The unique sounds from the producers and artists of the Punjabi diaspora have established an undeniable global force in recent years. Their fusion of traditional high Bhangra traits, Giddha and Shabad Gurbani Kirtan styles with modern layers of trap, ‘90s hip-hop beats and R&B has resulted in a new genre that’s breaking through on an international scale.
In particular, the late Sidhu Moose Wala’s influence and legacy as a rapper, actor and cultural force looms large. Artists like Panjabi MC lit sparks around the turn of the century with “Mundian To Bach Ke” (“Beware of the Boys”), eventually grabbing the attention of Jay-Z, which led to a new version featuring Hov at the height of his powers. In recent years, a new crop of Punjabi artists are making their mark on the global hip-hop scene, on SoundCloud and beyond.
In 2023, Canada-based Diljit Dosanjh made history as the first Punjabi artist to perform at Coachella, bringing the language to the stage of one of the world's most prestigious festivals. Fateh, a Toronto-based rapper by way of the Bay Area, where he developed an obsession with American hip-hop at a young age, has become a fixture of the scene, collaborating with superproducer Dr. Zeus and landing nominations including “Breakthrough Act” at the Brit Asia Music Awards. San Francisco’s Talwiinder has also been making waves, with his distinctive blend of dark pop and hip-hop mixed with Punjabi rhythm and flow. Meanwhile, the Indo-Canadian singer AP Dhillon was the subject of a Prime Video docuseries aptly titled, “First of a Kind,” featuring the rapper’s journey from a small village in Punjab to Canada, where he became a music sensation. AP Dhillon also graced the Coachella stage this year with prominent billing, along with the Toronto-by-way-of-Punjab breakout artist NAV.
Across the Atlantic, the London-based producer and DJ Manni Sandhu has been uniting Punjabi music with UK garage and hip-hop, dropping a series of mixtapes, collaborating with Dhillon and the rising MC Sukha and winning Best Music Producer honors at BAMA. There’s plenty more where these talented artists are in this burgeoning scene and on the playlist. Dive into a collection of tracks showcasing the rapidly rising Punjabi hip-hop movement.
LISTEN TO THE PUNJABI HIP-HOP PLAYLIST ON SOUNDCLOUD NOW
The Ranjha, “Muqabala”
The wildly viral “Muqabala” freestyle gets a proper studio release with a fresh set of beats, courtesy of renowned Punjabi hip-hop producer the Kidd.
AP Dhillon, “Real Talk”
Following their last collab on “True Stories,” Canadian-Punjabi rapper and songwriter AP Dhillon continues to blend cultural influences and teams up with Shinda Kahlon for their new track “Real Talk.”
Sahil Cheema, “Forever Yours”
This track features a mix of traditional Punjabi and contemporary music. Indian-Punjabi singer and songwriter Sahil Cheema brings heartfelt emotions to life with “Forever Yours.”
Shubh, “Cheques”
After gaining widespread recognition with his debut single “We Rollin,” Indian-born and Ontario-raised Punjabi rapper Shubh releases “Cheques.”
Karan Aujla, “52 Bars”
Rapidly rising Canadian-Punjabi rapper/singer and Karan Aujla unites with producer extraordinaire Ikky to ignite “52 Bars”.
Deep Jandu, “Kohinoor (feat. Sukh-E Muzical Doctorz)”
Canadian born producer and rapper Deep Jandu collabs with Sukh-E Muzical Doctorz to bring a fresh, standout track in the Punjabi music scene.
BK, “Jaanke”
London based Punjabi artist BK started as a recording engineer and progressed to recording his own songs and now has had six hits on the UK charts.
Talwiinder, “Anonymous” feat. Real Boss
Based in San Francisco, the New Delhi native has been a fierce experimentalist since he broke out in 2018. “There’s no way to predict what the next song will sound like,” he says.
Diljit Dosanjh, “Vanilla”
As an actor, his films are some of the highest-grossing in Punjab film history. His prolific talent as a hip-hop and pop musician earned him a spot at Coachella 2023, marking the first artist to bring the Punjabi language for an entire set at the prestigious festival.
Nirvair Pannu, “Kam Jattan De”
Popping off in 2018 with his single “Pistol Group,” Pannu reached another level two years later with his viral smash “Bandook.” Here he ups the ante, again.
Shubh, “Ruthless”
Based in Canada, Shubhneet Singh works in English as well as his native Punjabi language. His recent debut album: “Still Rollin’.”
Sidhu Moose Wala, “Daku”
This ominous track from the late, great Punjabi rapper showcases his influence and range.
Jasmine Sandlas, “Door Khol”
Punjab-born and California-raised singer, rapper, and media personality has found worldwide success from a young age. “Door Khol” boasts her pop-infused vocals over trap beats.
Raf-Saperra, “Modern Mirza”
Hailing from South London, the newcomer was filming the video for this song in Pakistan when the local kids started singing with him. “That’s when I knew it was a hit,” he says.
Big Boi Deep & Byg Byrd, “Off The Cuff”
Born Mandeep Singh, he hit the ground running with his 2019 collab with Sidhu Moose Walal, “Homicide.” This new track is a collab with the Canadian producer Byg Byrd.
AP Dhillon, “Scars”
Born in India and attended college in Canada, 2023 Dillon became the first Punjabi artist to perform at the Juno Awards.
BK, “In the Streets”
The new video for the first song from BK’s debut EP was shot in California. A young woman waves a flag to start a drag race. From there, his engine runs hot.
Tegi Pannu, “One Question”
Another collab between Sandhu and the Sydney-based Pannu, who previously worked together on the breakthrough single “Into You".
Bhalwaan, “Trip To LA”
There’s an eerie trap vibe to the latest single from this Punjabi native, who now calls Canada home.
Sikander Kahlon, “Cash Money” feat. Ikka
This prolific rapper has been in the game for over a decade. He’s also known for his work as a Bollywood filmmaker. “Cash Money,” no doubt.
Wazir Patar, “Pind Moorhdi” ft. Roop Bhullar
Frequent collaborators Wazir Patar and Roop Bhullar strike an imposing duo, enhanced here by their Wu-like soundbed.
Sultaan, “Jatt Don't Care” Ft. Big Ghuman
The rapidly rising rapper uniquely combines traditional Punjabi rhythms with modern hip-hop elements.
Arjan Dhillon, “Lip Shade”
This Punjabi artist incorporates more pop playfulness into his tracks than some of his contemporaries, as witnessed in the steel drum riff that carries through this recent release.
Sukha & Manni Sandhu, “No Safety”
Here the sought-after London producer works with newcomer Sukha, who recently dropped his debut EP.
Fateh & Straight Bank - “Baller [Long Story Short]”
With six albums to his name, the rapper known as Fateh (or Fateh Doe or, previously, Young Fateh) is by now well-established as a face of the Punjabi hip-hop diaspora.
Amrit Maan, “Supreme”
A close colleague of the late Sidhu Moose Wala, Maan is a force in his own right on the scene.
Karan Aujla x Ikky, “Champion's Anthem”
The Punjabi superstar Aujla pairs with the masterful producer Ikky on this anthem, which evokes some “Godfather” vibes.
AR Paisley, “What's Beef” feat. Inderpal Moga
“Youngin steady stunting counting money in abundance,” as the English-language opening verse goes on this bilingual banger. The Punjabi chorus flows just as effortlessly.
Robyn Sandhu, “Fame”
This rising Punjabi pop star, based in the Vancouver area, got his start not as a singer but a poet.
Nseeb, Vitamin, “Moonroof”
Born Bikramdeep Singh Dhaliwal, the rapper known as NseeB first made a name for himself when he guested on Sidhu Moose Wala’s “Old Skool.”
Real Boss, “Questions”
This rapper is equally dedicated to keeping it hip-hop real and maintaining his roots in India. Past songs have featured traditional Punjabi instruments such as tumbi and sarangi.
Mr. Dhatt, “Hood,” feat. Surinder Shinda
Known for tracks like “On Route” and “Mast Mast,” Mr. Dhatt is a leading tastemaker in the Punjabi hip-hop scene, with “Hood” featuring vocals from the late legendary folk singer and actor, Surinder Shinda, who passed away in 2023.
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