Project : BollyHood

The D-Boy & Des C remix of Sef’s You Need a Hero  is officially out.  Not sure if im digging Des-C’s attempts to be an undercover hero, but the ladies.. yeye bring em onnnn

Always something to look forward to whenever there’s a new comer to the scene. This time it’s H Dhami’s cousin , the name in fame is …(drumroll please) … Rana Sahota! Signed to Moviebox records and produced by Amn Hayer, i hope this will be a promising album and will make it to my summer to-buy list, because i’m reading a lot of mixed attempts. Haven’t been able to listn to the album, but 2 songs do have videos being aired in India.

Just as cool as the soundtrack to her debut album Me Versus Me, the video is completly original. Ch ch check it outt

Another episode of Coke Studio - another set of musical treasures brimming from the magical setup..

Dastaan-e-Ishq - numerous uploads of this track on facebook reaffirm the fact that it was probably the most appreciated one, for reasons that are only too obvious - Ali Zafar’s captivating vocals, Baqir Abbas’s brilliance on the flute, which adds a sensuous element to the fusion, especially as he closes in on the performance, and the Sufi poetry, apart from the chorus that was written by the incredible musician himself, all come together to form a beautifully rich union of talents. I read somewhere that Ali Zafar was deeply moved when he gave his first performance on Coke Studio last year - that may explain the powerful performance this time around, and his own breakdown during the final recording.

Kinara - a typical Atif Aslam track, taken from his Meri Kahani album, has been given a new look through the addition of various instruments, and the talents of the great Riaz Ali Khan, who hails from the Sham Chaurasia Gharana and is a known phenomenal singer, although I’ve not heard his stuff myself unfortunately. The composition goes up numerous notches at 3:00 as the stellar Khan kicks in, but it’s at 3:35 when the evokingly stunning violin makes an entry, and that’s where I got won over by the track - it’s at this point that the tune gets stamped as one that’ll be remembered for a long time! I can’t say much about Atif’s abilities on hitting the classical notes to a T, but his guts and efforts in pursuing this remarkable collaberation need be commended! The jump from the punjabi vocals to the urdu vocals are again truly enjoyable, and it’s a terrific piece overall, boasting of a very interesting fusion.

Mind you, JoSH’s Jaaney Do was a treat too, and a terrific beginning to the show, even it wasn’t as experimental as the rest tracks. But it’s a nice change from their usual fast-paced numbers, and the female addition to the vocals is a ‘pretty’ welcome.

Finally, the hypontizing Saeein Zahoor leaves nothing to be said, except the need to be presented with an almost worshipful-like appreciation for his performance. It’s apparent why he won the BBC award World Music Award and how rich the folk music of our country is. This is his own composition, which was beautifully complemented by the Banjo (strummed by Ali Hamza), amongst other instruments.

credits to Zahra for the article

Came across this awesome website which I simple had to share.

Similar to BBC’s legendary Maida Vale studio, Coke Studio in Pakistan brings alive the magic of live recordings and performances, Providing a musical platform which bridges barriers, celebrates diversity, encourages unity and instils a sense of Pakistani pride. Coke Studio is an inspired step by Coca-Cola for having created a platform where renowned as well as upcoming and less mainstream musicians from various genres can collaborate musically.

They just posted up episode 2 - Harmony, which has acts from Canadian duo JoSH, and Pakistani super ishtars Atif Aslam & Riaz Ali Khan, Ali Zafar,  Shafqat Amanat Ali and Saieen Zahoor. Some scintillating performances there and I definitely recomment you check out the raw talent these musicians have!

Hit up the next post for a review on some of the perfomances !

Whatever I can do to rep this brother, I WILL!

With AG Dolla’s latest installment, Mr.Shah, pre-orders are officially sold out ! THE album I have unbelieveably patiently been waiting for since desihits.com gave away the free download of Border Control. With the beats from Daydreamer and Arranged Marrige (with Mentor) , he became my next best thing in the industry. His music … bomb diggidy.

Mr. Shah will deliver a musical slapstick, knocking out anyone who can manage to keep pace with his cheeky lyrics. Offering infectious party anthems through to deep and conscious tracks, this album is most definitely a crowd pleaser! And also a bit of friendly competition for Brown Boi Menis, which i’m sshhure he won’t mind.

I’m not going to say ey jii (AG !) has a unique sound, because with every track in the album, there is something different. From an Asian point of view on stereotypical views of people, to dancefloor bombs and the expressing his love for a girl who may not necessarily feel the same way. What you will notice is that he hasn’t used samples of Choli Ke Peechay as most MCs are doing in their productions, and instead A G Dolla has experiemented with samples that conveniently fit his name ! Either ‘ey jii’ being AD or ‘Dolla’ (from Devdas) ! ROTFL !

A big look in 2009, make sure you manage to cop…. MR. SHAH.

With Snoopy D O double G  appearing onto PCD’s track Bottle Pop, our very own man who’s been hiding for the past 5 years (maybe in a cave?) has added his signature flex to it. Yes im talkin’ about Punjabi MC. But are you going to hear this joint on the sparlking floors of clubs in T. or Ldn ? I don’t know, because after hearing DJ Stylz’s (try saying that, its like stylzzezz ??!!??)  mashup of Bottle Pop, that’s the only version i want pumpin out at 10000 watts!

There is not a website, not a news channel and not a blog without this news. The world has been shaken at the loss of the most legendary figure in music.

I am very much  saddend by his loss, but glad to say that I lived in the same age as he did, and see his music take over the globe with a quality that no word in the dictionary can describe. I am sure his music will live on forever, I just hope that his good name stays with it, and all the other fuss (for which he was acquitted!) fades away.

Besides all the professional people and friends of MJ, here is what MJs world famous fan, Suleman Mirza from Signature had to say ”

” I am devastated, heartbroken traumatised and stricken with grief at the sad news of Michael Jackson’s death. A fan since the age of 5years old, Michael Jackson has been a presence in my home and life ever since I can remember. Michael Jackson touched my life so deeply and inspired me on so many levels that I am overwhelmed at this massive loss…..words fail me. I cannot begin to tell you how sad I feel. I pray that GOD will bless his soul and I know he is now in heaven still shining as bright as ever.
“Michael you brought so much happiness to so many people around the world. You showed us all how it is done with your talent and showmanship. You showed us what it means to be a true humanitarian and a true entertainer. You stood tall and proud while others tried to bring you down and you were always victorious and humble. You were and remain the greatest superstar of ALL TIME…………..There will NEVER BE another Michael Jackson ……..

I love you with all my heart ……

………I will dedicate the rest of my life in flying your flag proudly as you will live forever no matter what”…..

……MICHAEL JACKSON THE KING OF POP FOREVER ***  ”

Suleman Mirza

Them boys from Denmark carrying the name of Bombay Rockers didn’t really manage to capture the audience’s attention with Crash and Burn as they did with their first album, Introducing. And this, as comedian Dean Obeidallah says, I find unacceptable!

Offering Punabji vocalised hip hop with a twang of alt. rock as in Out Of Control and Supernatural, and then a valentine vibe with Sajna Ve or even clean RnB with Beautiful and Play Me like Dat, i thought this album was very under-rated.

But is there a burst of fresh energy around the corner, that will revitalise the album? A DJ by the name DJ  Idriss and Ashwin Jaydee have come together with their official Sajna Ve Remix which will be on the Rocker’s newest offerings.

Here is the promo mix, and keep it locked, because you know who’s going to bring it to you yea yea ??

Back fresh on the block with their latest member, Nicola, the girl band Rouge have teamed up with the Music Kidz to produce a single from their forthcoming album due sometime in 2009.

Here is the single Better Than It Takes

After exploding onto the scene with club smashers Tonight and Slip n Fall, Toronto’s biggest Urban Desi act, Sunny Brown, Lomaticc and DJ Baba Kahn have nuked the Desi club nights with their first single from the July 2009 release of Culture Shock 2 - Black Market Edition, Bombay Bo. After day 1 of release, they have hit 5000 downloads!

Baba Kahn and Lomaticc has proved to be one of the handful of desis who have succesfully and consistently produced R n’ B / synthpop smashes such as Slip n Fall and Tonight. Baba also continues to send home hundreds of clubber with sore feet and a faint memory of the night throwing down sets at Circa, Embassy and many more.

Culture Shock 2 will just be another (hopefully) victory for him, Sunny Brown (providing the Hindi/Punjabi vocals) and Lomaticc (on the L’Anglais).

To cop a free download of BOMBAY BO and to show your support head over to 747 Records!

Just another day and another hour on youtube last night when I stumbled across this tune. Since 2 Step Bhangra by The Bilz and Tonight by Lomaticc, Sunny Brown and Baba Kahn, I haven’t really heard any catchy urban desi hip hop tunes.

BUT, here is my lastest discovery! Deep and Kamla Punjabi (aka K k k Krazy Indian).

Word is that DJ Sanj is to prensent Deep and Kamla Punjabi in his new upcoming album that is suppose to be releasing soon in 2009. The new album of Dj Sanj with Deep & Kamla Punjabi contains a blend of different styles that crosses genres, cultures, and countries. Taking styles of Punjabs traditional bhangra music, and Houston screwed up legacy to form something completely new … Bhangra meets the dirty South !

Now get those lips workin’ eyo!

More on Kamla Punjabi here!

Just as crazy as Juggy D’s dance moves are, most people would say going to Mexico at this time of the year would be equal or even greater than that ! And that’s exactly what the fellas at Sound Pipe Records. Taj-E, Bee2, Juggy D and Bradley did!

Just because there’s a deadly virus on the loose doesn’t mean people shouldn’t have fun! So down went the guys to deliver music  from Taj-E’s lastest work Sik n’ Twisted, but with a Mexican topping. Watch out for the tribute to a lengendary performer, Richie Valance. A completely remade, recreated bhanged up remix of La Bamba mashed up with Gur Naal Ishq Mitha! And also an exclusive tour live version of a downtempo, mellow Vang Teri performed by Juggy D.

Jay Sean and Lil Wayne’s hot new track ‘Down’ has taken over the American airwaves! This epic collaboration has now become the number one added song on rhythmic radio in the USA, topping the Black Eyed Peas, Sean Paul and Jeremih.

His first Jayded Records/Cash Money single has already been added to over thirty of America’s top radio station playlists, Jay is without a doubt on his way to becoming the most successful British Asian artist in America. With the forthcoming release of the US version of his album ‘My Own Way’, Jay continues going from strength to strength and is dominating the urban scene both in America and across the globe.Having worked with Lil Wayne, Birdman, Skepta and other established artists, Jay is unstoppable!

Stumbled across the Swami’s remix of Balle! Shava! from Tigerstlye’s latest album, Mystics Martyers and Maharajas. A track made in return of Tigerstyle’s remix of Hey Hey? ( which i still haven’t heard! :(  )

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Also, catch Swami LIVE AND FREE at the Mosaic Fest on 20th June 2009 in Missisagua, Canada! Lineup also includes RDB and Nindy Kaur, tabla player Cassius Khan and Toronto’s very own, S.G.P.D!

Reports are in the the girl band Rouge, famous for their hit single Don’t Be Shy produced by Dr. Zeus, are back behind the soundproof glass and hard at work!

With one of the former members calling ends with the group, there has been a replacement and she goes by the name of Nicola. Will the new trio be able to produce something better than their previous flop album ? But one thing still remains the same … the three still give PCD a run for their money !

A few days ago I received an e-mail which took me by surprise! I came across her music on Bobby and Nihal’s show, but I guess she read my mind and her company contacted me before I could reach them!

Award winning and dynamic leading British Asian vocalist Shahin Badar releases her fantastic debut solo album Laila and returns to the music scene for the first time in nearly two years.

Known for her part in the Prodigy’s ‘Smack My Bitch Up’ which featured her spine tingling Alaap chant on their multimillion selling Fat Of The Land album giving them and Shahin Billboard and UK No. 1 chart positions and entry into the Guinness Book of Records as the fastest selling album at the time! Shahin featured on two further Prodigy albu

ms that enjoyed UK number 1 chart positions. Also under her belt is a single with Tim Deluxe on the single Mundaya, which was chosen as an ‘Essential tune of the week’ by BBC Radio 1 DJ Pete Tong.

Her distinctive vocals have also featured in over 30 Hollywood and Bollywood films including Academy nominated Closer and Charlie’s Angels, US sitcoms North Shore and Shyam Bengal’s Zubeidaa. Shahin has also supported leading US rapper 50 Cent on stage. As you can tell, it’s pretty hard to summarize her career

Laila features a blend of ethnic pop fusion Arabesque electronica dance (yea i couldn’t say that in one breath as well!) with a world feel. This has lead to collaborations with the likes of Oscar winner AR Rahman, Jah Wobble, Twista and Juliet Lewis. It is a strong offering of 18 solid cuts, which are edgy, tripping and hypnotic beats and chants. No dance floor is likely to be empty when tracks like Mundaya ,Doleh Reh from Mercury nominated Choque Hosein, Jhoom Jhoom, Laila, and Andheri Raat hit the decks.

Definitely more news on Bollyhood as the story unravells, but in the mean time have a listen! ::

Shahin Bader Homepage

Laila - Shahin Bader 

Live on jool’s holland - Shahin badar

Yuva - Dol Dol (ft. Shahin Bader)

Dil - LH1 ft Shahin Bader 

He goes by the name of Menis and he thinks its KOOL 2 B ASIAN. And why not !

With seriously D.O.P.E beats, and i’m saying a complete crossover from old skool filmi beats to circus style indie rock slash electro within the time it takes to register the genre (!!) , this menissing MC with his partner in crime, Nazza T, delivers nothing but quirky lyrics and eccentric beats.

Political, personal or just plain fun, this young eclectic artist delivers his thoughts over a diverse concoction of Hip-hop beats, Indie-Rock riffs and Electro sounds. KOOL 2 B ASIAN is the first single from his next album Buy 1 get None Free. Rappin’ about mispronounced Asian names, the love for bollywood and cricket (yes we all have it! Don’t deny it!), there’s going to be comic relief on every track!  Refusing to be limited to one genre - get ready for Electro Pop, Hip Hop and Indie-Rock Menis style!

The movement has begun! Check out the behind the scenes footage of KOOL 2 B ASIAN.

The guys behind the club smasher Tonigh and Shiva : Sunny Brown, Lomaticc and Kardinal Official, produced by one of Canada’s hottest and most celebrated DJ, Baba Kahn are all gearing up for the release of Culture Shock 2,

And what a release it shall be! With RDB and wife Nindy Kaur, Manak-E and the one and only H-Dhami in the house, it’s going to be one big brown clash of bhangra, elecro, hip hop loving ladies and gents!If your in Toronto on Sunday 28th June, pop into Circa and be part of the mayham!

Sparing nothing on the musical spectrum , Baba Kahn confirms his unique style by taking a musical journey across over three decades of music but still keeping a fresh electro base to it all. He manages to hit Boom Boom Pow (B E P), Saadi Gali (RDB), Paan Banaras Wala (Don), I know you want me (Pitbull) and back to Rang Barse (some ‘ld Amitab Bachan movie) and also some UK hip hop with Hai Hai (Ms.Scandalous). Grab your very own free sample mix of the CD right here! :::  DOWNLOAD SAMPLE

From the little town of Shillong, Canadian raised, UK based, singer, songwriter and actress Karen Shenaz David is gearing up to release her fantastic new single Magic Carpet Ride

 Magic Carpet Ride is the perfect fusion of pop, dance and Desi beats, written by Karen with producers The Bombay Dub Orchestra, sampling the classic Dum Maro Dum from the iconic film Hare Krishna Hare Rama. The single features a host of remixes from the likes of Nucleya (previously Bandish projekt member), Kully B & Gussy G, DJ Shadow (Dubai) and DJ Pathaan (BBC).

After originally being spotted by legendary composer AR Rahman during her stint in the hit West End musical Mamma Mia, Karen’s career has come along leaps and bounds. She went on to work with Rahman in the development of the stage musical Bombay Dreams, write and record with him on the soundtrack for Provoked

In 2008, the multi-talented Karen David released her debut EP “The Live Sessions” as well as starring in Terry Pratchett’s Colour of Magic and as the lead in The Scorpion King 2 – The Rise of a Warrior. The latter role made her a South Asian sex symbol across North America and in Canada.

Whether it’s singing, acting or presenting, Karen David will definitely be one of the faces to look out for in 2009!

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Hunterz, best know for his hits Dil from Phat Trax vol.1, Aap Ka Aana of Streets of Bollywood, Sahara (ft Kami K), Do Dat Dance (Choli ke peechey) and his album Masterpiece have just released the third video from the year old album.

Hunterz is one of a handfull of producers/singers who has been successful in balancing hip hop with a fine mix of hindi and urdu influences, which is evident  from the many collaborations and compilations he has been featured on.

Oh mere yaar habibi is different from the most of the other tracks on the album as it offers a very traditional Arab sound and manages to keep the track fresh every time you hear it. Definitely a track iignored till the video came out! MISTAKE!

Leaving all the bhangra, dhols and tumbis behind, this is a story of a Pakistani American singer, Nadia Ali, singer and songwriter who is best known as a former member of the band iiO, and for their breakthrough 2001 hit Rapture which reached #2 on the UK Singles chart and topped dance charts all over the world. What made Rapture so beautiful, was the voice at the centre of the track. That voice - a voice in the new genration of dance music - belonged to Nadia Ali.

Ali left the group in 2005 to pursue a solo career and released her first two singles Who is Watching, a collaboration with DJ/Producer Armin Van Buuren and Something to Lose, a duet with singer/songwriter Rosko . The duet was championed on the UK’s BBC Radio One by influential DJ and tastemaker Pete Tong, Both tracks have more than a few remixes Her latest single, Crash and Burn, has become a club smash, reaching the top 10 on Billboard’s Hot Dance Club Play Chart.  Nadia released her follow-up single called Love Story and Love Story (pt 2).

If your looking for the next gen tance, house, electro/dance click on the links below to check out the Nadia Ali vibe

Who is Watching - Nadia Ali and Armin Van Buren

Love Story - Nadia Ali

Rapture - Nadia Ali

Crash and Burn - Nadia Ali

After a number 1 hit and one of my all time favourites ,Tu Bataja featuring Des-C, D-Boy is back with yet another killer cut new single. The remix for Sef’s U Need A Hero has been created for the desi market and is set to follow suit with the success of the original record.  The original track is already playlisted on 1Xtra and supported by Kiss 100. It has been DJ Swerve’s [Kiss 100] Record of the week TWICE now.

The desi remix for ‘U Need A Hero is not an overtly tumbi-and-dhol style record but clearly has the D-Boy stamp on it. His use of heavy drum sounds and instrumentation includes his trademark electro and string vibes. The Hindi lyrics have been penned and performed by Des-C and are the icing on the remix.  The slick delivery of the Hindi vocals carries the original tracks message but is laden with a real desi upbeat Punjabi attitude.

The official desi remix is set to blaze a white hot trail on radio and clubs nationwide. This is set to be a summer anthem…the tag team is unstoppable!

 It’s been all about Jay Sean for the last couple of days. Maybe it’s time to let the light shine on some new fellas.

Introducing Chan Has, a trained percussionist and Aron B, met at Music college when the two knew instinctively that they were on the same wavelength and destined to work together. Combining Aron B’s song writing skills with Chan’s amazing musical repertoire and their powerful English and Punjabi vocals, the two have created a dancefloor filler, I just Wanna, a track is gathering momentum and a rapidly growning fan base.

Also be sure to check out the Desi Mixx and the Baseline Mix !

Jay Sean makes his second appearance on another Cash Money record, but this time its Cash Money’s Birdman.
Birdman’s upcoming album Priceless, features Jay Sean on Written on Her, the second track of the album.
A differnt vibe from Down (ft. Lil Wayne) and offers a new sound for the ears. A lot of DJs and RJs have commented on it as a futuristic / hip-hop sound, and something fresh for the airwaves. It is time that the western music scene sees some new variety, new artists, and Jay Sean is definitly a good substitution for the heavily played Akon, Lady Gaga etc. Let’s just hope our home boy is not just a fad !

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