Chennai’s independent hip-hop scene gets a sharp new addition with rapper Yasin’s latest Tamil single, Dei Thambi , a high-energy track that tackles toxic behaviour, infidelity and disrespect towards women through satire, humour and biting local slang.
Tenma, meanwhile, has been a key figure in Chennai’s independent music movement, having first made his mark with the indie band Kurangan before co-founding The Casteless Collective. He has also worked extensively as a film composer and currently runs an independent music label and a platform focused on music production education. Looking for trusted parenting advice? Follow TOI Parenting Circle on Instagram for expert guidance, relatable stories, and practical tips delivered every day.
Because i wanted to troll a friend of mine, so I made this song, “This started.
Meaning “Hey Little Brother”, the song began as a playful attempt to call out a friend but evolved into a broader commentary on the kind of behaviour that often goes unchecked. Somewhere in the process, I realised we all have that one friend who needs to be called out,” says Yasin. We have made a lot of music together and this is one of the first tracks from that arsenal to see the light,” says Tenma. Describing the track, Jeff Soares, Senior Associate A&R and Operations Manager at Gully Gang Entertainment, says, “This is a rare kind of record, one that makes you move and moves you at the same time. Yasin and Tenma have made something that is funny and sharp and still says something worth hearing.
Rather than taking a preachy approach, Yasin uses Chennai’s distinctive slang, wit and sharp storytelling to deliver his message, with an infectious Spanish refrain adding an unexpected flavour to the hook. “Working on this with Tenma sir was pure fun. We didn’t overthink it — we just let the music speak. The track is produced by Chennai-based independent music pioneer Tenma, marking a collaboration that brings together two generations of the city’s alternative hip-hop movement. “I am back in the studio, working straight out of the box with Yasin. “Yasin is a treat to work with. The song also reflects a growing cross-regional exchange within India’s independent hip-hop landscape, connecting Chennai’s Tamil music ecosystem with a wider national audience. For Yasin, the song continues his practice of turning everyday experiences into music. Raised in a working-class family in Chennai, the rapper and lyricist writes across Tamil, English and Hindi, often combining humour, personal experiences and social observations. His work explores relationships, ambition and the contradictions of everyday life in the city.