Yelhomie and Moko Koza release single 2 Sons of the East, is a song that emphasizes pride in cultural roots and authenticity bringing Yelhomie and Moko Koza, two different artists from the East side, one from Manipur and the other from Nagaland, Naga & Naava, conveying their contribution in the rap scene. Asserting strength and resilience, drawing on personal and cultural references, Yelhomie also talks about how the state of Manipur is still going through turmoil and how the system has shattered the lifestyles of many youths. The lyrics reflect confidence, hunger for success, and a refusal to conform to mediocrity, while highlighting unique identity and originality.

Yelhomie and Moko, have been good friends for quite some time now, off-screen, on-screen, and the bond that they have is strong and mutual. “In February, 2024, I met Moko in Arunachal Pradesh where we performed at the same gig, and that's when we decided to hop on a track together. Most artists in the Northeast share the same vision of bringing up the music scene in the Eastside, especially rap music and every rendezvous, the conversation usually starts with "What should we do for the scene?" states Yelhomie.

“Fast forward 4 months, I met Yugi in Bangalore and he played for me this raw, rugged, desi sampled boom bap type beat that got me hooked just from the first listen. As soon as I got back to my hometown, I started writing on it keeping in mind that northeast representation is a priority higher than everything else. Every kid has a soil that they played on, fell on, a soil that had groomed them to become an adult, ready to face any predicament that they are thrown to and the hills, the valleys, the Northeast being our soil, we represent that with pride” adds Yelhomie.

The music video for this song was shot in Shillong where the duo met for a listening session of an album by a Shillong-based rapper. In the video, Yelhomie carries a shawl-like fabric called the Ryndia Silk, a traditional cloth in the Khasi culture. Handloom weaving with its unique and traditional techniques has been an inherited and old age process of the Khasis. Ryndia is a significant cultural symbol of the Khasis and is truly a reflection of the community.

“The motive of representing the Khasi tradition in the video is to bring the diversities under a unified portrait. Off the record, my brothers in Shillong especially, U Lyngskor and Adoni, whom I have built a strong bond with helped me out with the shoot and I'm indebted to them” concludes Yelhomie.

The song is produced by Yugi Beats (Mizoram) and engineered by SKar Beats, a Naava Records artist.  2 Sons of the East is available on all digital streaming platforms, with the music video on Yelhomie’s YouTube channel.

Thiyam James, who goes by the moniker of Yelhomie (derived from the word Yelhoumee, meaning indigenous people) is a rapper from Manipur, Northeast India. Conscious rap being his preference, Yelhomie represents the eastside of India in his raps and acts as an outlet for the voiceless. He has released many singles and EPs wherein he touches many topics from discrimination to errors of the government and out of which some are sensitive to the general public.

His recent release, Is India My Home? speaks about the proxy war that's been going on in Manipur for the past 15 months and the negligence of the government and the public eye. Don't mistake, it's not only conscious rap he is fluent in, Yelhomie makes some serious party joints that you wouldn't want to miss bopping your head to. What's next from Yelhomie is the elevation of English Rap in India.

Moko Koza, is an Indian rapper and songwriter from Nagaland. He is considered as one of the first rappers to introduce multi-lingual and folk-fusion rap in Nagaland. He is a 2-time winner for Best Hip-Hop/Rap at Nagaland Music Awards. He won the best Hip-Hop/Rap artist at Radio City Freedom Awards, 2023 and is also a recipient of the TaFMa Excellency Award for his achievements towards music at national platforms.