For Lankesh Patel, better known as Spitty—hip-hop is more than music. It’s storytelling, identity, and belonging. Born in Florida, raised in Brampton, the Toronto-based rapper has transformed his love for rap into a mission: to motivate, uplift, and stay true to his Indian roots. Growing up, mainstream white music didn’t reflect him, and songs from “back home” weren’t always embraced. But rap—raw, political, and born from struggle—did. Today, he blends South Asian samples and instruments with North American hip-hop, creating impactful and deeply personal tracks.
What’s Inside?
- TINDS: Tell us about your background and childhood.
- TINDS: What’s the story behind your stage name Spitty?
- TINDS: Three words to describe your vibe?
- TINDS: When was your first creative moment in music?
- TINDS: What’s one thing people ask the most about your work?
- TINDS: What’s your latest project?
- TINDS: Most unforgettable moment in your career?
- TINDS: What’s the hardest part of being an independent artist?
- TINDS: Biggest lesson you’ve learned?
- TINDS: Your comfort food and self-care ritual?
- TINDS: Who inspires you most?
- TINDS: What’s the core message of your music?
- TINDS: Fun fact people don’t know about you?
- TINDS: If you could talk to anyone past or present, who would it be and why?
- TINDS: What’s next for you?
TINDS: Tell us about your background and childhood.
Spitty: I was born in Jacksonville, Florida. My parents had immigrated from Gujarat, India. We eventually moved to Brampton, Canada and that’s where I grew up. Brampton is one of the most diverse cities in the country, with huge South Asian, Caribbean, Black, and Filipino communities. That mix shaped me.
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TINDS: What’s the story behind your stage name Spitty?
Spitty: It comes from spitting bars, but also DNA—since DNA is in spit, it felt like music was literally in my blood. There wasn’t much South Asian representation in music. I wanted a name that made it clear what I was doing and where I was headed.
TINDS: Three words to describe your vibe?
Spitty: Motivational, conscious, authentic.
TINDS: When was your first creative moment in music?
Spitty: In school. I was very drawn to poetry and creative writing, and my teachers praised me a lot. Eventually, I realized I could tell stories directly with lyrics and truly connect with people.
TINDS: What’s one thing people ask the most about your work?
Spitty: People always ask why I don’t swear in my songs. To me, every word matters. I want clarity and purpose. My voice works best when the message stays clean. I don’t just throw in filler words, and that’s why I keep it that way.
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TINDS: What’s your latest project?
Spitty: My album Motherland dropped in fall 2024. Right now I’m focused on singles, more live shows, and planning tours in the US and India.
TINDS: Most unforgettable moment in your career?
Spitty: Headlining a Toronto show and crowd-surfing. Jumping into the crowd felt like a rockstar move, but it was also deeper than that. To do it, you have to trust people will hold you up—and they did. It was like a metaphor that they were literally carrying me forward.
TINDS: What’s the hardest part of being an independent artist?
Spitty: 90% percent of the work isn’t music. It’s admin, cold outreach, pitching myself, applying for shows and grants, content creation, video editing, and marketing. Without a manager, you wear every hat. People don’t see that grind, but they see the results.
TINDS: Biggest lesson you’ve learned?
Spitty: Don’t rush. Avoid shortcuts and scams. Slow and steady growth with genuine connections always wins.
TINDS: Your comfort food and self-care ritual?
Spitty: Sweets, always. For self-care, I practice deep breathing and mindfulness—it helps with anxiety and keeps me centered.
TINDS: Who inspires you most?
Spitty: Musically, J. Cole and Kendrick Lamar. In life, Malala Yousafzai inspires me because she fights for something much bigger than herself.
TINDS: What’s the core message of your music?
Spitty: Motivation and inspiration. I want people to feel like they can take on the world after listening.
TINDS: Fun fact people don’t know about you?
Spitty: I can juggle. And I love playing chess—it keeps my mind sharp.
TINDS: If you could talk to anyone past or present, who would it be and why?
Spitty: Eminem. He was my first favorite rapper when I was a kid, and he showed me how vulnerable you can be in music. I think we’d have a long conversation about artists, lyrics, and mindset.
TINDS: What’s next for you?
Spitty: More singles this year, a new album next year, and international touring—especially
India. My Spotify audience is really strong there and keeps growing, so even if it’s not full tours, I want to make videos in India. Plus, I’ve got collaborations I can’t wait to share.
Spitty’s journey proves that hip-hop can be both authentic and boundary-breaking. From Florida roots to Brampton grind, he’s shaping a sound rooted in South Asian identity, North American rhythm, and a mission to inspire. Independent, unapologetic, and unstoppable, Spitty is carving his own lane in global rap.
