Archive for November, 2010

17 years after Panjabi MC released his first album Souled Out, we see the 10th album release from the legendary Bhangra producer. I think it’s safe to say that without all of his releases, and I mean every single one, our industry wouldn’t be where it is today. I don’t mean to imply that our industry is up there in bright lights and enjoyed by the masses throughout the world but more to state that Panjabi MC has consistently year on year provided us with a collection of music that the Bhangra industry should be proud of. Having mentioned Souled Out, albums like 100% Proof, Grass Roots, Legalised and Desi having been nothing short of being one of the best albums within its time and always contained one if not more dancefloor anthem.

It’s been two years since Indian Timing was released and the anticipation for his newest release has been enormous. Since PMC dropped exclusives from the album at the BBC Asian Network London Mela on the 8th August, fans like me have been itiching to hear bangers like Moorni, Nach Di Di and Jodi. With the album being an eighteen, YES EIGHTEEN! track release, sceptics will say that some of the tracks aren’t up to the normal standard but I think the point that needs to be made is that not everyone of the eighteen tracks will suit each and every person. I think it’s also good to point out that this album is clearly progressive with PMC’s taste. Almost four tracks have been on a dance tip and he recently stated in a BBC interview that his next release will be heavily hip-hop with his own Panjabi MC touch which will cater for the mainstream. I personally think the album has some serious great tracks on it and the ones I like have been uploaded for you to listen above. Again as always, if you like the tracks then download from iTunes.

I think I can confidently say that Panjabi MC’s greatest album was Legalised. So ahead of its time and within it held the gem that would take the world by storm in ‘Mundian To Bach Ke’. At the time, although MTBK was an anthem, tracks like Mirza Part 2 and Ghalla Ghurian were the real diamonds. Have a listen below to the tracks I thought were the greatest from a pick of Panjabi MC’s earlier discography:

Souled Out (released in 1993)
Panjabi MC feat Meshi Eshara - Nach Ke
(The same production was to be used with the famous Kuldeep Manak vocals Ghariya Milan Deh on 100% Proof but I still like Meshi’s version)
Panjabi MC - Baah Phar Ni

100% Proof (released in 1995)
Panjabi MC feat Kuldeep Manak - Sarwan Phuter
Panjabi MC feat Mohd Saddiq - Jogi
(Unbelievable how this jam became a dancefloor hit after its official single release in 2003)

Grass Roots (released in 1996)
Panjabi MC feat Surinder Sonia - Raat Da Na Bole
(One of if not THE best track ever to be made by Panjabi MC, utilising Summertime to create an awesome smooth jam)
Panjabi MC feat Labh Janjua, Ranjit Mani, Surinder Shinda + Kuldeep Manak - Jind Mahi

Legalised (released in 2001)
Panjabi MC feat Lal Chand Yamla Jatt - Neuke Phadin Jawana
Panjabi MC feat Surinder Shinda - Mirza Part 2
(The second part to a series of great Mirza productions, although the first versions were top, this one was superb)
Panjabi MC feat Hema Sharma - Ghalla Ghurian

Listen in to A Touch of Synergy, a smooth blend of the latest Panjabi hits with dashes of the hottest urban jams thrown in for your listening pleasure.

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I’m on that different type of high, heroin, Put on my cape and hit the sky, heroine!

Nowhere near as crazy as Monster but its pretty damn close. Supposedly a leak from Nicki’s forthcoming album Pink Friday.

Can’t really explain in words how much I have missed new sounds from Adele though since hearing her new track, I can’t stop hitting the ‘Replay’ button. As this has been labelled as Studio Footage, I assume that a video will be released but in the meantime, enjoy the super vocalist that is Adele.

A tribute from one Wu Tang legend to another, Raekwon the Chef releases the visual to another track that was featured on the critically acclaimed Only Built 4 Cuban Linx… Pt. II. Produced by another legend that has left us, J Dilla, Rae takes us back to remember one of the true pioneers within the hip hop game. Check it out above.

You get me? Blood, Bredren, Cuz, Fam, Bredren, Yo, Brudda, Bruv, Bredren, Cool, Safe, Blood, Bredren

Safe to say, one of THE tracks of the year finally gets its very own video.

Rihanna Feat Eminem – Love The Way You Lie (Part 2)
Set to feature on Rihanna’s forthcoming album Loud, Eminem takes the back seat for a new version of the number one hit, Love The Way You Lie. Loud is set to arrive on November the 16th.

Popsy feat Jazzy B - Naag 2
Popsy feat Jelly Manjitpuri - Billo Ni
Popsy feat Nishawn Bhullar - Mundeya De Hostal
Popsy feat Avtar Maniac - Nach Bhabiye Ni
With the massive hype(r) that’s been around the follow up to the dancefloor hit, Naag, i can confidently say that Popsy has produced a decent well rounded album after not releasing a single/album for more than 5 years. It features the likes of the crown prince of Bhangra Jazzy B, established vocalists including Jelly Manjitpuri and Sarvjeet Kokewali, and also newcomers to the scene Nishawn Bhullar and Lucky Sidhu (Brit Asia Superstar contestant). What I like about the album is that it also includes of the finest vocalists that have grown up with me throughout the 80′s and 90′s.
The first being Avtar Maniac whose distinctive vocals can never be forgotten aswell as some of his finest albums which included Folk It and Extreme. Hopefully we get to hear more from Mr Maniac and if my facts are correct, Ravi Bal is set to produce his album which should be released in the next year or so. The second vocalists that caught my eye were one of the pioneer bands of 80′s UK Bhangra, Premi. I was lucky enough to see them perform PA at an old school reunion party recently but it does make me smile to see them featuring on new material. Above are a few tracks that stuck out for me so please after a listen, make sure you download the album from iTunes.

Featuring on Stryder’s upcoming album, Third Strike, Tinchy collates some of the finest MC’s that the UK has to offer. What seems to be on everyone’s lips is who brought their game to the track? After a couple of listens I can’t seem to fault Example’s, Devlin’s and Giggs’ flow but what do you reckon?