By: Staff
Rising hip-hop sensation karan is back with his latest single, “CASHRULES”, a high-energy, West Coast-inspired track that’s bound to dominate playlists. This bouncy anthem showcases karan’s smooth flows, sharp lyricism, and knack for crafting tracks that linger long after the beat stops.
With over 10 million all-time streams and 4 million listeners worldwide, karan has built a devoted global fanbase spanning the US, Canada, the UK, Germany, and Singapore. Following chart-topping successes like Memento and Saint, karan continues to prove why he’s one of the most captivating independent artists in the game today.
Now based in Canada, karan first made waves in Singapore’s hip-hop scene, blending alternative R&B with hard-hitting rap in a style uniquely his own. His journey from the viral success of his debut single XO to headlining stages graced by legends like Prince and Daniel Caesar has been nothing short of extraordinary. Tracks like timezones and Memento have earned him #1 spots on iTunes and prominent playlist features, cementing his place as a rising star on the international stage.
“CASHRULES” marks another milestone in karan’s evolving sound, blending his love for smooth R&B vibes and hip-hop grit with the undeniable swagger of West Coast beats. The single is also a taste of what’s to come with his highly anticipated debut album, “Echoes From The Hills.”
We spoke with karan to dig deeper into the making of “CASHRULES,” his creative process, and what fans can expect next. From his recording spaces to his trusted collaborators, and his take on navigating the music industry as an independent artist, karan shares it all in this exclusive interview.
Keep reading to get an inside look into the world of karan and the story behind his latest hit!
Begin Interview:
Hello karan, we’re thrilled to have you for this interview! We’ve had a blast diving into your music and exploring your work, and now we’re even more excited to learn more about you, both as an artist, and as a person.
karan: Thank you so much for having me. I’m excited to dive in and share more about my journey!
Your music has amassed over 10 million streams and 4 million listeners globally, with strong fanbases in countries like the US, Canada, the UK, Germany, and Singapore. How does it feel to have such a global reach, and does this influence the decisions you make as an artist?
karan: It’s honestly surreal to see how far my music has reached. There are moments when I reflect on the achievements, and I feel a mix of disbelief and gratitude. It’s humbling to think something I created could connect with someone halfway across the world who doesn’t share my language, culture, or life experiences. It speaks to the universal power of music.
That global reach hasn’t changed the way I make music, though. I still write from a deeply personal place—about things I’ve lived, felt, or reflected on. But knowing that so many people are listening makes me more intentional about how I present my art. It’s about creating something the listener can feel, and that kind of connection comes when you’re being authentic.
“CASHRULES” has a distinct West Coast vibe, with influences from legends like DJ Mustard. What inspired you to explore this sound, and how does it reflect your growth as an artist?
karan: I’ve always been drawn to that West Coast energy—it’s fun, confident, and makes you want to move. Me and my friend Adi, who’s also an artist, grew up on this stuff. We’ve always been inspired by LA—the sound, the culture, and even the dream of heading there one day. It’s probably because of the pop culture era we grew up in, but the West Coast has always felt like the center of an energy we connected with. Now that I’m living in Vancouver, just a couple of hours from LA, it’s cool to think about how close I am to that dream. Some people even call Vancouver the “LA of Canada,” which might be a stretch, but I’ll take it.
When Ali, my producer, was working on the beat, he’d been diving into a lot of bouncy DJ Mustard-style loops. He came up with something bright and energetic that captured the same vibe. It’s funny—Kendrick dropped his album a week after CASHRULES came out, and I couldn’t help but imagine how this beat might fit with Kenny’s vocals. I wouldn’t have minded a feature (laughs).
For me, CASHRULES reflects my growth as an artist because it’s about balancing energy with storytelling. It’s a track that’s fun and easy to vibe to, but it also makes a statement about ambition and navigating the grind. We pretty much finished the song in a day, and that spontaneity is a big part of what makes it feel so special.
From chart-topping hits to being featured on playlists like Spotify’s Fresh Finds SGMY and Apple Music Singapore, what do you think has been the key to your success so far?
karan: I think the key to my success has been consistency, staying true to myself as an artist, and surrounding myself with the right people. Music has always been about connection for me—whether that’s through the lyrics, the vibe of a track, or the energy in a live performance. I’ve been lucky to have a strong support system—my team, my friends, and my family—who’ve pushed me to keep going, even during tough times. I focus on creating music that feels authentic to who I am, and I think listeners can sense that.
Another big part of it has been learning to adapt and grow. When I first started, I was experimenting and figuring things out as I went along. Over time, I’ve learned more about what resonates with my audience, what I want to say with my music, and how to stay consistent while evolving. The recognition on platforms like Spotify and Apple Music has been amazing, but at the end of the day, it’s the connection with listeners that makes it all worthwhile.
You describe music as a form of catharsis. Can you tell us about a moment or experience where creating a track helped you process something deeply personal?
karan: My next single, XTCY, probably has some of the rawest moments I’ve ever put into my songwriting. It all started with a conversation where my girlfriend described a moment that felt like ecstasy in such a profound and unexpected way that it stuck with me. Her words became the first lyrics of the song and set the tone for everything that came after.
As I wrote, the track grew into something much deeper. That initial moment prompted me to explore the intensity, vulnerability, and euphoria that come with real connection. At the same time, one of the themes I explored in the track was the feeling of being surrounded by people but still feeling completely alone. It’s a paradox that’s hard to articulate, but writing about it gave me a way to process emotions I hadn’t fully understood before.
It’s one of those tracks where the raw honesty shines through because it came from a place of genuine reflection and emotion. That’s what makes it so special to me.
With millions of streams and a growing international fanbase, how do you stay grounded and connected to your roots?
karan: Staying grounded comes naturally because of the way I grew up. Being a third-culture kid—born in London to Indian parents, raised in Mumbai and Singapore, and now living in Canada—has given me a global perspective, but it’s also kept me connected to my roots.
My Indian heritage, which ties everything together, plays a big role in that. Growing up, I was surrounded by beautiful art, music, and traditions that are such a rich part of our culture. That sense of expression has always inspired me and stayed close to me. At the same time, being a TCK (third-culture kid) means I’ve learned how to adapt and find home wherever I go. That duality—the sense of belonging and not belonging—keeps me grounded and shows up in my music as well.
As an independent artist navigating a competitive industry, what have been the biggest challenges and rewards of building your career on your own terms?
karan: Being an independent artist is both challenging and incredibly rewarding. On one hand, you have the freedom to make decisions that align with your vision—whether that’s the music you release, how you engage with your audience, or the way you present your art. That autonomy has allowed me to stay true to myself and my music without compromise, which is something I deeply value.
On the flip side, the challenges are real. Without the backing of a major label, you’re essentially building your career from the ground up—managing everything from production to promotion, distribution, and beyond. These challenges inspired me to start UpNComer, a platform designed to help independent artists overcome these obstacles. It provides them with tools to manage and grow their careers with the support of a full digital team. You can view what we’re working on here: www.upncomer.co.
The biggest reward of this journey is the direct connection I’ve built with my audience. Every stream, message, and person who resonates with my music feels like a personal milestone. The challenges are tough, but the rewards make it all worth it.
Asian hip-hop has been on the rise globally, and you’ve been a big part of that movement. How do you see the genre evolving, and what role do you hope to play in its future?
karan: Asian hip-hop has grown exponentially over the past few years, and it’s incredible to see artists from the region gaining global recognition. The genre’s diversity—rooted in its mix of cultures, languages, and experiences—is what makes it resonate so strongly worldwide. It’s no longer about adopting Western sounds; it’s about redefining the genre with our unique identities and telling stories on our own terms.
I believe the genre will keep evolving as more artists step into the spotlight and push creative boundaries. We’re already seeing collaborations that cross continents, fusing traditional elements with modern production, and breaking stereotypes about what Asian hip-hop can be. It’s exciting, and I’m proud to be part of this movement.
For me, I want to keep building bridges between cultures through my music. I’m honored to be part of a wave of Asian artists making a global impact while staying authentic to our roots. Beyond my own work, I’m also committed to helping other independent artists in the scene. Platforms like UpNComer are a way to provide the tools and resources they need to grow and connect with audiences they deserve. There’s so much untapped talent in Asian hip-hop, and I’m excited to see how far we can take it together.
Who handles the engineering for your music, and what’s it like collaborating with them to bring your vision to life?
karan: The engineering for my music is handled by WeOutside’s Ali Suleman, who’s not only a key collaborator but also a close friend. Having someone who understands me both personally and artistically makes the creative process feel seamless and natural.
Ali has an incredible attention to detail, ensuring every track captures the right emotion and energy. Whether it’s refining vocal layers, experimenting with fresh sounds, or balancing innovation with authenticity, he consistently enhances the music while staying true to my vision.
Our collaboration is built on years of trust and chemistry, both as friends and professionals. We’re not afraid to push each other creatively, but there’s always a balance—Ali knows when to experiment and when to let the raw essence of a song shine through. With him onboard, every track not only sounds polished but also feels deeply authentic, resonating with listeners on a meaningful level.
Your music blends alternative R&B with hip-hop in a unique way. Which artists or experiences have influenced this distinctive style?
karan: There are so many artists who’ve inspired me along the way. Growing up, I listened to a lot of Drake, Travis Scott, Ramriddlz, and The Weeknd—artists who are incredible at blending genres and telling stories in their music.
But beyond that, my style has been influenced by my experiences. Living in different places and being exposed to so many cultures has shaped how I approach music. It’s always been about finding a balance—bringing together the energy of hip-hop with the emotion and vulnerability of R&B. That combination feels authentic to who I am, and it’s something I’m constantly evolving.
What’s one fun or unexpected fact about you that your fans might not know but would love to hear?
karan: I’m a huge space geek! I’ve always been fascinated by the universe—everything from the possibility of alien life to the vastness of it all. It’s something that inspires me creatively, too. There’s so much we don’t know, and that curiosity pushes me to keep exploring—not just in life but in my music as well.
So, what’s next? Can you share the full details on your future projects and what fans should be excited about? We’re hearing about more releases, and we’d love to be the first to announce it!
karan: There’s so much on the horizon, and I couldn’t be more excited to share what’s next. My upcoming single, XTCY, is set to drop soon, and it’s one of my most personal tracks to date. It also marks the next chapter in the rollout for my debut album, Echoes From The Hills—a project I’ve poured my heart and soul into.
The album takes a deep dive into my journey—musically, emotionally, and personally. It’s about bridging the gap between my past and present while looking ahead to the future. Fans can expect a mix of vulnerability, storytelling, and experimentation that reflects how much I’ve grown as an artist. Alongside the release, I’m gearing up for more live performances and exciting collaborations—there’s truly a lot to look forward to.
In the meantime, I’m thrilled to announce a special CASHRULES merch bundle, now available on my website, www.karanmusic.art. It’s my way of celebrating the track and connecting with listeners in a more personal way. And of course, I’d love to partner with Cage Riot to officially announce my upcoming releases. This is just the beginning—stay tuned, because there’s so much more to come!
karan, thank you so much! We appreciate you taking the time to talk to us.
karan: Thank you for having me—it’s been an absolute pleasure!
End Interview
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We’re happy to have shared karan’s exciting journey with you and uncovered such inspiring insights about their creative process.
Now, click the links below to experience their incredible work firsthand!
Check out this latest release and listen to more on Spotify & YouTube
Loved having this conversation, thank you Cage Riot!
This is so inspiring! Good read.