Bombay the Hard Way

Track 3 is mind-bogglingly dope. Plus, A+ on the packaging.

The Karma of Brown Folk

This is without a doubt my favorite book ever. I read it in my South Asian Diaspora class, and it was the first and only book I've ever picked up that actually addressed struggles that I as a South Asian American face on a day-to-day basis. Besides being extremely relevant when it comes to discussing issues surrounding race in the South Asian American community, this book is eye-opening and insightful. Prashad's claims completely resonated with me, and I think it will do the same for you. It is a must read for all South Asians that have ever questioned their role in society.

Daaaang, remember these??

So I was doing some shoe shoppin online while watching the Simpsons when I thought, damn, remember those Apu vans??! These gems were designed by Futura and came out back in July '07. Supposedly they were limited to an all too scant 100 pairs, and sold for $100 each. I still don't know how I could have possibly slept through the release, but I couldn't snag a pair. Even though they're hella old now, and probably didn't make em in my size anyways, I would still cop a pair for display. So if anybody knows somebody that knows somebody, tell them that this somebody is on the hunt..

Shitala

Ok, so this post is ridiculously long over-due, but I have to hook up a spot on the blog that sheds light on the pure genius sounds of...Shitala. Created by SF b-boy Arjuna Sayed (AKA DJ Smokestack), this compilation of "Indian Disco Funk Thrillers" is a thumping blend of the best of the best when it comes to Bollywood funk and break beats. DJ Smokestack raked through hundreds of rare (and sometimes dookey-covered) vinyl records on his trip to India a while back, choosing only the dopest stuff for Shitala...and man am I glad he did. This cd never gets old and needless to say I almost passed out at the record store when I saw the sick ass cover. Trust me guys, buy it NOW thank me LATER!! Check out the full story at http://waxpoetics.com/content/?article=India.

INDIA KOGS, LGF

I never knew about this SF writer but my heart skipped a beat when I discovered this picture on Flickr. INDIA: if you ever read this blog, hit me up. PS: Stay UP...and I wonder if you're really Indian??

'I'm British But....'

I was fortunate enough to have watched this documentary called "I'm British But...." by Gurinder Chadha in my South Asian Diaspora class which consequently changed my life. It is about the UK Bhangra scene popular amongst British Asian youth in the 1980's and 90's. The film sheds light on the struggle that South Asians endure as a result of living in a country that colonized their people and shows how Bhangra, hip-hop, and other forms of music were mixed and used as tools of expression. In an effort to discover and develop their cultural identities, these British Asian youth revolutionized the Bhangra scene in urban areas across the globe and continue to be respected as one of the very first South Asian artists to put into fruition a movement that continues to thrive today. This is just a short clip of it, but I highly recommend checking it out anyway.

Graphicswallah India

Graphicswallah India is a book about the hardworking, amazingly talented, and sometimes forgotten artists behind hand-painted graphics in India. These guys work with very little resources to produce all sorts of cool stuff from traffic signage to larger-than-life Bollywood posters. If you're into graphic design, or want to check out some art that's just downright fantastic, I recommend picken up a copy.