Drummer-Producer DEB Drops Serpentine Song ‘Asla’ with Grizzlies

Mumbai-based drummer Gautam Deb aka DEB has been smashing it behind the kit as a metalhead, post-rocker and hip-hop party-starter. In recent years, however, he’s taken on another role as producer and beatmaker, working with rappers across the board.

The latest release from Deb is the Punjabi hip-hop song “Asla,” featuring rap duo Grizzlies. The trippy song marks the second collaboration between the artists, with Deb previously co-producing “Pampered Boots” for Grizzlies in 2023. Prior to this, Deb — who is the live drummer for rap star DIVINE — has produced for hip-hop artist Kaam Bhaari (“Aasman”), MC Altaf (“Young King”) and Tamil rapper MC Artslord (“Achamillai”).

A description for the song in Deb’s press release says, “‘Asla’ which means ‘weapon’ is representative of DEB’s production vision. Conceptualized by Deb, it is a hard-hitting composition that ingeniously reimagines traditional Indian instruments such as the harmonium and ghungroo in a bass-heavy format. This club banger is set to make waves with its fusion of cultural elements and contemporary beats.” The song carries references to everything from marijuana to Van Gogh, plus rappers like 50 Cent and Jazzy B alike.

According to the artist, Grizzlies was a discovery by Deb and fellow producer Rākhis aka Shikhar Manchanda at the latter’s studio The Beast India Company as part of its “first artist initiation program.”

In the video for “Asla” directed, shot and edited by Nachiket Parchure, Deb and Grizzlies are seen hitting the town, with cameos from the Gully Gang roster including OG Shez and DJ Proof.

Watch the video for “Asla” below.