Karma’s “Ring A Rose” Music Video Embodies Gangster Swag and Nostalgia
A new music video from Dehradun-based hip-hop artist Karma blends cinematic storytelling with a reimagined childhood rhyme, signaling a shift in the artist’s sonic direction.
Karma, known for tracks like “Tony Montana” featuring KR$NA, delivers a visual personification of his signature “gangster swag” in his latest release, “Ring A Rose.” The video, directed by Anush S.K. and shot by Aswin Sumesh in Kochi, features Karma as part of a trio challenging an established kingpin.
According to the artist, the creative team encouraged him to embrace authenticity. “I come from a place where it’s normal to be like this,” Karma shared, adding that he was told to “just be yourself” and “live the character.” To prepare for the role, Karma drew inspiration from Malayalam action-comedy Aavesham after filming began, noting it helped him refine his character’s mannerisms and style. He also expressed admiration for the aesthetic of the Telugu action franchise Pushpa, particularly the “shiny shirts and gold rings.”
The production took the artist from the hills of Uttarakhand to the humid climate of Kochi, a transition he embraced with encouragement from Ansika Vjn, product lead at Warner Music India. “The temperature, food, culture, language—everything changed,” Karma said, “But of course, I felt very connected and very motivated.”
The song itself, produced by Salz, represents a departure from Karma’s recent work, including the love song “Do U Wanna.” “Ring A Rose” prominently features a subversive take on the classic children’s rhyme, transforming it into lyrics about unapologetic success. The artist admitted a desire to “cash in on our nostalgia” while also aiming for a more accessible and “massy” sound.
Nostalgia is further evoked through the inclusion of a metallic green Zen car, a prized possession of the character Karma’s crew targets. While visual effects enhance the action sequences, Karma insisted on avoiding an overly “comicky” aesthetic, believing the Zen—rather than a more ostentatious vehicle like a Mustang—would resonate more with audiences as a relatable, everyday object.
Karma is currently working on additional singles slated for release this year, as well as “a project” expected by year-end. Despite a recent injury that caused a temporary setback, the artist is back in full force. “I was reloading, and now I’m back, and I’m gonna shoot, shoot, shoot,” he stated with a laugh, signaling a renewed commitment to his craft.
