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And that's a rap!

Hip-hop artiste
Last Updated 14 May 2017, 18:33 IST

Bohemia is a pioneer in the hip-hop world. He is nothing like the young conventional rappers and that’s why he is known as the ‘Father of Punjabi rap’.

The American-Punjabi rapper has popularised Punjabi rap music across the globe. After a long gap, Bohemia will be launching his new song ‘Purana Wala’ on MTV Spoken Word. He will give the listeners a taste of some of his old numbers.

The musician talks to Anila Kurian about carving a niche in the music world and how the industry has changed over the years.


What was it like working for your new song ‘Purana Wala’?

The fans have been asking for something new, that’s why we made a version like this. It was a lot of fun working with J Hind. This song proves that old is gold but we have given it a modern twist.


How do you think the hip-hop world has changed over the years?

It’s humbling to see how much it has evolved and there’s something new coming up every time. I have to thank Akshay Kumar for helping bring this genre to the country. There are fans getting
tattoos of their favourite artistes now.


Any other projects one can look forward to?

I’m not making much of music like before but I am giving back what I have done over the years. I’ve started a production house that helps upcoming artistes find their place in the industry.


Was it difficult to introduce hip-hop music in India?

Definitely! I didn’t have any guidance and no one to look up to. I had to find my own way and learn from my own experiences to know what works and doesn’t.


Are you saying that artistes have it much easier now?

Yes, they have social media to promote their work and get instant feedback. I had to put in a lot of work. I had to make my own platform to be heard.


According to you, what’s something that artistes lack today?

To give back what they have learned. Everyone is enjoying the money they are making and are living luxuriously, but it’s important to be humble when you climb higher in life.


A word of advice you have for youngsters?

Read more. Improve your vocabulary so that you will be able to use them as lyrics. Watch others and compare your work with theirs. Improve your work and learn from your mistakes.


What do you enjoy apart from music?

I love watching documentaries, reading books and going on bicycle rides. I recently found an interest in learning about fashion too.


And how do you spend your free time?

Oh, what’s that? I remember having those many years ago!


Your future goals...

I got everything during my 10 years to the industry and now I just want to give it back to upcoming artistes. I am just concentrating on the business of educating others about music.

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(Published 14 May 2017, 14:21 IST)

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