Stepping Out With Anik Khan
Bengali born, Queens raised, Anik Khan is an intriguing amalgam of culture and rap. For one, he’s uniquely aware of his voice as an instrument, and he’s an emotive rapper who breezes through his verses. During the time we spent with him, it was clear that he’s wise to both his personal immigrant background and the global culture of hip-hop. His latest single “Cleopatra” proves that point by sampling the legendary Bollywood film composer A.R. Rahman (commonly known for Slumdog Millionaire) while shouting out Craig David all in the same track. When talking with Khan, you can hear his unrelenting drive, and feel he has a real story to tell. He’s tapped in to a vibe, and he’s using the sounds & textures of rap music to convey his message. Anik’s caught the eye of NYC radio host Ebro, who premiered his single “Renegade,” on Beats 1 Radio and believe it or not, another fan of his is Sir Elton John.
For this go around, we decided to throw some rapid fire questions at Anik to garner some candid answers to accompany the photoshoot. Read on below, to find out more about the upcoming NYC rapper.
Can you describe your hometown Queens, NY in five words?
Culture, Pure, Soulful, Virtuous, Humility
What drew you to Hip Hop?
It was the only voice I related to.
Favorite MC?
Nasir Jones.
Favorite Non Hip-Hop artist?
Bob Marley.
Your Dream Collaboration?
Tony Bennett.
You have 1 day to do whatever you want, how do you spend it?
Taking my loved ones somewhere they’ve never been.
Favorite nighttime activity?
Hookah and Moroccan Mint Tea.
Nike or Adidas?
O.N.S
The place we’re mostly likely to find you if we’re looking?
They’re going to bury me in Queens.
A place we’ll never find you?
A Trump rally.
The one item you’re never without?
My family jewelry.
If you could recommend one song to a new listener what would it be?
Cleopatra.
If you could only listen to one album for the rest of your life what would it be?
Amy Winehouse – Frank.
Your top 3 bars/nightspots (anywhere in the world)?
Ask me this again when I start traveling the world. For now, Firdos- Astoria, Queens.
If you could tell young Anik one thing, it would be?
Listen.
Your ritual before a live performance?
Think of my family.
Project you are dropping before the end of the year?
New music.
Finally, the theme for the Nocturnal issue is #BestNightEver. Can you describe yours?
In a different country with my loved ones partying near the sand.
Keep up with Anik Khan on Instagram here.
If you liked this story, check out more in our Urban Transplants issue.
