Hip-hop artist DJ Drama loves tandoori chicken, samosas

New Delhi, July 9 (IANS) American hip-hop artist Tyree Cinque Simmons, popularly known as DJ Drama, has been enjoying Indian delicacies since childhood and says tandoori chicken and samosas are among his favourites.

'I have family members who have visited India before and I have been a big fan of Indian food since I was a kid. Almost every weekend we used to have Indian food - be it tandoori chicken, chicken saag, lamb curry, samosas etc,' Drama told IANS when he was here as part of fourth edition of Tuborg Vh1 Hip Hop Hustle.

Drama insists Bollywood movies helped him in learning a little about Indian culture.

'Bollywood has been getting lot of attention around the world including the States (US) and is also making into the mainstream newspapers frequently. It is indeed playing an important part in spreading the Indian culture. Whatever little I know about India is through Bollywood,' said Drama.

The musician also revealed his desire to collaborate with Oscar winning music composer A.R. Rahman.

'I would love to work with A.R. Rahman. He is a superbly talented human being and I loved his music in 'Slumdog Millionaire',' said Drama who is keen to collaborate with Indian composer.

'Because I didn't get a chance to meet the Indian composers during this trip, I plan to come again to talk to them about collaboration,' he added.

During his three-day visit June 24 to June 26, the 32-year-old, who has played with likes of Akon, Snoop Dogg and Lil Wayne, visited Mumbai, New Delhi and Hyderabad. He was delighted to see the response he received from people while performing in India.

'People were crazy. It was really nice to see the way they enjoyed the music. This shows that hip hop culture is slowly catching up in India,' he said.