Indian-origin U.K. artists PAV4N and Sonnyjim team up with producer Kartik, with the first track on Azadi Records also bringing in Brit-Bengali rapper M.O.N.G.O.
PATAKA BOYS comprises PAV4N, Sonnyjim and Kartik (from left to right). Photo: Press
Hip-hop group PATAKA BOYS – comprising Foreign Beggars founder PAV4N, rapper-producer Sonnyjim and Ludhiana-based producer Kartik – introduce their aesthetic on “Bappi Lahiri,” their debut song that’s named after the late Bollywood music legend.
Released via Azadi Records, the song sees PAV4N and Sonnyjim bring their stoner-ific rap to Kartik’s sample-filled beat production, with an additional verse from British artist M.O.N.G.O. from the U.K. crew Mud Fam.
PAV4N says in a statement, “PATAKA BOYS is an outrageous display of opulence, hedonism and a celebration of the muddy depths of underground hip-hop that grew us. Elder statesmen actively blurring the line between ratchet and couture, cynical, satirical, dry British and desi humor.”
Both rappers’ verses dive into experiences they associate with India, although PAV4N throws in a few jabs at The Daily Mail and the right-wing politics of UKIP. The music video sees PATAKA BOYS walk into heritage buildings, roam around in rickshaws and sip on juices from street vendors in a richly intricate visual offering. While Kartik samples dialogues from movies like Om Puri’s outburst as George Khan from the 1999 film East is East, the video – shot in Amritsar to showcase the ethos of India and its people – ends with an archival interview of Bappi Lahiri, followed by the words, “Thugs from Amritsar,” in what is likely a hint about the trio’s project.
PATAKA BOYS explain in a press release about how PAV4N and Sonnyjim came together. “What started off as healthy competition between two seasoned vets and friends – known for a penchant of habitual line stepping – slowly became an exploration of heritage, culture, and further fusion of the diasporic experience and hip-hop,” the release says.
“Bappi Lahiri” is likely the first of a few more releases coming up in the next few months from PATAKA BOYS. Azadi Records’ co-founder Mo Joshi says in a statement about signing the project, “Azadi Records has always been committed to amplifying diverse voices. ‘Bappi Lahiri’ by the PATAKA BOYS is a perfect example of how music can bridge cultural gaps and create something truly special. The debut of PATAKA BOYS on the label marks a new chapter in our mission to bring forward-thinking hip-hop to the forefront. ‘Bappi Lahiri’ is a dynamic introduction to the newly formed group’s innovative sound.”
Watch the video for “Bappi Lahiri” below. Stream the song here.
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