Bandzo3rd’s Raucous Flow is Taking Over Desi Hip-Hop

California-based desi hip-hop artist Bandzo3rd aka Ryan Tanveer raps about having a Rolex on his wrist and Bata footwear on “Phasna Nahi,” his latest collaboration with Jabalpur rapper DeeKing aka Dhruv Pyasi.

Over the last four years, Tanveer – a Karachi-born kid who moved with his family to South California at the age of 13 – has become one of the most distinctive voices in Indian hip-hop, even if the collabs are long-distance. Case in point, the 25-year-old’s brief but explosive flow on New Delhi duo Seedhe Maut’s “Luka Chippi,” from the massive 2023 mixtape Lunch Break. It’s become one of the most popular songs off the mixtape and Bandzo3rd has been linking up with several other topline artists like Raga (“Sir Kholkar”), Panther (“Tod Fod”) ever since he released his debut song “Yaar Koi Nai” with fellow desi diaspora artist Guru Lahori in 2020.

In an interview with Rolling Stone India, Bandzo3rd talks about “Phasna Nahi,” his journey so far and how performing in India soon remains a “top priority” for him. Excerpts:

Rolling Stone India: “Phasna Nahi” is pretty cool in that it feels like DeeKing has a flow and intensity that wants to match your signature style. What was it like working on this track? 

Bandzo3rd: Working with DeeKing was an incredible experience. He’s more than just a collaborator; he’s a brother, and that dynamic made our collaboration truly special. When I first heard what he did on that beat, I was ecstatic. His unique approach added a layer of depth and authenticity to the track that elevated it to another level. 

Speaking about your flow and delivery, how did you get to the place you’re at right now, in having such a distinct vocal style that people will immediately recognize?

It all started with my [2021] single “Snitches ko Snitches.” After recording it, I was blown away by what I had created and became determined to master that pattern. From there, I continued to refine and develop my style, drawing inspiration from various influences and experimenting with different techniques to create a vocal style that is uniquely mine. 

What is it like showing up on the radars of desi hip-hop artists all the way from California? Do you feel like the geographical distance doesn’t matter so much?

It’s truly a blessing to receive recognition in the desi hip-hop scene, especially coming from the West Coast. My passion for desi hip-hop drove me to create something new and authentic that would resonate with people both locally and overseas. In today’s interconnected world, geographical distance doesn’t matter as much; music has the power to bridge cultures and bring people together regardless of where they are. 

What has it been like moving from Pakistan to the U.S.? Are you making music alongside a day job?

Moving from Karachi to Southern California at the age of 13 was a challenging transition, especially given the realities of street culture in California. Despite the obstacles, music was always my refuge. Now at 25, I’m balancing my music career with helping my parents with our family business. It’s a juggling act, but I’m committed to dropping music frequently while managing other responsibilities. 

Last year was huge because of “Luka Chippi” with Seedhe Maut. What can you tell me about the making of that tune and what you wanted to bring to it?

When Seedhe Maut reached out to me, I was pleasantly surprised. Hearing the track for the first time was a revelation; it was unlike anything I’d heard before. The hook immediately came to mind, and I knew I wanted to infuse it with the essence of Delhi. Despite being miles away in the U.S., I poured my heart into capturing that feeling and bringing it to life through the music. 

Are there more hip-hop artists on your wishlist, from India and maybe even from the U.S.?

My wishlist of collaborators spans both Desi artists and mainstream hip-hop icons. Among the desi artists, I admire figures like Diljit Dosanjh, Atif Aslam, Arijit Singh, and A.R. Rahman. Their unique contributions to music have inspired me, and collaborating with them would be a dream come true.

On the mainstream hip-hop front, artists like Kendrick Lamar, Drake, and SZA are at the top of my list. Their groundbreaking work has had a profound impact on the genre, and I would love the opportunity to collaborate with them and create something truly special. 

Is it a goal to come down to India to perform and tour? Will we see that happen sometime soon? 

Coming to India and touring the country is a top priority for me. By God’s grace, I’m actively working towards making that dream a reality, and I’m hopeful to announce an India tour soon. The opportunity to connect with fans in India and share my music live is something I’m incredibly excited about. 

What else is coming up through 2024?

In 2024, fans can expect a diverse range of projects from me, including EP and album collaborations, several singles, and even a full-length album. I’m constantly pushing myself creatively and exploring new avenues within the hip-hop genre, so there’s plenty of exciting music on the horizon.