Punjabi 5-0

Song: Punjabi 5-0 (feat. The 1Shanti)
Album: Spiritual Bling
Artist: Dum Dum Project

Drop a sick beat, add some fat bass throw it all into the Asian Underground and you get Punjabi 5-0. Catchy melody... The chorus is something anyone can chant along with as is displayed in the slightly risque music video.

I came across this song a few years ago when a friend worked with The 1Shanti and wanted me to see some of his other work. This song fills your mind when you remember it... mine forgets it after a while and the moment of rediscovery is sweet relief - akin to when you get off with just a warning from the 5-0.

Holding On

Song: Holding On
Album: Me Against Myself
Artist: Jay Sean

The first thing that drags your attention to this song is the melodic line of the bansuri. This song, actually this flute piece, was what intrigued me about in 2005, when Jay hadn't made such a huge name for himself across the pond in America. His fame had then been confined to the UK. I must say I enjoy his experimental fusion more than his more recent albums where he's collaborated with Lil Wayne, Taylor Swift, Justin Timberlake, Jay-Z and Beyonce - to name a few. But this song... the fusion that made Jay much adored among the Desi diaspora - flavors the Asian Underground without the too-polished feel of his later works. Rhythm heavy, melody interwoven through the song... these are the best times in an artist's career, but it's not easy holding on.