A lot of MCs rap in one language, and in Asian Hip Hop, it's not uncommon to see two to three languages in songs to highlight cross-cultural appeal. Nigerian-born, India-based Yung Sammy from Desi Trill is not your average MC. He burst onto the scene a year ago with ‘Intro,’ a song that helped people get to know who he is and what he is about, AND he showcased his rapping in FOUR languages - Punjabi, English, Gujjari, and Haryanvi.

Over the last year, Sammy has transcended borders with his On the Radar freestyle as well as his latest single, ‘Mr. Rambo.’ LiFTED caught up with this Hip Hop polyglot to learn about how language is his superpower.

I feel that as a Nigerian living in India for years now, it has really shaped me as an artist because I try to fuse both styles of music as much as possible in my songs. I feel this gives my sound a global touch.

I realized that language would be a superpower the first time I listened to a Hindi Rap song, which was very exciting for me. I was blown away because, not even being Indian, if this was so exciting for me, why can't this be a superpower? You know, language is a huge thing. I feel like it breaks down barriers in culture and plays a vital role in every communication.

I feel my Nigerian roots usually influence my lyrics, and since I've even been living in India, the country has influenced my culture. I feel I fuse both cultures in my songs. In most of my verses, I try to switch flows and preach in English and then drop knowledge in Hindi as well. This is very interesting for me and my listeners.

Yeah, I feel there's this line I wrote. It's in ‘The Intro.’ I said “Asli rup dikhe mera stage pe, Kara system bhee hang, ab too dekh le, Meri maa kehtee, beta, pray, pray, Taaki khuda mehnat teri dekh le." That line basically translates to saying that the real Sammy comes on stage, but before I go out there, I'm gonna be calm and composed with the real ones. And it says that my mom usually tells me to keep praying so that God will see the hard work I’m putting in.

I don't feel pressure, honestly, because I know my work is good and no one can condemn that. If I were doubting myself, then I could feel pressure. So I never doubt myself. I feel I'm growing day by day, and my work is shaping itself day by day as well. There could be some factors that I might be thinking too much about later on. But I feel for now, I don't feel any pressure, you know, by God's grace.