Canadian rapper and model Tommy Genesis, who has Indian roots, is facing criticism for dressing up as Goddess Kali in her new music video. The video, shared on social media, upset many people who felt it hurt their religious feelings. Tommy Genesis, whose full name is Genesis Yasmine Mohanraj, has a Malayali, Tamil, and Swedish background. Her music often includes bold themes related to sex and gender.

In an interview with Office Magazine, Genesis explained that the song ‘True Blue’ is not meant for those who take it personally because of their faith. She also said that she is not affected by the negative reactions or criticism about the video. In the video, Genesis appears as the Hindu Goddess Kali, wearing a gold bikini, heels, and jewellery. She is also seen licking a crucifix and doing a ‘namaste’ gesture. Many viewers felt this disrespected both Hindu and Christian religions.

In an interview with Office Magazine, Genesis said, “If you like it, you like it, and if you don’t, you don’t. We don’t care. It’s not for you.” Indian rapper Raftaar strongly criticized her. He called the video a "mockery" of his religion and said, “This shouldn't exist,” in an Instagram story.

Genesis, who identifies as bisexual, often speaks openly about gender and sexuality. In a talk with W Magazine, she said, “I’m a very sexual person. It’s something I’ve always had to defend. Even if people say I’m hip-hop, I’m not. I make sex-talk art weird.”

About Tommy Genesis

Genesis studied film and sculpture at Emily Carr University of Art and Design before starting her music career. She began making music in the early 2010s and started recording rap in 2013 under a project called G3NESIS. Later, she joined Awful Records and released her first mixtape, World Vision. One of her early songs, Hair Like Water Wavy Like the Sea, featured another Awful Records artist, Abra.

In 2018, she released the song 100 Bad, produced by Charlie Heat. This was her second song with him, following their earlier 2017 track Tommy. Over time, she has worked with well-known artists like Charli XCX, Austin Millz, Lana Del Rey, and Nessa Barrett.

Besides music, Genesis also works as a model. She was part of Calvin Klein’s Fall 2016 campaign, which featured other musicians as well. She also worked with rapper M.I.A. during Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week. 

Tommy Genesis is known for her bold music and unique style, blending art, fashion, and music throughout her career. In 2016, Dazed Magazine called rapper Tommy Genesis "the internet's most rebellious underground rap queen." She studied gender politics, film, and sculpture in college, and often includes similar themes in her music videos.