On 22nd October, American Bangaldeshi artist Anik Khan released his third project, 'ONĒK', via The Foreign Affair/Thirty Tigers. The album's diverse composition invites listeners on a unique journey exploring themes of cultural identity, mental health, love, and faith. Featuring a heterogeneous mix of tempos and beats, 'ONĒK' establishes itself as an eclectic body of work pulling inspiration from a variety of genres. The title 'ONĒK' itself, reclaiming the pronunciation of his name as given by his parents: aw-neek. In this album, Anik continues to paint an audible picture that pushes the boundary of what a hip-hop artist can be.
Anik talks about the intentions behind the new project, global collaboration and a few insights on identity - a key theme of the album.
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Congratulations on an absolutely brilliant album. How are you feeling now the whole album is out into the world? Is there any particular message you’d like your listeners to take away from the project?
I'm feeling many things: joy, excitement, fear, vulnerable haha. It's been many years in the making and letting go of something so personal that you worked very hard on kind of brings all of those feelings out of me.
The message would be: be daring, be great, be proud. Question it all, find your own path.
The album is a carefully considered tapestry and in depth examination of your story, influences and homages - a celebration of you and your communities. Can you tell us about the inception and process of this project?
Thank you for saying that. My goal has always been to take global music further. To blend genres and sounds from places that aren't as common here in the west. Some songs took 3 years to finalize, others took a few hours. It was all about the intention and feeling because you want to be careful when blending genres and make sure you're doing justice to not just the sounds but the cultures.
This album was recorded in 5 countries, features 8 languages and has 7 artist features. Can you tell us a bit about the journey of bringing together this cross global collaboration?
The journey started when I was able to start traveling once getting my citizenship. I was lucky enough to travel to the places that have always influenced me growing up in Queens; Jamaica, Dominican Republic, Brazil, India, Bangladesh, The Emirates, etc. All of these places have one thing in common- rhythm. Drums are a universal backbone & provided the stitching for this record. For example on HTLY - although the demo started in 2022 in Rio - I knew Baile Funk's rhythms would work hand in hand with Bengali baul drums. I heard ghazals on top of these Brazilians flavors and got Ali Sethi to sing on top of it. It's internal, it just feels right. Sometimes, I miss and don't land lol, those don't make the cut. But when I do, it all comes together naturally.
You dropped Part 1 of the album earlier this year, what prompted the decision to release this project as 2 parts?
That was a decision made by my incredible and thoughtful team. I've been gone a long time, 4 years gone from the internet is like a lifetime. They suggested to preview some songs and get the algorithm going again. To lean towards and work with the times instead of against it.
You’ve mentioned this album represents your journey of healing and being an outsider, both intensely personal tribulations. I can imagine this would mean that its creation was in equal measures: painful, cathartic and beautiful. How do you navigate this whirlwind of emotions to create something cohesive that you’re ready to share with the world?
I tried my best to stay centered with meditation, working out, journaling: using my tools. My navigation comes back to feeling. It’s pretty transparent when you feel something and know it’s ready.
‘Onēk’ builds on the themes of your prior projects, ‘KITES’ and ‘DENIED//APPROVED’ - including immigrant experience, mental health and more. Since these releases, how do you feel your artistry has developed?
I think my songwriting developed tremendously. I took 3 years to learn how to write a genre that I usually don’t write. Most of these songs have a pop structure to them. The production also elevated immensely and that’s thanks to Mushtaq who produced the entire record. Also Matthew Morgan, my business partner and manager really challenged me. To dig deeper, create as much as I can and talk about the things that were uncomfortable. For example, on 'Not Enough' - I tried 14 different prechorus’ until I landed on the one you heard. A 15-20 second section. I never did that before.
Naturally, writing about such topics means that you have some very poignant introspective lyrics throughout the project. Can you tell us what your favourite lyrics from the album are?
Man. Thank you for this question. There are so many. Here some that stick out:
"Your father at work so long he couldn’t raise ya. You see him on occasion. And he couldn’t show love now that’s what you runaway from."
"Calling out to you feels selfish, it’s hard to know the truth when you’re in love."
"Runaway girl meets runaway boy. You know we build and destroy tryna catch a vibe."
"I’m under the covers, depression wants more I’m- understanding I can’t be around y’all."
"Split decisions my personality in divorce."
One thing we adore is your confidence in celebrating your South Asian roots alongside the sounds of your upbringing. What is your advice to those currently navigating and trying to balance their heritage with the communities they live in?
Your balance is exactly that - your own. No one can tell your truth. No matter what that truth is, have the conviction to stand on it. I hope your tradition finds your tomorrow.
Photographer: Fathima Mehreen, Styling: Shivani Sudhir
Your artworks and music videos have always added additional depth to your music. How intentional are you for these to not only be complementary to but add value to your messages? Can you also tell us a bit about the album cover?
I’ve always been intentional on what I’d like to show on screen. Darker skin tones, communities that don’t get highlighted, there’s a deeper meaning behind every scene I decide to show you. From intentionally showing Black & Brown kinship in a video like regardless to highlighting my body, fashion and taste because these days that feels “Brown” enough for me.
The album was shot by Felix of COLORS studio. He captured something so beautiful at that shoot. My friends braiding my hair- which has been a constant theme as I’ve shown videos of my mother, auntie and sisters doing the same. It feels vulnerable and it’s such a meditative process to have it done by people you love. I feel protected, nourished and cherished by them. Not being able to pinpoint where anyone in that picture is from was also special. It shows a type of commonality even if our cultures our different. We can appreciate all the shades of Brown in the world.
You were the first Bangladeshi-American to perform on the COLORS, where you performed the final song off the album, ‘Infinite NETIC’. How do you feel being part of this iconic platform? The song itself has themes of legacy, was this a purposeful choice to perform for what is considered to be a huge milestone for music artists?
COLORS is exactly that - an incredible milestone. They are so purposeful and tasteful. It’s been on my bucket list and I was honored when they wanted to work together. Shout to Joy Crookes another Bangladeshi from the UK who was on it before me as well!
Is there anything in the Onēk pipeline that we should keep an eye out for?
There’s a remix package coming your way. Tours. And maybe an extended version of the album with a few new tunes. We’re hitting the gas and not letting up!
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About the artist: Anik Khan’s artistry is defined by his fusion of South Asian heritage and the dynamic sounds of New York City. His music transcends boundaries—merging hip-hop, global influences, and intimate storytelling. Rising from humble beginnings in Queens, Anik has earned international acclaim while championing inclusivity and cultural pride, giving voice to underrepresented communities.
Anik’s critically acclaimed 2017 album KITES offered an introspective look at the immigrant experience in New York City. His 2021 double EP DENIED // APPROVED captured his personal battle for U.S. citizenship—DENIED reflecting his voice before being able to travel, and APPROVED representing the freedom that followed.
Anik Khan continues to redefine what it means to be a global artist, flipping the narrative on outdated immigrant stereotypes through bold music and fearless storytelling.
