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Heart and Soul: The Hare Krishna MC

The Hare Krisha MC

29/09/2023 GMT

The Hare Krishna MC

BBC World Service - Heart and Soul, The Hare Krishna MC

What next for Jake Emlyn, the world’s number one Hare Krishna rapper?

Jake Emlyn’s musical talents were once hailed by international pop star Robbie Williams, who mentored the young English rapper. It lead him to feature on the albums of major stars and tour worldwide. 

However, 10 years ago, on the verge of signing a major record deal, Jake’s life dramatically changed. Jake lost his father to cancer and it prompted a journey of reflection and self-discovery. A chance meeting with a Hare Krishna monk led Jake to visit the Radha Krishna temple in central London and from then on Jake was hooked to spiritual life. He did not sign the big music deal and instead, for the past decade, decided to devote his life to the Hare Krishna movement, chanting mantras, serving in the temple and taking part in the iconic practise of hare naam, where followers sing and dance in praise of Lord Krishna through public streets. Jake also combined his rapping skills with his religious life and is now billed as the world’s number one Hare Krishna rapper.  He has released religious rap albums and become a well-known figure for millions of Hare Krishna followers around the world.

However when Rajeev Gupta meets Jake he quickly discovers that he is at a crossroad and is questioning how closely he wants to remain within the Hare Krishna fold. He wants to do new music incorporating all his life experiences but he knows this would mean cutting ties with some within the Hare Krishna movement. Is this a new turning point in Jake’s life and can he continue to call himself the world’s number one Hare Krishna rapper?

Producer and Presenter: Rajeev Gupta
Production Coordinator: Mica Nepomuceno

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