Meet Iykki Berry, the Tamil-English rapper trying to break stereotypes – one song at a time

Iykki is the shorter version of her name Iykya, which means unity or harmony in Tamil, says the singer. Her family calls her “Iykki”, she says, especially her father who calls her “Iykki doll”. “A berry is rich in vitamins. Being a skin doctor, my clinic name is also Berry Glow Aesthetics, people call me Dr Berry,” she explains.

“Whenever my fans or my audience chant my name as ‘Iykki’, that takes me one step closer to them and makes me feel that my family is always with me and I don’t miss them so much! In a way, I get more connected with my audience,” she says.

Itihasam, Iykki’s latest work

Iykki Berry, who is based in Chennai but originally from Thanjavur, is out with her latest single Itihasam. “It is an anthem of resilience and empowerment. The song is about overcoming obstacles and making history. Its powerful lyrics, energetic beats, and unique storytelling element make it an inspiring track that resonates with anyone who has faced challenges and fought to rise above them,” she says, talking about the song with Tamil lyrics.

Iykki says the song is special because it was shot at A R Rahman’s virtual reality studio, Ustream, at ARR Film City. “This groundbreaking experience brought together innovative technology and our passion for music, making it a milestone for us. Collaborating in such a space added a unique dimension to the project,” says Iykki, who also draws inspiration from Rahman and Michael Jackson. “Their music, innovation, and ability to connect with audiences globally have always motivated me to push my boundaries and create impactful art,” adds Iykki.

The collaboration with Ustream came about due to Sridhar Santhanam of Ustream and Senthil Velavan from the ARR team. “They came across our music videos and believed in our vision, giving us the incredible opportunity to work at ARR Film City,” says Iykki.

Iykki says rapping in Tamil is a way to express her thoughts and stories in her mother tongue. “Tamil is one of the oldest living languages, rich in history and culture. Rap, for me, is a way to express my thoughts and stories in my mother tongue, preserving its authenticity. It is my way of honouring my roots while sharing messages that resonate with people from different walks of life,” she says.

Grounded in Tamil heritage

Iykki spent her childhood at her grandparents’ house in Thanjavur, a city rich in cultural heritage, and says she was surrounded by music and the arts, which played a huge role in shaping her love for Tamil culture. “Those early influences have stayed with me and continue to guide my creative journey,” shares Iykki.

According to her, the depth of Tamil culture lies in its ancient traditions, language, literature, classical music, and dance. “It is a culture that has survived centuries, keeping its core values intact. The resilience and creativity of Tamil people have made this culture vibrant and enduring,” she adds.

“My journey, from local performances to international collaborations, has helped me refine my style and connect with a global audience while remaining grounded in my Tamil heritage. From playing around with words to creating lyrical stories that reflect not just me, but an entire generation, my flow is more refined but still packs a punch. Evolution is about growth, not losing your edge. I have gone from just having raw energy to blending it with precision and finesse. I have grown without losing my bite — sharper, smarter, and always in my own lane,” says Iykki.

Iykki, who became a household name after her appearance in Bigg Boss Tamil a few years ago, says it was a “transformative experience” that gave her a wider range of fans, especially children and families — something every artiste dreams of. “It opened new doors for me and brought fame. I would definitely consider going back as the platform helped me connect with a larger audience and offered immense growth opportunities,” she adds.

‘Talent knows no gender’

The rap scene has been predominantly male in India but Iykki says talent knows no gender. “I have worked hard to carve a special space for myself as a female rapper. It is about proving that talent knows no gender. My journey has been about breaking stereotypes and showing that women can excel in any genre, including rap,” she says.

Rap may be a medium to express strong emotions like anger or discontent. “But it is also a tool for storytelling, empowerment, and celebration. It allows artistes to voice their experiences and perspectives, offering a raw and honest reflection of society,” says Iykki.

What lies ahead

How have independent music portals and social media helped the rise of talent? “Independent music platforms and social media have been game changers, providing artists with a direct connection to their audience. They have democratised the music industry, allowing talent to rise based on merit rather than traditional gatekeeping,” says Iykki.

Iykki wants the younger generation to embrace the richness of Indian culture and the literature of their mother tongue while adapting to modern influences. “They need to understand their roots and heritage as this knowledge provides a strong foundation for growth, creativity, and self-identity,” she shares.

How does she balance her career as a general practitioner/clinical cosmetologist and music? “It requires dedication and passion. I use my time wisely between these fields. Medicine allows me to positively impact lives, while music allows me to express my creativity and connect with people on a different level,” says Iykki, who says she follows a “strict routine”. “I rap and dance every day, exercise regularly, and follow a nutritious, balanced diet. This helps me maintain my energy levels and stay in peak form, both for my music performances and my medical practice,” she explains.

Iykki is also a painter, swimmer, and dancer. “I love exploring new countries and immersing myself in different cultures whenever I get the chance,” she says.