[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]
Sikh hip-hop artists Baagi and Hoodini will explore facets of the immigrant and minority experience in multicultural America, in an evening of music, poetry and collective discussion. The evening will touch on topics such as race relations and social inequalities in today’s complex society. Free and open to the public. Refreshments will be served.

Baagi
“Babbey nu Kanna, Gaggay nu Bihari.” In spelling the word “Baagi,” the celebration of a rebellious Punjabi heritage is reborn. Baagi is one of the few artists to rap exclusively in Panjabi. Born and raised in Bombay until moving to Los Angeles in his early teens, Baagi brings a unique perspective both to Hip-Hop and to the evolution of Punjabi culture. A childhood passion for composing Punjabi poetry coupled with his love for Hip-Hop eventually turned an after-school hobby into a career of expression. This artist uses Farsi, Hindi and Panjabi vocabulary to add a new voice to the musical conglomerate. Baagi uses his platform to paint pictures of social issues, easygoing personal anecdotes, and day-to-day experiences, as seen through the lens of a young man influenced by the intersections of many worlds. Professor Navdeep Dhillon writes, “I am looking to forward to seeing what else he comes up with and remain optimistic that he will be the breath of fresh air for Punjabi music, both in Punjab and overseas…” Baagi has performed extensively throughout North America and has collaborated with renowned Punjabi artists such as Nishawn Bhullar and Tigerstyle. His debut album, titled Baagi Di Vaari, is available for free download at http://beabaagi.bandcamp.com. You can follow him on Twitter @BaagiMedia.

Hoodini
Hoodini, also known as Hoodeez the Hindoo, has been hailed as “one of the most lyrical and charismatic emcees of South Asian descent” by critics. The poet and Hip-Hop artist combines witty wordplay, lyrical agility, and keen storytelling to present a novel narrative to his audience with natural ease. Born and raised in Los Angeles to immigrant parents from Punjab, Hoodini shares the experiences of a young man trying to find his way in an increasingly complex society. He is both participator and observer, analytical of the world around him while reporting on it with humor and abandon. In listening to a Hoodini record, you may easily find yourself migrating from a commentary on issues of race relations to a jaunty reminiscence of a past love interest, often within the same verse. Hoodeez has released four studio albums to date and has shared the stage with notable Hip-Hop artists including Blu, Pacific Division, Skeme, and RZA of the Wu-Tang Clan. You can keep up with his latest works at http://HoodiniDidIt.com and on Twitter @HoodiniDidIt.

Directions & Parking
Click here for directions, parking info, and maps.

Join the Conversation:

Click here for a recap of the event from the Division of Social Sciences.
 
Facebook
#ihrevents

EVENT PHOTOS:

If you have trouble viewing above images, you may view this album directly on Flickr.

EVENT VIDEO:

Sikh Rappers from IHR on Vimeo.