Chennai Engineer Akash Shravan Mixes Indian Hip-Hop Hit That Breaks into U.S. Charts

When a Chennai studio rang with the thump of an Indian rap remix, the result was a number‑23 entry on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100.

Akash Shravan, a Chennai‑based audio engineer, mixed the remix of the Indian rap single "Big Dawgs," which features American rapper A$AP Rocky. The track entered the Billboard Hot 100 at number 23 and has earned multi‑platinum certification, marking the first time an Indian hip‑hop record has charted that high in the United States.

Shravan’s journey began more than a decade ago as an instrumentalist before he turned to production and started experimenting with mixing in 2016. He learned through YouTube tutorials and trial‑and‑error, then began working professionally in 2018. Since then, he has mixed tracks across hip‑hop, Bollywood film soundtracks, and independent projects.

When a client sends a demo, Shravan first listens to grasp the desired sound. He then requests the stems, which his assistant prepares in a custom DAW template with color‑coded tracks. The mixing process follows a consistent workflow: apply equalisation, compression, spatial effects, and level balancing before sending a first draft. Artists typically request a few rounds of revisions before the final master is delivered.

His first professional mix came in 2018 for a Chennai artist who had previously performed in front of him. The project proved pivotal because the artist’s confidence in Shravan’s ability to deliver a polished mix led to further commissions.

Shravan says he did not rely on networking rooms or industry events. Instead, he focused on producing high‑quality work from his home studio. Producers who heard his mixes asked him to work on their projects, creating a chain of referrals that expanded his client base.

Working with artists he had known for years—such as Hanumankind and producer Kalmi—was easier because he understood their musical language and expectations. For new clients, he prefers projects where he can bring a clear vision; otherwise, he declines to ensure the final product meets the artist’s needs.

The "Big Dawgs" remix was released on December 5, 2024, after the original single debuted on July 9, 2024. Distributed by Universal Music India and later added to streaming platforms like Spotify, the track’s viral spread on TikTok helped it climb the charts, while A$AP Rocky’s inclusion broadened its appeal to international audiences.

Outside of mixing, Shravan maintains a disciplined routine: he works out in the gym, follows a consistent schedule, and focuses on one task at a time. He notes that the ability to meet tight deadlines—sometimes delivering a mix within a day—has become essential when working with large labels or film productions.

His advice to newcomers is to invest time: "Put in 10,000 hours," he says. He also stresses the importance of restraint in mixing, summarising his learning as "less is more".

Industry observers note that the Indian audio engineering scene has grown significantly. Shravan says the supply of skilled engineers now matches the demand from artists, labels, and media companies.

Despite the spotlight that comes with a chart‑topping remix, Shravan remains focused on his craft. He continues to mix tracks for a variety of genres, maintaining the same workflow and dedication that earned him recognition in 2024.