PATAKA BOYS blend hip hop & South Asian heritage in ‘Thugs from Amritsar’

PATAKA BOYS have dropped their debut album, ‘Thugs from Amritsar’, on July 12 via Azadi Records.

This record is a sonic journey through the intersection of hip-hop and the Indian diasporic experience, curated by UK rap veterans PAV4N and Sonnyjim, and entirely produced by the prodigious Kartik.

The album's creation took the duo across India, recording in the opulent Taj Mahal suite, the lush Goan jungle, and sacred Amritsar temples.

‘Thugs from Amritsar’ is a sonic kaleidoscope, weaving iconic soul samples, metaphor-rich bilingual raps, and soundbites from classic Punjabi cinema and folk records. It's an album that speaks to the lived experiences of Indians worldwide, name-dropping locations, entertainment icons, and colloquial phrases that resonate deeply with anyone from the culture.

The album opens with 'Black Sabbath', a nod to the iconic metal band from Sonnyjim’s Birmingham roots. It features dark, gritty beats with a luxurious feel, blending heavy metal elements like dense drums and crashing cymbals with lush melodies. PAV4N and Sonnyjim deliver vivid lyrics and sharp wordplay, making the track one that hooks listeners from the first note right to its spoken word ending.

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As the album progresses, ‘Bappi Lahiri’ pays homage to the Bollywood icon, featuring a vibrant verse from British-Bengali rapper M.O.N.G.O., ‘Guddi Check’ turns up the heat with its tense, moody instrumental, featuring fiery verses from Indian rap duo Seedhe Maut, and ‘Punjabi Munde’ marks Sonnyjim's first foray into rapping in Punjabi, inspired by his visit to India after three decades.

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The album closer, ‘Glassy Junction’, is a moving tribute to a legendary Southall venue owned by Sonnyjim's uncle. It starts with a chilling speech excerpt, reflecting the struggles of Indian families in post-war UK. Kartik's nostalgic production features a melancholic guitar melody, accompanied by introspective verses from Sonnyjim and PAV4N. This track’s emotional depth and poignant storytelling make it a powerful finish, leaving listeners with a lasting impression of the cultural and personal journeys in ‘Thugs from Amritsar’.

Listen to the entirety of PATAKA BOYS ‘Thugs from Amritsar’ here.

Amira Waworuntu is Mixmag Asia’s Managing Editor, follow her on Instagram.

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