original tracks to YouTube. Rajat Prakash, also known as Hatsmyth, was already representing independent voices as a YouTube musician based in Delhi long before Kerala’s indie scene became mainstream. His breakthrough came with the viral hit “Shambho Shankara Namah Sivay” in 2016, which has accumulated more than 8.4 million views on YouTube and over 20 million streams across platforms. His English collaborations also received international attention through various networks.
For Rajat, music has never been about following trends. It has always been about filling a void. Hatsmyth was created from his desire to make the kind of music he felt was missing from the scene. His sound blends electronic, pop, R&B, hip-hop, psy, and ambient influences with lyrics in Malayalam, Hindi, and English. These elements are connected through his deep sense of mood and storytelling.
Over the years, Rajat’s dedication to the independent music community has grown far beyond his own artistry. He has been a vocal advocate for the rise of indie music in India and has used podcasts and open platforms to educate emerging artists on music production, self-promotion, and navigating the complex and rapidly changing independent landscape. From his early days in Delhi to his recent projects in Kerala, Rajat has played an important role in creating a culture of collaboration, support, and inspiration in the underground community.
In 2018, he composed music for more than a hundred short films and ads. His debut as a film music director came with Archana 31 Not Out, featuring Aishwarya Lekshmi, Indrans, and Ramesh Pisharody. This solidified his reputation as a versatile composer in both indie and commercial spaces. He has collaborated with major brands like Netflix, Snapdragon, Saina Music, Think Music, Martin Prakkat Films, and Saregama Music, always while staying rooted in the indie spirit of freedom and experimentation.
During the COVID-19 lockdown, Hatsmyth showcased his humor and cultural awareness on Instagram with his viral series “What if it was in Malayalam?”. In this series, he reimagined famous English pop songs in Malayalam. His version of Justin Bieber’s “Vaave” became a widely shared meme and brought joy during a challenging time.
Throughout his journey, he has consistently revealed his vulnerable side as an artist. His indie releases such as “Vandine Thedum”, Njanoru Poovin Mottu” (featured in Othalanga Thuruth), “Athimanoharam” (from Vaazha), and “Kannil Kannil” were among the biggest viral hits of 2024. These songs encouraged listeners to pay closer attention to the depth and meaning of lyrics.
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