PAV4N, Sonnyjim & Kartik Sudhera Come Together As PATAKA BOYS On 'Thugs From Amritsar' Ft. Seedhe Maut, Heems & More

Ex-Foreign Beggars frontman PAV4N, London-based Sonnyjim and Ludhiana producer Kartik Sudhera have come together to create the trio PATAKA BOYS on their debut album 'Thugs From Amritsar', which they have released via Azadi Records.

With the two key rappers having spent a major part of their lives as part of the Indian diaspora in the UK, the topic of roots and characteristically Indian elements find frequent reference and limelight on the 14-track release. That very quality distinguishes 'Thugs From Amritsar' from most of the Indian hip-hop canon alongside the West Coast beat scene-inspired production style of fledgeling producer Kartik Sudhera.

The loose feel of the beats allows the album to host the penmanship of Sonnyjim and PAV4N, as well as of the many collaborators like Seedhe Maut, Heems and M.O.N.G.O., in rhythms and flows not frequently found in their discography. As Kartik ties a tapestry of samples from Bollywood soundtracks and even classic soul records, the raps too follow a similarly disjointed and meandering approach as they pull together loosely connected references.

In contrast, the more focused lyricism of the nearly autobiographical and rich with local references celebrations of their Punjabi heritage: 'Punjabi Munde feat. Sikander Kahlon' and 'Megaloblast', emerge as the best run within the album.

Racism too is a central theme on the album, especially evident in the track 'Bud Bud Ding Ding,' named after a derogatory mockery of South Asian speech. Samples of racist remarks from common people and crown representatives alike bookend the album with the tracks: 'Black Sabbath,' a tribute to the most famous musical export from Sonnyjim's hometown of Birmingham, and 'Glassy Junction,' named after a defunct venue once owned by Sonnyjim's uncle.

Listen to 'Thugs from Amritsar' below and follow PATAKA BOYS or PAV4N, Sonnyjim and Kartik for more.

Image by Megan Katti