Prabh Deep on ‘KING Returns’ EP and Collaboration with John Jacobs

In a move that is sure to create tidal waves in the hip-hop community, Prabh Deep recently dropped his latest EP KING Returns with the music video for the track “Ethe Rakh” in collaboration with John Jacobs eyewear. The EP marks the Punjabi rapper’s first project since his year-long hiatus.

The project is equal parts symbolic and assertive, positioning Prabh Deep at the forefront of the industry with thematic visuals of legacy, longevity, and self-identity. This 6-track EP harkens back to his 2019 project KING, with the artist serving as producer, composer, lyricist, and arranger.

In conversation with Rolling Stone India, the rapper shared the following thoughts on his newest EP:

How does KING Returns serve to write the new chapter of your discography?

Prabh Deep: “KING Returns is part of a bigger picture, a small part of a big picture that I have been trying to create over the last 6 years and hopefully continue to create more. The aim is to complete this picture one day.”

You recently shifted base to Goa. How do you balance paying homage to your Tilak Nagar roots while also pushing your music in new, fresh directions?

Prabh Deep: “I keep on going back to Tilak Nagar and meet the kids there who have become fans now. Also, just inspiring them, inspiring my cousins, and inspiring people I grew up with to do more. That’s how I pay back and keep the balance while living in Goa and not forgetting where I come from.”

Where do you find inspiration lately? What are the places you went to that helped make this project come to life?

Prabh Deep: “I find inspiration from within, for now. It’s mostly me trying to upcycle some furniture, clean my room, or just beautify my environment for a while. That’s what inspires me now. I was on tour and also went to Ladakh, Kashmir, and gathered some of the information that’s in the album. Basically these are the experiences I had in the cities and around the people I have and travelled and cleared my thoughts. I wrote what I really wanted to write with a clear mind. But yes, Ladakh and Kashmir helped a lot.”

The music video for “Ethe Rakh” invokes visuals of royalty, power and longevity. What do these ideas mean to you?

Prabh Deep: “Royalty, power and longevity are what I live for. Yehi chahiye mujhe (this is what I want), this is my manifestation for the future. These are my thoughts.”

How do you sustain self-confidence?

Prabh Deep: Hamesha nahi rehta hai (it doesn’t always sustain) self-confidence. Kabhi kabhi self-doubt bhi ho jata hai aur I think aisa hi rehna chahiye (sometimes you end up doubting yourself and that’s ok) because there’s a lot of ego that comes into play. I use my ego sometimes when I’m feeling self-doubt so it’s good to have that. Anyhow, I keep on shifting between using my ego and having self-confidence.”

John Jacobs collaborating with Prabh Deep is a giant leap for artists using their platform to create new paths in the world of fashion. Today, inclusivity is recognised and encouraged, and brands that embrace the needs of their diverse clientele are doing their part in keeping up with the times.

“The Turban Edit collection is legit.” Prabh Deep says, reasoning that the innovative design reflects the same spirit of bold individuality that he celebrates in his music. According to the rapper, there was a need for sunglasses that were turban-friendly. In the music video for his song “Ethe Rakh,” Deep wears sunglasses from the new collection, and true to his personal style, they’re clean, universally flattering, and a breath of fresh air.

“This song is about being true to oneself and wearing your heart on your sleeve, no matter how many people try to throw you off. I hope it inspires people to find their strength and shine from within.” On being asked about his experience with the esteemed eyewear brand, he says that their dedication to quality and their overlapping commitment to being bold and individualistic sets them apart.

Launched in 2015, John Jacobs focused on a customer base that values transparency, ease of lifestyle, and curation. They make it a point to engage in impactful collaborations that resonate with their customers. Like their Turban Edit, they strive to create eyewear that has a cultural impact.

“The team focuses on developing frame design that considers different face shapes and skin tones, complementing the unique features of the wearer,” adds Apeksha Gupta, CEO and Creative Director of the brand. “Inclusivity is not just a design principle for us, it’s a mindset that permeates every aspect of our brand, from product development to marketing campaigns.”