Episode 386: DJ SHARAD "The Evolution of South Asian Sound in Hip-Hop"

Episode 386: DJ SHARAD "The Evolution of South Asian Sound in Hip-Hop"

In this episode of the ROAD Podcast, we’re joined by the founder of @DJUSAEvents, a memeber of the world famous @HeavyHitter's Crew, Queen's very own @DJSharad! The episode kicks off with Sharad reflecting on growing up in Queens and Long Island, and discovering Hip Hop (01:12). He details his entry into DJing and bootlegging Kid Capri mixtapes (03:55) The crew examines 1990s NYC club dynamics, venue segregation, and how early Bhangra parties often ended in lost bookings (22:50). Sharad explores building his fanbase, @PanjabiMC, and South Asian influence in Hip Hop, before breaking down the term "Desi," 2000s @Timbaland/@JustBlaze production, and representation vs. appropriation (33:36). The crew discusses Bollywood's global reach, @NAS and @RocNation investing in India, and key leaders like @DiljitDosanjh and @VivianAkaDivine (42:20). Sharad then covers making money handing out mixtapes at party doors (43:01), founding DJ USA, focusing on audiences over peer approval (52:05), and partnering with @FatFingaz (01:01:20). Finally, he touches on joining @TheHeavyHitters, earning co-signs from legends like @BoogieBlind (1:20:15), working with Clark Kent and top brands (1:20:01), and scaling down post-COVID (01:33:01).

This episode is sponsored by @SoundCollectiveNYC, an industry-leading music school, musical space and community located in downtown Manhattan for aspiring DJ’s, Producers, Musicians and more. Take private Ableton lessons, practice DJ routines, experiment with different audio equipment and reserve studio spaces for just the day, maybe a week or sign up for their monthly membership. Check www.soundcollective.com for more info and try their Online Classes free for a month by entering the code “ROAD”. If you’re in the New York area, visit them at 28 Broadway, New York, NY 10004 and tell them the Road Podcast sent you!!

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