Tsumyoki
Tsumyoki | |
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File:Tsumyoki 2024.jpg Mendes in 2024 | |
Born | Nathan Joseph Mendes 2 June 2001 Margao, Goa, India |
Other names |
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Education | The King's School (HSSC) |
Alma mater | St. Xavier's College (B.A.) |
Musical career | |
Origin | Margao, South Goa |
Genres | |
Occupation(s) |
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Instruments |
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Years active | 2018–present |
Labels | Gully Gang Records |
Member of | Goa Trap Culture |
Nathan Joseph Mendes (born 2 June 2001) known professionally as Tsumyoki[a] (or simply Yoki), is an Indian rapper, singer-songwriter, and record producer. He gained popularity from his single track release, "White Tee" (2019), Daboij album (2021), maiden EP release, Way Too Messy (2021), featuring fellow Goan rapper, Kidd Mange and "Pink Blue" (2022), featuring Bharg. According to Mendes, his stage name alludes to ideas of "vision, productivity and a positive mindset".
Mendes is one of the leading artists from Goa and is credited for revolutionizing the English genre of Hip hop music in the coastal Indian state of Goa. He is the first Goan music artist and the youngest member at age 19, to be signed by DIVINE's record label, Gully Gang Records in 2021.[2] He was also featured in Goan Insider’s 50 Most Influential People of 2021[3] and has been described by It'sGoa.com as Goa's best rapper.[4]
Early life
Nathan Joseph Mendes was born on 2 June 2001 in Margao, Goa to Gianna Alba Araujo Soares Mendes and Sanjeev Peter Mendes. He has an elder sister, Sneha (b. 1998).[5] His maternal grandfather, Joe, was also a musician, who died in 2018. Mendes completed his Higher Secondary School Certificate from The King's School in Sao Jose de Areal.[6] He later graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree from St. Xavier's College in Mapusa.[7]
Career
2018–2019: Early beginnings
Mendes embarked on his musical journey in his late teenage years, beginning at age 17. His primary aim was to explore various music genres beyond just rap. He credits his mother and family for being significant pillars of support throughout his musical career and considers artists like XXXTentacion, Juice WRLD, Drake, Eminem, Post Malone, Ski Mask the Slump God and Michael Jackson as his role models. During an interview, Mendes shared how he commenced his career with ₹8,000 (equivalent to ₹11,000 or US$130 in 2023), struggling to afford essential technical equipment. He had to depend on his mother as he needed more money to kickstart his music journey with proper equipments, he then performed for her to which she was convinced.[8][9]
Mendes first began pursuing music as a hobby in 11th grade. He mentions that "breaking into the rap game wasn't easy, often waiting outside clubs while holding a USB of his tracks in order to get recognized by bigger artists". Furthermore, he states that few people supported local artists who produced original music from Goa, and he had to grind his way to gain recognition.[10]
2019–present: Rise to success
Mendes's breakthrough came from his single track release, "White Tee" in 2019. The idea behind the track was a hook, "White Tee, Bish get off”, he always had in mind, to which he added the beats and tunes. The music video was mainly shot in Fatorda and other locations, participated by many of his followers. Mendes further stated in an interview that, "White Tee" signifies a mindset, for example if you're wearing something white, you ought to not get dirty. Similarly it means you don't need people's negativity affecting your perspective.
In October 2019, Mendes' plans to release the music video to "Save Me", were shelved.
Mendes claims that his stage name "Tsumyoki" was inspired after "waking up on a regular day and looking at himself in the mirror". The Japanese influence was intentional. Initially, Mendes hesitated to use his stage name and began using it more liberally after gaining popularity. Mendes' music is heavily influenced by American culture and he attempts to bring forth more elements of Indian culture in his work.
At age 18, Mendes started performing at clubs and has also judged several college events. One of his first two gigs was with DJ Skeletron. Mendes and the latter collaborated in the single track "Go Hard" which was released on 4 August 2019, following the success of "Go Hard", 'Showbar', a gastropub in Candolim offered him his first show.
In November 2020, Mendes produced "Ketta" referring to an "action of ditching or avoiding someone", a single track by Carisio Azavedo mononymously known as Bongisio, a Merces based music artist which was mastered and recorded by 2jaym. Prior to his entry in the music field, he had no Goan rappers as an influence as there were no prominent artists back then. He has collaborated with music artists, producers and influencers like JD, 2Jaym, Elttwo, ZaDaRapper and ZB Memes.[11]
On 4 September 2021, Mendes released his 15-minute maiden EP, "Way Too Messy", it included five tracks with themes of cancel culture, ambition and self discovery. The inspiration behind it was when he and Daniel Sequeira professionally known as Kidd Mange, were invited to the Gully Gang camp, wherein they were involved in making music. That's when they decided to make the EP which the Gully Gang team loved and finished three songs in two days and the remaining two were added later.[12]
Mendes has also produced and performed in "Goa Rap Cypher" which featured nine local artists, wherein they voiced out on crises like the "Mollem situation", Goa is facing.[13][14][15][16][17]
Goa Trap Culture
Mendes is one of the founding members of the boy band known as Goa Trap Culture (GTC) or the GTC crew. The band includes local Goan music artists Elttwo, 2jaym, and Kidd Mange. They are best known for their 2021 album 'Daboij', which features a mix of genres such as pop, rock, indie, R&B/soul, hip- hop, rap, and trap music. The album also features guest artists including Vash and Yelhomie, and production from CapsCtrl on some of the beats.[18]
Some of the most popular tracks from the album were "Jackets" and "Flex Bomb" which were also personal favorites of the GTC crew. These tracks showcased the influence of diverse music genres such as pop/emotional and rap/hip- hop. In an interview with 'Goan Insider', the crew stated that the inspiration behind the album's name was the friendship they shared. 'Daboij' simply means 'The Boys'. The initial work on the album began before the COVID-19 pandemic and took about a year to complete.[18]
The band also mentioned that XXXTentacion, Tyler, the Creator, MF Doom, Anson Seabra, J. Cole, Juice Wrld, Lauv and Nucleya were some of their inspirations for each of their tracks. Nucleya even advised them on their vocal approach. One of their singles from the album, 'Sorpotel', is a Goan-inspired remake that was written by Mendes's grandfather, who passed away in 2018 without receiving recognition for it. The GTC crew plans to collaborate with Oliver Tree, Ritviz, and Divine in the near future.[18]
In the media
In October 2020, Mendes supported a peaceful protest of rape awareness at Ravindra Bhavan in Margao. The protest was started by a 15-year-old, Sheniah Menezes with the help of her parents and participated by over 50 people.[19]
Discography
Albums
Year | Album | Track | Artist(s) | Producer(s) | Written by |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
2018 | RIP | Rest Easy Bro | Tsumyoki | Tsumyoki | |
Phantom | Tsumyoki | Tsumyoki | |||
Memories | Tsumyoki | Tsumyoki | |||
Disguise (Interlude) | Tsumyoki | Tsumyoki | |||
I Luv Fake Frnds | Tsumyoki | Tsumyoki | |||
Stairway to Hell | Tsumyoki | Tsumyoki | |||
Brown Eyes | Tsumyoki ft. Kunal | ||||
All Love Everything's Yours | Tsumyoki | Tsumyoki | |||
Aley | Tsumyoki | Tsumyoki | |||
Dirty | Tsumyoki | Tsumyoki | |||
Flex Therapy | Tsumyoki | Tsumyoki | |||
No Paint | Tsumyoki | Tsumyoki | |||
Distorted Lullabies | Tsumyoki | Tsumyoki | |||
2019 | The Art of Flexing | Introduction The Art of Flexing | Tsumyoki & ZaDaRapper | ||
Tokyo Drift! | Tsumyoki & ZaDaRapper | ||||
VIPERZ | Tsumyoki & ZaDaRapper | ||||
Super Saiyan! | ZaDaRapper & Tsumyoki | ||||
Metallic Fade | Tsumyoki feat. ZaDaRapper | ||||
Goa Trap Culture | Tsumyoki & ZaDaRapper | ||||
The Cure | ZaDaRapper & Tsumyoki | ||||
2020 | This Mixtape Is Garbage | Cake | Tsumyoki | ||
Candyland | Tsumyoki | Tsumyoki | Tsumyoki | ||
Beast Mode | Tsumyoki & Kidd Mange | ||||
All Black Trap Trap | Tsumyoki & ZaDaRapper | ||||
Ballin' We Ballin' | Tsumyoki & 2jaym | ||||
Lef Wris | Tsumyoki | ||||
Gorilla | Tsumyoki, OV3RDRIVE & Kunal | ||||
Girls | Tsumyoki & Skeletron | ||||
Polish | Tsumyoki | ||||
India Type Shiz[9] | Tsumyoki | Tsumyoki | Tsumyoki | ||
2021 | Daboij[18] | Jackets | Goa Trap Culture, Tsumyoki, Kidd Mange, 2jaym & Elttwo | Tsumyoki | |
Actin' Tuff | Goa Trap Culture, Tsumyoki, Elttwo, Kidd Mange & 2jaym | ||||
Auction | Goa Trap Culture, Tsumyoki & Kidd Mange | ||||
I've Had Enough | Goa Trap Culture, Tsumyoki & 2jaym | ||||
Soul Food | Goa Trap Culture, Tsumyoki, Kidd Mange, Elttwo, 2jaym & Jaden Maskie | ||||
Pardon | Goa Trap Culture, Tsumyoki, Elttwo, 2jaym & Jaden Maskie | ||||
Yoki's Interlude | Goa Trap Culture & Tsumyoki | ||||
Flex Bomb | Goa Trap Culture, Tsumyoki, Kidd Mange, ft. Vash & Yelhomie | ||||
Dumb Shit! | Goa Trap Culture, Tsumyoki & Kidd Mange | ||||
Bussin' | Goa Trap Culture, Tsumyoki & Kidd Mange | ||||
Sorpotel (Bonus Track) | Goa Trap Culture & Tsumyoki |
EPs
Year | EP | Track | Artist(s) | Producer(s) |
---|---|---|---|---|
2021 | Way Too Messy[20] | Way Too Messy | Tsumyoki & Kidd Mange | DreddAf, Karan Kanchan & Tsumyoki |
All Black Trap Trap 2 | Tsumyoki & Kidd Mange | Tsumyoki | ||
Pao Wala | Tsumyoki, Kidd Mange | Tsumyoki | ||
No Games | Tsumyoki, Kidd Mange | Tsumyoki | ||
Commentz | Tsumyoki, Kidd Mange | Tsumyoki |
Singles and collaborations
Year | Track | Artist(s) | Producer(s) | Note(s) |
---|---|---|---|---|
2018 | Prime Time | Tsumyoki | ||
Ultimate | Tsumyoki | |||
Pu$$y B!tchez! | Tsumyoki | |||
Sick | Tsumyoki | |||
Hugs, Kisses & Heartbreaks | Tsumyoki | |||
Sleep [RIP XXXTENTACION] | Tsumyoki | |||
All White | Tsumyoki | |||
Faces | Tsumyoki | |||
Strong | Tsumyoki | |||
w e ' r e a l l g o i n g d o w n (Remastered) | Tsumyoki | |||
SpongeBob Trappin' | OV3RDRIVE ft. Tsumyoki | |||
Heartbeats | Tsumyoki | |||
2019 | Rest in Suicide | Tsumyoki | ||
Who Make Fun of My Wrist?! | Tsumyoki | |||
White Tee[21] | Tsumyoki | |||
White Tee (Acoustic) | Tsumyoki | |||
Go Hard | Skeletron & Tsumyoki | |||
Headphones[21] | 2jaym & Tsumyoki | |||
Budapest | Tsumyoki & Kidd Mange | Tsumyoki | ||
2020 | Friends | Tsumyoki | ||
Broken Heartz Freestyle | Tsumyoki | |||
The Way I Fall in Love | Tsumyoki, 2jaym & Jaden Maskie | |||
Never Let Go | Elttwo & Tsumyoki | |||
La Vida | Skeletron & Tsumyoki | |||
I've Had Enough | Tsumyoki & 2jaym ft. Goa Trap Culture | |||
KETTA | Bongisio | Tsumyoki | ||
2021 | Oh Geez[22] | Yelhomie & Tsumyoki | Tsumyoki | |
Big Shots! | Moko Koza, Yelhomie & Tsumyoki | Tsumyoki | ||
Sunlight[23] | Tsumyoki | Tsumyoki | Debut single under Gully Gang Records label | |
Run Around Town[24] | Skeletron, Tsumyoki & Elttwo | Skeletron | ||
2022 | Pink Blue[8] | Tsumyoki & Bharg | Tsumyoki, Bharg & Prashant | |
Ek Do Ek[25] | Tsumyoki & Rawal | Tsumyoki | ||
idk | Tsumyoki & Karan Kanchan | Karan Kanchan | ||
Feel Okay[26] | Tsumyoki | Tsumyoki & Bharg |
Awards and nominations
Year | Award | Category | Song | Result | Ref |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
2023 | MTV Europe Music Awards | Best India Act | It's Aight ft. Prophet Joegus | Won | [27][28] |
Notes
- ^ (pronounced sue-ma-yoki)
References
- ^ "Answering fans questions! (QnA)". YouTube. Archived from the original on 1 August 2023.
- ^ "Young Goan rapper Tsumyoki gets signed with Gully Gang". The Times of India. 2 October 2021. ISSN 0971-8257. Retrieved 8 August 2023.
- ^ "Goan Insider's 50 Most Influential People of 2021". 5 January 2022. Retrieved 1 August 2023.
- ^ "Humans of Goa – Tsumyoki – The Youngest in The Gully Gang Family". ItsGoa. 12 September 2021. Retrieved 10 September 2022.
- ^ "Directorate of Planning, Statistics and Evaluation and Office of the Chief Registrar of births and deaths". Goa Online. 13 June 2001. Retrieved 30 December 2022.
- ^ "Tsumyoki (our ex student – Nathan Mendes), whose song played in our campus today". Twitter. 22 September 2022. Retrieved 11 October 2022.
- ^ "Third Year B.A." (PDF). xavierscollege-goa.com. Retrieved 21 September 2022.
- ^ a b "Goans lend their own flavour to Hip hop". oHeraldo. Retrieved 10 September 2022.
- ^ a b "Tsumyoki breaks stereotypes about Goans in his latest rap – Times of India". The Times of India. 13 July 2020. Retrieved 10 September 2022.
- ^ Desk, N. T. (22 October 2021). "Beats that rock – The Navhind Times". Retrieved 15 September 2022.
{{cite web}}
:|last=
has generic name (help) - ^ Desk, N. T. (6 January 2021). "Konkani rap song takes centre stage – The Navhind Times". Retrieved 18 September 2022.
{{cite web}}
:|last=
has generic name (help) - ^ "Divine's Gully Gang signs Goa rapper Tsumyoki for maiden EP 'Way Too Messy'". daijiworld.com. Retrieved 25 October 2022.
- ^ "Here's how Jack&Jones is amping up the style at the Bacardi NH7 Weekender 2022". GQ India. 25 March 2022. Retrieved 10 September 2022.
- ^ "Rap culture needs to develop in Goa: Tsumyoki". The Goan EveryDay. Retrieved 10 September 2022.
- ^ "Young artistes unleash their talent during the curfew – Times of India". The Times of India. 14 May 2021. Retrieved 10 September 2022.
- ^ "MC Stan entertains young crowd – Times of India". The Times of India. 11 June 2019. Retrieved 10 September 2022.
- ^ "Casa BACARDÍ, the virtual island festival, hosted fans from over 25 countries at the Caribbean Getaway!". www.radioandmusic.com. Retrieved 11 September 2022.
- ^ a b c d "'Daboij' Are Back: Goa Trap Culture on Their Latest Album Release". 3 February 2021. Retrieved 17 January 2023.
- ^ "Peaceful protest in Margao to voice out against rape – Times of India". The Times of India. 10 October 2020. Retrieved 10 September 2022.
- ^ sufflemusic (4 June 2022). "Top 10 Underground Rappers in India Who Rule Indian Hip-Hop Scene". Suffle Music Magazine. Retrieved 28 September 2022.
- ^ a b Desk, N. T. (16 September 2019). "Voices from beyond – The Navhind Times". Retrieved 18 September 2022.
{{cite web}}
:|last=
has generic name (help) - ^ "Yelhomie & Tsumyoki - Oh Geez (feat. Tsumyoki) Lyrics | Lyrics.com". www.lyrics.com. Retrieved 10 January 2023.
- ^ India, Rolling Stone (3 August 2021). "#RSDailyMusic: Here's What We're Listening to Today". Rolling Stone India. Retrieved 18 January 2023.
- ^ India, Rolling Stone (13 December 2021). "#RSDailyMusic: Here's What We're Listening to Today". Rolling Stone India. Retrieved 18 January 2023.
- ^ India, Rolling Stone (12 April 2022). "#RSDailyMusic: Here's What We're Listening to Today". Rolling Stone India. Retrieved 18 January 2023.
- ^ "New Music By 10 Indie Artists That Has Us Grooving This Month - Elle India". 10 November 2022. Retrieved 10 January 2023.
- ^ "Tsumyoki: proud to be thefirst Goan to get ema nom". Hindustan Times. Retrieved 18 October 2023.
- ^ "MTV Recognizes Artists with 2023 MTV EMA Awards". www.mtvema.com. Retrieved 6 November 2023.
- 2001 births
- Goan people
- Living people
- Indian rappers
- Singers from Goa
- People from Margao
- Indian male singers
- 21st-century rappers
- People from South Goa district
- Indian hip hop musicians
- 21st-century Indian musicians
- Indian audio engineers
- Indian singer-songwriters
- Indian male singer-songwriters
- 21st-century Indian male musicians