Naved Shaikh, popularly known by his stage name Naezy The Baa, is a renowned Indian rapper and songwriter who gained fame with his breakout track “Mere Gully Mein”, featuring fellow rapper Divine. Born in 1993 in the bustling city of Mumbai, Naezy’s journey from the Ram Bachan Chawl in Kurla to becoming one of India’s most celebrated rappers is inspiring. His life and music have been immortalized in Zoya Akhtar’s critically acclaimed film Gully Boy, where a fictionalized version of his story was portrayed by Bollywood actor Ranveer Singh.
Known for addressing socio-political issues through his music, Naezy has carved a niche for himself in the Indian hip-hop scene. His unique style, combined with hard-hitting lyrics, has earned him widespread recognition.
In this article, we’ll explore Naezy’s early life, career, personal life, physical appearance, net worth, and lesser-known facts.
Naezy Short Details
| Full Name | Naved Shaikh |
|---|---|
| Stage Name | Naezy The Baa |
| Profession | Rapper, Songwriter, Music Composer |
| Hometown | Mumbai, Maharashtra, India |
| Nationality | Indian |
| Date of Birth | 10 August 1993 |
| Age (as of 2024) | 31 years |
| Height | 5’7” (170 cm) |
| Weight | 60 kg (132 lbs) |
| Zodiac Sign | Leo |
| Debut | Song: “Aafat” (2014) |
| Net Worth | ₹15 crores (approx.) |
| Instagram Followers | 1.5 million |
Early Life and Education
Born in Kurla 70, Mumbai, in a lower-middle-class orthodox Muslim family, Naved Shaikh grew up in the Ram Bachan Chawl, a tenement for the working class. His father, Shahid Raza, worked in Dubai, leaving Naved’s upbringing to his mother, Farhin Raza. Despite financial hardships, his family valued education, and Naved completed his Bachelor of Science (B.Sc) from Guru Nanak Khalsa College, Matunga.
Naved’s childhood was turbulent, often marked by mischief and trouble. He was once arrested for teasing a girl and spent a night in jail. This incident served as a turning point, prompting him to channel his energy into music. His paternal grandfather also played a significant role in shaping his worldview by encouraging him to read newspapers daily, fostering an interest in politics and social issues.
Career Milestones
Debut and Rise to Fame
- Naezy debuted in 2014 with “Aafat”, a DIY music video shot entirely on an iPad. The track, often credited as the genesis of India’s gully rap movement, was a viral success.
- In 2015, he collaborated with Divine for the iconic track “Mere Gully Mein”, which became an anthem for Mumbai’s underground rap scene. The song caught the attention of Bollywood and was later recreated in Gully Boy.
Documentary and Film Influence
- Naezy’s life inspired the award-winning documentary “Bombay 70” (2014), directed by Disha Rindani, which highlighted his struggles and aspirations.
- Zoya Akhtar’s Gully Boy (2019) was loosely based on Naezy and Divine’s lives, further catapulting his fame. Naezy also featured in promotional tracks for the film, including “NY se Mumbai”, alongside Divine and American rapper Nas.
Hiatus and Return
- Naezy took a break from rapping in 2018 due to personal and societal pressures, including disapproval from his orthodox Muslim relatives. However, he made a comeback in 2019 with “Aafat Wapas”, reigniting his passion for music.
Albums and Singles
- Naezy released his debut album Maghreb in 2020, featuring six tracks that delve into themes of identity, struggle, and resilience.
- His socio-politically charged tracks, including “Haq Hai”, “Tragedy Mein Comedy”, and “Azaad Hu Mein”, have resonated with audiences seeking conscious hip-hop.
Family and Relationships
Naezy has often mentioned the sacrifices his mother made to support him while his father worked abroad. Despite initial skepticism about his career, his family eventually embraced his success.
| Family Member | Details |
|---|---|
| Father | Shahid Raza (Works in Dubai) |
| Mother | Farhin Raza |
| Grandfather | Sheikh Hamza (Encouraged reading) |
Naezy is currently unmarried and has kept his personal relationships private.
Physical Appearance
Naezy’s distinctive style is complemented by his lean physique and casual streetwear fashion, reflecting his gully rap roots.
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Height | 5’7″ (170 cm) |
| Weight | 60 kg |
| Eye Color | Black |
| Hair Color | Black |
| Distinguishing Features | Street-style fashion |
Net Worth and Income Sources
Naezy’s estimated net worth is ₹15 crores, derived from music royalties, live performances, brand endorsements, and streaming revenue.
| Source of Income | Details |
|---|---|
| Net Worth | ₹15 crores (approx.) |
| Primary Income Sources | Music royalties, concerts |
| Additional Income | Brand endorsements, OTT shows |
Lesser-Known Facts
- Stage Name Origin: “Naezy The Baa” means “Naezy The Crazy.”
- DIY Debut: His first track, “Aafat,” was recorded on an iPad sent by his father.
- Multilingual Rapper: He raps in Urdu, Hindi, English, Marathi, and Arabic.
- Socially Conscious: Naezy prefers rapping about social issues over materialistic themes.
- Documentary Fame: Bombay 70 won the Best Short Film at MAMI in 2014.
- International Collaboration: Worked with Nas on “NY se Mumbai.”
- Reality TV: Finished as the runner-up in Bigg Boss OTT Season 3 (2024).
- Literary Influence: His grandfather instilled in him a love for politics and social commentary.
- Break from Music: Took a hiatus in 2018 to deal with personal and societal pressures.
- Automobile Collection: Owns a Mercedes-Benz GLA and bikes like the Royal Enfield Interceptor 650.
FAQs
Q: What is Naezy’s real name?
A: Naezy’s real name is Naved Shaikh.
Q: When did Naezy start his rap career?
A: He debuted with “Aafat” in 2014.
Q: What is Naezy’s net worth?
A: His estimated net worth is ₹15 crores.
Q: Which Bollywood film was based on Naezy’s life?
A: Zoya Akhtar’s Gully Boy (2019) was loosely based on his life.
Q: Did Naezy participate in Bigg Boss?
A: Yes, he was the runner-up in Bigg Boss OTT Season 3 (2024).
Q: What are Naezy’s notable songs?
A: “Aafat,” “Mere Gully Mein,” and “Aafat Wapas” are among his popular tracks.
Q: Why did Naezy take a break from music?
A: He took a break in 2018 due to family pressures and personal challenges.
Conclusion
Naezy’s journey from the narrow lanes of Mumbai’s Kurla to the forefront of India’s rap revolution is a story of resilience and determination. His socially conscious lyrics and impactful storytelling have made him a trailblazer in the Indian hip-hop scene. Whether through his music or his inspiring life, Naezy continues to resonate with millions, proving that success comes to those who dare to dream.
This article is based on publicly available information and is intended for informational purposes only. Readers are advised to verify the details independently from reliable sources.
