As Urban Desis, our own experiences with Western and Desi cultures are so widespread. Naturally, we pick up traits, habits, likes and dislikes from the people we associate with in an outside environment. You could’ve grown up in a dominantly Hispanic neighborhood and heard reggaeton and bachata playing outside your window everyday, or you probably hung out with the kids who always messed around with old-school hip-hop on turntable sets. At the end of the day, that environment only defines half of us, the other half is still nurtured by the same Desi lifestyle.
We picked out 5 mixtapes by 5 world-renowned DJs and Companies that each have their own ‘Urban Desi’ personalities. Which Urban Desi are you?
1. The Chill Hip Hop / R&B Guy
DJ Sharad CONNECTED for Pharrell x Adidas
Perfect for the individual who’s livin’ in the 90’s in 2019. This listener still follows some new school vibes, but is truly influenced by the OG’s in Hip Hop and R&B music.DJ Sharad, based in NYC, is a pioneer in the South Asian Music Production scene beginning in the 90’s. His earliest mixtapes helped several artists go platinum and he continues to tour and perform at events worldwide. He is the co-founder of DJ USA Events and co-host on ‘The Butter Chicken Podcast’, which introduces Urban Desis making a positive impact on the South Asian community and beyond.
2. The AfroBeats Bumpa
AJD The UK Mixtape
Best for that person who has a connection with the African tribe. Africa and South Asia are culturally similar in so many ways even past music and dance which is why we tend to connect with them a lot more on a cultural level. In this mix, you’ll hear some bits of UK rap and Drake as well. DJ AJD is known as one of the top DJ’s of choice within the UK Bhangra industry. From DJ’ing events at the age of 15 to touring as an official DJ for several Bhangra superstars, there’s no doubt that he’s won the hearts of many in the UK. He even produced his own singles “Magic” and “Khushiyan” which topped the iTunes World Charts upon release.
3. The Bollywood Lover
Old School Hindi Mix by MVPDJ
For the listener that wishes that Bollywood music wasn’t always about sharaab and ladkis and dance locations were in fields of flowers and not clubs. You probably hang around with people who love Bollywood music just as much as you do, and would break out singing ‘Kuch Kuch Hota Hai’ at any moment. MVPDJs is an award-winning DJ entertainment company consisting of 6 very talented DJs and MCs- each bringing their own unique energy when they hit the stage.The team has won the Weddingwire ‘Couples’ Choice Awards’ consistently in 2017, 2018 and 2019.
4. The Reggaeton Dancer
The Jalebi Shop by DJ Juicy
For the twerkers who can’t dance at family parties because it’s besharam. Turn this up at the next pregame your parents don’t know about and ball out. You’ll hear some heavy Reggaeton beats in this tape! DJ Juicy, based in NYC has been rockin’ the stage since he was 10. He has had about 17 years of DJ’ing experience and is best known for his ability to motivate the crowd with his voice.He is also a part of DJ USA Events and is a co-host on ‘The Butter Chicken Podcast’. His next mix will be releasing ~Summer 2019.
5. The Bhangra Fanatic
Spin City (hosted by Fateh) by Spin Singh
Anything and everything Bhangra mixed with a little sprinkle of Hip Hop and Reggaeton. PLUS IT’S FATEH DOE APPROVED. Spin Singh, based in Canada, has successfully combined Punjabi and Western cultures through his music. He has delivered versatile projects and mixtapes which have gone viral and is well known as Fateh DOE’s tour DJ. He continues to work with industry artists to provide everyone with ‘The Spin Singh Experience’.
This post was written by Urban Desi Dance. Urban Desi Dance is a platform for dancers to find inspiration, trainings and opportunities to collaborate with Urban Desi Artists. Follow them on Instagram @urbandesidance.