From IT graduate to hip-hop breakout: VK Khusoh’s inspiring ascent

KOHIMA — Rising Naga rapper, songwriter, and music producer Vekuyheyi Khusoh, better known by his stage name VK Khusoh, is making waves in the local music scene with his unique blend of personal storytelling, cultural identity, and modern hip-hop.

In a recent interview with Eastern Mirror, the young artiste opened up about his musical beginnings, creative process, and the cultural roots that shape his sound.

An alumnus of the School of Engineering and Technology, Nagaland University, with a B.Tech in Information Technology (IT) Engineering, VK shared to have come from a humble family of eight. As the eldest of six siblings, he carries the weight of responsibility, both on and off the stage.

His musical journey has taken him to major platforms across Nagaland, including the Hornbill Festival, Techaura, Phek District Golden Jubilee, and the Nagaland Mega Entertainment Grand Finale.

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His stage name, he revealed, came naturally. During his time at the Institute of Communication and Information Technology (ICIT), Mokokchung, friends and lecturers found his full name difficult to pronounce. “They started calling me ‘VK Khusoh’ and the name stuck,” he said.

Currently focusing on rap and hip-hop with plans to explore EDM, VK’s journey began since childhood. “Music has always been a part of me. Even as a child, I was writing my own lyrics,” he said. He started sharing his songs on social media in 2017, marking the beginning of his public career in music.

A self-taught storyteller, VK recalls singing to empty rooms long before he had an audience. Once he began layering beats over those quiet moments, everything changed.

“Music has been my constant companion since childhood,” he said. “I’d sing to the empty rooms because there was no one else to hear me. When I started layering beats over those melodies, the words finally found listeners, and that mix of voice and rhythm sparked my love for storytelling through song.”

When asked what inspires his lyrics, he shared that personal experiences, social issues, and cultural identity all influence his work. “I draw on moments from my life, the challenges my community faces, and the stories and rhythms that define my heritage. Those three threads weave together to give each song its heart and purpose,” he said.

Sharing his creative process, he explained, “First, I find the melody for my song. After that, I produce the beat. Once the beat is ready, I start writing lyrics while listening to it. Then I practice for a while, and once I’m comfortable with everything, I begin recording the song.”

Being a Naga artiste, VK says, is not just part of who he is but the foundation of his music. “Being a Naga artiste is the backbone of everything I create,” he said. The hills, the festivals, and everyday conversations in local dialects naturally shape his rhythm and creative instinct.

He explained that these familiar sounds often become the beat in his head, which he later transforms into hip-hop while keeping their original texture intact. Through his songs, VK hopes to showcase the beauty of Naga culture, the struggles faced by its people, and the resilience that continues to define them.

VK believes that rap and hip-hop offer one of the strongest platforms for young people to express their stories. According to him, these genres allow artists to speak about their roots, culture, and the realities faced by youth in Nagaland. He maintains that by incorporating local dialects and traditional elements into his music, listeners can feel represented and connect with every line. His long-term goal is to promote the language, strengthen the local music scene, and eventually carry that message to a wider audience.

But the journey of an independent artist comes with challenges. VK points to financial constraints as one of the biggest hurdles, especially in recording, production, buying gear, and creating music videos.

“Each project carries a hefty price tag,” he said, noting that he often resorts to low-cost alternatives like home setups, smartphone cameras, and free editing tools.

Interestingly, he says no particular artist shaped his sound, pointing out that music itself has always been his guide.

“If I weren’t making music, I’d probably be working in an IT role at a private company,” he reflected.

Among all his songs, VK shares that “Bosti Man” stands out as the track that defines him. The nickname “Bosti Man,” which fans began calling him after the song’s release, reminds him of his roots and upbringing. “I’ve experienced both the hardships and the joyful moments of village life, and that duality is woven into the song,” he said.

For aspiring artists, his message is simple yet powerful: “It doesn’t matter where you come from. If you have a genuine passion for music and the courage to pursue it, you can turn any background into art. Keep creating, stay resilient, and let your story be the fuel for your sound.” He added, “Put God first.”

His music is available on all major streaming platforms, and one of his songs—“Your Style,” featuring Kunuzo Venuh, has garnered 2.1 million views on his YouTube channel, VK Khusoh.

VK on Saturday (November 22) evening dropped another music video, “YOLO,” and he shared that he is currently working on a new track titled “My Nagaland,” which he says he is excited to share with listeners.

It may be mentioned here that VK Khusoh is also one of the nominees for the Hip-Hop/R&B category for his track “Your Style.”