Archive for the ‘North America’ Category
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5
Jun
2012
Bhangra Hot Clicks
A look across the interwebz for happenings in Bhangra outside the realm of Bhangraw.
The line “Camilla di Sas di Jubilee Ji” will make a lot of sense once you watch the video. [YouTube]
Garry Sandhu is quitting music. [Simply Bhangra]
DJ Sanj and Jay Status take over the number one spot in the Download Charts. [BBC Asian Network]
This week’s BreakThru Radio show with DJ Rekha. [BreakThru Radio]
28
May
2012
Jay Status & DJ Sanj “Katal Kare”
After the success of Chugliyan, DJ Sanj and Jay Status have put on offer this dance floor anthem. You know DJ Sanj has the uncanny ability to make a track that sounds like another one of his hits, but is switched up just the right amount to make you say “yeah, I’m feeling this”.
Also, it’s finally good to see Jay Status get a legit chance of showcasing his talent.
24
May
2012
Free Concert: Desifest in Toronto May 26, 2012
The first stop of this years desiFEST tour kicks off this Saturday, May 26 at Dundas Square, Toronto.
With a 12 hour free concert lined up, I’m sure there will be enough entertainment to satisfy all tastes.
Notable appearances this year will be made by:
The Stranger Family (Mumzy, Junai Kaden, Tasha Tah, Ramee, and Char Avell)
Parichay
Roach Killa
Deep Jandu
A-Slam
Blitzkrieg
The weather is supposed to be incredible this weekend, so catch some rays and some live tunes.
For more info, visit desifest.ca
23
May
2012
R.I.P. Kuldeep (Kuly) Ral (1976 – 2012)
News came last night that Kuly (one third of the trio of brothers from RDB) had passed away, an official press release was posted on RDB’s website a few hours ago.
———-
Years ago, a father with three sons introduced them to the world of music. It wasn’t any kind of music however, it was the music of their religion.
Fast forward to the age of 14, when most kids start realising what music they’re really into, and form a bond with, which in turn provokes the trio of brothers to start remixing some of those tunes. They get good at it, and start live mixing and buy themselves a couple of decks and CD mixers.
Fast forward to the year 2000, and that early introduction to music helped those Bradford boys spur a worldwide phenomenon.
———-
Kuly’s first foray into the UK Bhangra scene was with Surinder Rattan. With the release of Tappe, a new sound was created, and RDB were one of a very few who knew how to mix it just right.
Tappe
With the release of Putt Sardara De, the trio burst onto the scene like no other at the time. They generated a lot of buzz and excitement, which helped the group quickly become famous around the UK, and amongst those people around the world with an internet connection and a know-how of where to download their songs.
Put Sardara De
More album releases and compilations ensued, and their star became brighter. More and more people that listened to UK Bhangra craved their albums. Just look at these numbers:
- Over 100,000 CDs from their debut album sold worldwide
- 50,000 CDs of their second album sold in Pakistan alone
- Their third album sold out in the UK after 2 weeks
Sah Rukh Da
Balle Balle
Along with those staggering numbers at that time, they helped launch many careers. If it weren’t for RDB, we would never have known Metz and Trix, DJ H, Indy Sagu, Illegal Demo, Mehsopuria, E=MC or Pal D.
Kuly, was a focused individual. I read an interview with him from 2004, where he said that they had aspirations to break into Bollywood.
Three years later, they did just that by producing Rafta Rafta for the movie Namaste London, and that was just the tip of the iceberg, as during the following year, they linked up with Snoop Dogg to produce Singh is Kinng.
The move to Bollywood worked, as they had millions of new fans who were now following them, and seeing them on tour, and I can say that most of them didn’t know about the humble beginnings and the hustle they put in to reach there. (My sister can attest to that. She doesn’t know Sah Rukh Da, but she sure knows about Singh is Kinng)
Singh is Kinng
Sadi Gali
(RDBs original Sadi Gali was released a long time ago, but it was the re-release of it for the movie Tanu Weds Manu, that made it even more popular.)
With all this ambition and focus, people will tell you that Kuly still remained as humble as ever. In another interview I read, the interviewer asked what the high points and low points were from touring across the four corners of the globe. Kuly replied: “Low points …hmm… are you crazy? We livin it mate! The good life, there are no low points!”. I’m sure they had some not so stellar gigs, but that never stopped Kuly from being an optimist and the jovial self he always was.
Seeti
Jawani
(Not too many people know that Kuly and RDB had a hand in the production of these two gigantic songs)
While I didn’t like the direction they started taking with their move to Bollywood, and the fact that they started to sing all of their own songs. I will always appreciate what they did for the scene in their early days. I remember paying what seems like an enormous amount of ?10 for their Urban Flavas CD back in 2002, while I was in the UK that Summer. It will go down as one of my most favourite and complete albums ever.
While I know this will not be the end of RDB, it will be inspirational (and emotional) to see the two brothers continue to strive and be the type of group Kuly had helped to shape.
———-
An enormous outpouring of dedications and support has been shown for Kuly. Inder of Twin Beats said it best “You know the guy was BIG when pretty much the whole industry tweets their messages of condolence.”
Here are some notable tweets:
My heart goes out to kully and the whole rdb family.Great loss to the friends and family that knew him.
— DJ SANJ (official) (@DJSANJ1) May 23, 2012
Just got news about Kully from @RDB omg my jaw dropped! Very sorry to hear this news, my condolences to the family! R.I.P
— Bilz Music (@BilzMusic) May 23, 2012
Don’t know if it’s confirmed or not, but RIP Kully RDB, a true pioneer of Urban Bhangra.
— TwinBeatsUK (@TwinBeatsUK) May 23, 2012
my brother kully rdb has passed away.. god bless his family…i will neva forget hin.. hes was and is my ppl..
— Dj Surinder Rattan (@SurinderRattan) May 23, 2012
Sad sad news about kully @rdbtv … Rest in Peace bro. Sending thoughts and condolences to all RDB family, friends and global fans.
— Ameet Chana (@AmeetChana) May 23, 2012
One Luv to the family & friends of RDB’s Kuly… our thoughts are with you during this time of loss.
— Humble The Poet (@humblethepoet) May 23, 2012
RIP Kuly, life is way too short. Very saddened by the news.
— Bikram Singh (@BikramSingh) May 23, 2012
Kully from @rdbtv passed away! I’m numb & mourning a brother Ive known & interviewd many times over 10 years! Love to his brothers & family
— Bobby Friction (@bobbyfriction) May 23, 2012
sad news 4 da music kuly RDB left us.malak ohnu apne charna wich niwas bakshey. Family nu bhana manan da bal bakshey.R.I.P bro u b missd.
— Jazzy B (@jazzyb) May 23, 2012
Rest in peace Kuly we gonna miss you bro..!!:( our thoughts and prayers are with you and the family..!!
— Metz N Trix (@metzntrix) May 23, 2012
Kuly came to my house and met my family. A true gentleman, an artist, entrepeneur and a devoted family man. REST IN PEACE KULY RDB
— Nihal A (@TherealNihal) May 23, 2012
Just found out some v sad news that Kuly from @rdb passed away. I did some shows with u boys, I’m so sorry.my love n thoughts go to u n fam.
— Jay Sean (@jaysean) May 23, 2012
Rest in peace kully singh of @rdb
— IMRAN KHAN (@Imrankhanworld) May 23, 2012
Music aside, Kully @RDB was a genuine guy. Always positive & had something interesting to say. Thoughts & Prayers to the family. Waheguru
— Stin (@realdjstin) May 23, 2012
RIP Kuly @rdb nice guy, wicked sense of humour always humble and genuine when we would meet. Rest in peace bro. Thoughts with the family
— Tarli Digital (@TarliDigital) May 23, 2012
Sad to hear about a brother Kully (RDB). Great person, amazing at everything he done. Was there from the starting of my career. Rip brother
— DJH Music (@djhmusic) May 23, 2012
Sadden to hear about our brother kully @RDB . He was such a great person having such talent and very humble#RIPkulyRDB
— Sukshinder Shinda(@SukshnderShinda) May 23, 2012
Just read all the posts on FB about Kuly from @RDB passing away! Thoughts and prayers going out to the #RDB family! RIP Kuly
— Kulraj Burmy (@Raj_Tigerstyle) May 23, 2012
Just heard about Kully RDB. Why do the good guys always go too soon. Gonna miss him. One of the nicest guys I’ve met. RIP bro.
— Surrinder Parwana (@ShinDCS) May 23, 2012
Just woke up and heard about Kully RDB passing away. Totally shocked. May waheguru rest your soul brother.
— Aman Hayer (@AmanHayer1) May 23, 2012
Just heard about Kuly from RDB’s sudden demise. Still reeling from the shock of the news. Such a talented guy, was beh… say.ly/yTh3nml
— Akshay Kumar (@akshaykumar) May 23, 2012
Jus touched down in London & arrive 2 shocking news off our older bro Kully @RDB leaving us all.. RIP brother … m.tmi.me/qqEXq
— H DHAMI (@HDHAMIMUSIC) May 23, 2012
Who am I going to make Suka Paneer for now? Who am I going to argue and fight with one minute and then be fine… fb.me/236WJMqmG
— Nindy Kaur (@NindyKaur) May 23, 2012
Rest in Peace Kuldeep Ral.
Gone too soon, but you or the music you helped create, will not be forgotten.
22
May
2012
Bhangra Hot Clicks
A look across the interwebz for happenings in Bhangra outside the realm of Bhangraw.
Honey Singh is getting PAID! [Hindustan Times]
Enjoy this New School Bhangra Mix by Mentor Beats [mixcloud]
This week’s Bhangra and Beyond Radio Show presented by DJ Rekha [BreakThru Radio]
Malkit Singh fittingly gets a Star [Ikonz]
A recap of this week’s Asian Download Chart [BBC Asian Network]
2
May
2012
Bhangra Hot Clicks
Happenings in Bhangra outside the realm of Bhangraw.
Malkit Singh gets his classic lyrics translated [YouTube]
Raginder Momi, aka “Violinder” covers The Weeknd’s “Gone” [Oh Tina Oh Tina!]
This weeks Bhangra and Beyond Radio Show, hosted by DJ Rekha [BreakThru Radio]
1
May
2012
Free Download: Somebody That I Used To Know (House Remix)
J-Statik dropped this House Remix of Gotye’s current number one song. I think J-Statik did an incredible job mixing the two vibes, and yet still maintaining some of the original songs essence.
If you like what you hear, download the track below.
Download Link 1 – Download
Direct Download Link 2 – Download
Direct Download Instructions
Internet Explorer Users – Right click and ‘Save Target As’
Mozilla Firefox Users – Right click and ‘Save Link As’
1
May
2012
Rav-E “Haan Karde”
After Deejaying and playing Dhol across North America as a member of the Non Stop Bhangra Collective, it’s only natural for Rav-E to slide on over as Producer.
Signed to Tigerstyle’s “Soldier Sounds Recordings” label, Rav-E made a valiant effort in his debut, although the vocalist kind of misses the mark for me. However, I hope this is a start of good things to come from him.
17
Apr
2012
Bhangra Hot Clicks
Happenings in Bhangra outside the realm of Bhangraw.
African Boys Got Talent [YouTube]
DJ Nihal breaks down his Top 10 “Eastern Bass” tracks [Bowers & Wilkins]
Bhangra Empire recall how they ended up on Panjabi MC’s Bari Barsi video [Bhangra Empire]
This week’s Bhangra and Beyond Radio Show, hosted by DJ Rekha [BreakThru Radio]
15
Apr
2012
Panjabi MC “Bari Barsi” (12 Months)
Panjabi MC as you may know, dropped his latest summer anthem “Bari Barsi” this past Thursday, and it rocketed straight into the top 100 UK iTunes charts (so far settling at no. 89)
Lately, whenever PMC releases a song, I can’t help but think that the music is just different enough to make people buy the song, but at the same time, it sounds almost like his previous few songs. Case in point, I played it in my car this past Friday for one of my boys as we were going for lunch, and as soon as the music started, he mockingly started singing the lyrics to “Moorni”.
My spidey senses also started tingling a few weeks ago, when a certain Producer from the UK tweeted something to the sentiment of a Producer he looks up to has the same sound in most of his songs, and that he should start to switch up his sound.
With all of this in mind, I still think Panjabi MC is one of the best Producers out there (obviously). His songs still have a certain polish to them that other Producers still aren’t capable of matching. I can’t help but liken P’s skills to the rest of the people in the Bhangra game as a Toyota compared to a Lexus. Yes, the Toyota is well made, all the fundamentals are there, but a Lexus is just an overly nicer polished vehicle.
Moving on to the video, I’m glad someone finally used Bhangra Empire in a video. They have been working extremely hard on their performances over the years, and I’m glad that they are getting – even more – worldwide exposure.
Also, the fact that Ashok Gill made it on to the video is also a fantastic showcase.
Support the track, and get your copy from iTunes.
